Equine Bowen Therapy

Bowen can be successfully applied to horses, dogs, cats, birds and indeed any animal. Whilst the movements may be smaller, they nevertheless achieve the same benefits as Bowen does on a human patient. The neuron-pathways, the lymphatic systems, the digestive system, the organs, the tissues and facia in relationship to how Bowen is applied and works, are basically the same. Yes, there are differences in size and shape and function of the muscles, systems and organs, but once again in relation to how the technique is applied and works, those differences are primarily relevant to locating the precise point at which to apply the move itself.

Animals also ingest toxins from the environment just as we do. Their food sources are suffering from the same depleted soils and many are living their entire lives on processed foods supplemented only with synthetic nutrients. Animals are often being stripped of their vitality and longevity. Suffice it to say their bodies need the same support our human bodies do. They need whole food nutrition. In this modern world, far removed from their natural life styles, they need and greatly benefit from what our alternative and complimentary therapies have to offer.

Some Common Equine Ailments Bowen Therapy Can Assist

Atrophy - If a horse has been wearing a saddle for a long time which is too tight on each side of the wither, he will have deep hollows in the Junction Box area where the muscle should be. Atrophy is muscle wastage, and is a common sign of ill fitting tack. A correctly fitting saddle will improve the musculature of even an old horse. One should expect to see results from correctly fitted tack within 3-6 months. Bowen Therapy assists horses with atrophy issues by encouraging renewed activity in this underutilised area.

Stride Patterns- Do you often notice that your horse is not moving freely? Perhaps the horse is not tracking up - is falling short in his/her stride or is the horse one-sided - finding it more difficult to perform certain tasks on one side than the other?  These are some of the signs that your horse may be experiencing muscle or tendon tightness which is restricting their free movement and not allowing them to produce the results that both horse and rider are trying to achieve. Bowen Therapy addresses these issues by stimulating tightened muscles and tendons and allowing the body to 'realign' itself.

The Rider!- In order to ride effectively a certain degree of posture control is required both on and off the horse. If the horse has a well balanced gait, the onus is on the rider to also provide a well balanced seat so that both parties enjoy the experience. The riders body is like a balancing pole to a horse. A loose, flaccid body gives little support, whilst a tight and tense body restricts movement.

When a rider is supple in the pelvic girdle area and back, they are able to go with the movement of the horse on an incline, rather than swaying from side to side. Likewise in a canter, horse and rider can move smoothly together, unlike stiff backed riders who move back and forth in an exaggerated rocking movement. Bowen for riders -

• Reduces the likelihood of injury to muscles, tendons and ligaments and joint capsules
• Enhances personal performance
• Improves position in the saddle through posture awareness
• Reduces Tension and increases confidence
• After all...don't you owe it to your horse to be the best rider you can be......

Feel free to bookyourself a Bowen Therapy Session