Like lunging, long-reining is a great way to exercise your horse for any reason, not just if you're bringing your horse back into work. The main benefit of long-reining over lunging is that you can work your horse in a straight line, plus you can long-rein in an arena or around tracks or fields.

Whether your horse is experienced or just starting his ridden career, long-reining can improve his way of going and benefit his training.

It can be really beneficial for you and your horse. One of the main reasons people avoid it is a lack of confidence or not knowing how to get started. But that’s where I can help, you’ll be working your horse happily from the ground in no time.

ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW
One of the benefits of long-reining is that you can teach your horse to do things while still being there to hold his hand. Straightness, or a lack of it, is a fundamental aspect of every horse’s training and often very hard to achieve. However, by teaching your horse to be straight without you on board to correct him, you can make your job as a rider a lot easier.

The capacity to work your horse in a straight line is one of the greatest benefits of long-reining over lungeing.

WEIGHTLESS EXERCISE
Long-reining offers a form of riderless exercise for your horse, which can be useful when bringing him back into work or when working a young horse who hasn’t been introduced to a rider’s weight. Any horse in regular work will really benefit from at least one session per week without a rider on their back, allowing the handler to work on specific areas without complicating things by having a person on board. You can work on the same exercises and use the same techniques when long-reining as you would when riding.
I’m offering long Lining as a service. Offering my experience and rehab knowledge to improve your horses way of going . The winter nights are upon us, this is the solution to maintenance of fitness and improving your horses way of going. DM me for more info! 



Sparky

I’ve been seeing Sparky for longer than a year, but the last year has been the most progress!

12 months ago on the left and the right 2023 in the photos.

Sparky is a loveable rouge, over the last year he has developed more muscle over his back and quarters but the biggest change is his chest. He has not only expanded and opened his chest but his pecks are even in shape and size.

All this so he can be comfortable and able to chase them cows 


Equine Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiology taping on human athletes is all the rage: widely used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and personal trainers, we see it on Olympians, runners, basketball players-on amateurs and professionals.

The idea behind taping is that it provides incredible support and stabilisation of ligaments and tendons while simultaneously stretching and flexing like a 'second skin' to allow full range of motion.

It can also activate or relax muscles, depending on its application.

Our equine athletes can benefit hugely from taping:
Muscle * Lymphatic * Scar * Fascia * Space * Hematoma * Stabilization * Tendon




Passive stretching can improve flexibility, range of motion, and mobility. It helps improve performance while lowering risk of injury. Passive stretching may also stimulate muscle growth and prevent muscle weakness.

Passive stretching is a kind of static stretching during when the horse stay in one position and relaxes muscles whilst an external force is applied to a limb.

Whether that force is your horses’ bodyweight, gravity, a stretch machine, or the force of a partner assisting with the stretch, the key point is that passive stretches rely on some kind of outside force.



Read these rules by Bill Steinkraus let them sink in, then read again

“No. 1. Get your tack and equipment just right, and then forget about it and concentrate on the horse.
No. 2. The horse is bigger than you are, and it should carry you. The quieter you sit, the easier this will be for the horse.
No. 3. The horse's engine is in the rear. Thus, you must ride your horse from behind, and not focus on the forehand simply because you can see it.
No. 4. It takes two to pull. Don't pull. Push.
No. 5. For your horse to be keen but submissive, it must be calm, straight and forward.
No. 6. When the horse isn`t straight, the hollow side is the difficult side.
No. 7. The inside rein controls the bending, the outside rein controls the speed.
No. 8. Never rest your hands on the horse's mouth. You make a contract with it: "You carry your head and I'll carry my hands."
No. 10. Once you've used an aid, put it back.
No. 11. You can exaggerate every virtue into a defect.
No. 12. Always carry a stick, then you will seldom need it.
No. 13. If you`ve given something a fair trial, and it still doesn't work, try something else—even the opposite.
No. 14. Know when to start and when to stop. Know when to resist and when to reward.
No. 15. If you're going to have a fight, you pick the time and place.
No. 16. What you can't accomplish in an hour should usually be put off until tomorrow.
No. 17. You can think your way out of many problems faster than you can ride your way out of them.
No. 18. When the horse jumps, you go with it, not the other way around.
No. 19. Don`t let over-jumping or dull routine erode the horse's desire to jump cleanly. It's hard to jump clear rounds if the horse isn't trying.
No. 20. Never give up until the rail hits the ground.
No. 21. Young horses are like children—give them a lot of love, but don't let them get away with anything.
No. 22. In practice, do things as perfectly as you can; in competition, do what you have to do.
No. 23. Never fight the oats.
No. 24. The harder you work, the luckier you get." 


Biomechanically, horses are designed to have their heads down when they eat. Grass grows on the ground and so for a horse, walking, grazing and chewing with their heads down is what they are made to do. There are a few benefits to a horses health when they eat this way but when we put a horse in a stable and tie a hay net up at chest height, this encourages the horse to have his head up.

When horses are in for long periods over winter things are really working against what is natural, and comfortable for them. Feeding conserved forage (hay or haylage) on the floor in the stable is an opportunity to encourage a more natural position for eating and it has the following distinct benefits:                     

Teeth alignment is at it best when their heads are down, meaning they are able to chew fibre down to the ideal particle size (around 4mm), this allows for better digestion/fermentation in the hindgut, allowing more nutrients to be generated. Better teeth alignment also means molars will seat better and less hooks and spurs will need correcting by your dentist.

Lung drainage is very natural for horses with a clear fluid being produced by the lungs, this is a natural flushing mechanism to get rid of dust and allergens but this fluid comes out via gravity. With a horse head up, this fluid can trap in lungs causing respiratory conditions. Horses always cough more when they are in during the winter and this can be a contributing factor.

Topline. We all want more topline for our horse so encouraging downward stretching and movement is best, horses eating from haynets encourages muscle growth on the underside, not the topside

We understand it’s not always easy to feed hay successfully off the ground with horses dragging it across their beds, trampling it and pooping on it etc. If this is the case for you there are feeders available now that allow controlled feeding at ground level. Also these can help regulate how long it takes them to eat their hay, this is good for the types that eat rather quickly. 



Carrot stretches harness the horse's natural movement to enhance vertebral joint range of motion, build core strength and improve flexibility.

Frequent use of baited stretches consisting of a programme of:
5 to each direction and  5 times a week
has been shown to have a profound effect on the rehabilitation of multifidus – and therefore spinal stability in the horse.

So, carrot stretches really DO have a point. Along with the obvious benefits of baited stretches in horses with pain, tightness, weakness or decreased range of movement in the neck, these very simple exercises are great for horses with back pain or as part of maintaining a healthy spine in your horse! 



What a year it’s been, clients I’ve met, horses I’ve seen develop and reach new levels!

The year has seen me embarked on my level 5 in Equine Integrated Support Therapy with @equinemassageacademy to enhance my whole horse ethos.

Which will transfer over to your horses, which some of you are benefiting from all ready!

Bring on 2022! Diary is open. 



Meet George, he’s has been helping me out as a case study. Well I really need to do more before and afters!

George was reactive along his latissimus dorsi into his psoas. Had tension/tightness in his neck and to me just uncomfortable picking his legs up.

George has had a variety of treatments, as I look at the whole horse from fascia stretching, trigger point therapy and massage. Allowing him to become comfortable with his body again.

I have to thank his owner for allowing me to develop my skill sets.

But this is how I ensure I am current and up to date with my skills 



Well I’ve been quiet for a while, as I’ve taken the exciting step back into education, to ensure I provide the best service for you and your horses 🐎

Over the past few years I have developed my skills in equine taping, ultrasound, infrared therapy.

Today I head over the Humber bridge to attend the first of many practical days.



BENEFITS OF EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE

Regular Massage Improves Circulation, improves overall nutrition of the tissue and elasticity of blood vessels, improves blood flow and increases oxygen to tissues. Relieves the Effects of Stress. decreases the negative health responses related to chronic stress. decreases Cortisol and Insulin levels.

* Increasing and improving circulation.
* Enhance muscle tone.
* Relax muscle spasm.
* Prevent and relieve adhesions.
* Increase the range of movement.
.



TO THE RIDERS THAT FEEL THEY ARE NEVER ENOUGH
there is no such thing as a wasted horse !!
yes there are talented horses
yes they could go far with the “right” rider
yes they have paces to die for
but
no they don’t care if you hack over school
no they don’t know they look better than the pony next to them in the field
no they don’t want to be sold to a competition home because you don’t think you can get them to “that level”
but
they love that you say hi every day
they love to be groomed not necessarily to ride but only to go and let them roll in the mud and ruin all your hard work
they love you to see them in the field not just to catch and ride
they love to give you love in whichever way they can (mine happens to be slobber)
THEY LOVE YOU FOR BEING YOU


💦💦💦TOPPING UP THE FLUIDS 💦💦💦

Your horse may drink more water than usual following a massage. This is a good thing, as it helps flush toxins, released during the massage, out of the body and prevents stiffness.

The Wonderful H, he’s an older chap and enjoys his sessions to help keep him mobile.

As he is in his 20’s still fully active and happy hacking, we provide him with sessions to keep his range of movement.

The expression goes “if you don’t use it, you loose it!” Never so true!


 

From the picture in the top left, she always stood with her off hind in front and under her body. This was due to an injury which meant she found this the most comfortable place. We have worked to release the muscles and with slow corrective training she has continued to stand square and we have less “sass” during her sessions, she may even enjoy it! But she doesn’t want to loose the rep!!!
Another reason how sports massage can help your equine. 

Mobirise



I have come to the decision as I am getting busier each day and trying to fit in with everyone busy schedules, I’ve decided to put in a cancellation fee.

With effect of the 1st July 2021, there will be a cancellation fee of £10 per horse for cancellation within 48hours of the appointment.

I have been letting you all know on my regular visits and will be setting you up on my “new” booking system which sends out texts and emails to remind everyone of the appointment.

Meet Jaxon 3 weeks ago. After a brief discussion on his known “history” I began to treat him. The biggest thing I noticed was how unlevel his nostrils are! After a session working his poll, ears and face, the relief in his face was clear. On returning today, a mere 3 week’s later I wasn’t expecting that the tension had left him and that he was more level. Will be keeping you updated on his progress

Good to see the team (Hope House Eventing) out competing!

Regular sessions can lead to the following
Increased range of movement
Increasing and improving circulation.
Enhance muscle tone.
Relax muscle spasm.
Prevent and relieve adhesions.
Pop me a message or call to discuss your horse’s needs

Give me a shout if you wish to discuss more in depth 

Mobirise

More taping!! Let’s Dance (April) of Hope House Eventing.
April is very tight through her neck, so after her massage to release the fascia, the tape was applied.....it should remain in place for a few days and still can be ridden.....All ready for the season a head.....

Hope House Eventing said
"Very glad to have you back out keeping the team in top shape!"

Mobirise



Equine tape applied to encourage drainage.......tape is such an under used tool.....yet the effects and benefits are so great!

Mobirise

...........Shame these things are classed as “old fashioned” nowadays 🤷‍♀️
No. 1. Get your tack and equipment just right, and then forget about it and concentrate on the horse.
No. 2. The horse is bigger than you are, and it should carry you. The quieter you sit, the easier this will be for the horse.
No. 3. The horse's engine is in the rear. Thus, you must ride your horse from behind, and not focus on the forehand simply because you can see it.
No. 4. It takes two to pull. Don't pull. Push.
No. 5. For your horse to be keen but submissive, it must be calm, straight and forward.
No. 6. When the horse isn`t straight, the hollow side is the difficult side.
No. 7. The inside rein controls the bending, the outside rein controls the speed.
No. 8. Never rest your hands on the horse's mouth. You make a contract with it: "You carry your head and I'll carry my hands."
No. 9. If the horse can't learn to accept what you're doing, it isn't any good.
No. 10. Once you've used an aid, put it back.
No. 11. You can exaggerate every virtue into a defect.
No. 12. Always carry a stick, then you will seldom need it.
No. 13. If you`ve given something a fair trial, and it still doesn't work, try something else—even the opposite.
No. 14. Know when to start and when to stop. Know when to resist and when to reward.
No. 15. If you're going to have a fight, you pick the time and place.
No. 16. What you can't accomplish in an hour should usually be put off until tomorrow.
No. 17. You can think your way out of many problems faster than you can ride your way out of them.
No. 18. When the horse jumps, you go with it, not the other way around.
No. 19. Don`t let over-jumping or dull routine erode the horse's desire to jump cleanly. It's hard to jump clear rounds if the horse isn't trying.
No. 20. Never give up until the rail hits the ground.
No. 21. Young horses are like children—give them a lot of love, but don't let them get away with anything.
No. 22. In practice, do things as perfectly as you can; in competition, do what you have to do.
No. 23. Never fight the oats.
No. 24. The harder you work, the luckier you get.
Words - Bill Steinkraus
Give me a shout if you wish to discuss more in depth 

Mobirise

When you hit the spot Casey showing that she enjoyed the tension massaging away. Equine sports massage is so under appreciated but the benefits are SO HUGE...... * Increasing and improving circulation. * Enhance muscle tone. * Relax muscle spasm. * Prevent and relieve adhesions.

Give me a shout if you wish to discuss more in depth 


Licking and chewing are signs of release......every horse is different.....some only give little eye blinks while others give big yawns 🥱

Give me a shout if you wish to discuss more in depth 

TLeo having a follow up
Session.....he has been escaping over some rather big electric fences, as a result he has done the splits behind.....very sore but on the road to recovery after having the heat pad around his neck, ultrasound along side the manual hand treatments...

Mobirise

............Equine Kinesio Taping...........
Equine Kinesiology taping on human athletes is all the rage: widely used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and personal trainers, we see it on Olympians, runners, basketball players-on amateurs and professionals. The idea behind taping is that it provides incredible support and stabilisation of ligaments and tendons while simultaneously stretching and flexing like a 'second skin' to allow full range of motion. It can also activate or relax muscles, depending on its application.

Mobirise
HOW TO KEEP YOUR HORSE COOL IN THE HEAT! SHEET OR NO SHEET? BLACK OR WHITE? WET OR DRY? 

I get asked these sort of questions a lot. Some horses have to have rugs on because of flies. So is it better to wet it down or not? What about dark horses? Do they get hotter? See the article by Dr David Marlin for a full run down on this topic and more - as shown below.

Here is a very simple demonstration. In physics and thermoregulation we use 15cm/6in diameter copper spheres painted black to approximate how the body reacts to air temperature and radiation from the sun. Inside the middle of each sphere is a temperature probe and this is connected to a datalogger. Each sphere is calibrated and "naked" they all behave the same. These spheres are the type used in the WBGT Index which we use to manage major events. The IOC use this for both human athletes and horses.

So this is what I did to each sphere

1) Left uncovered

2) Covered with WET WHITE cotton

3) Covered with WET BLACK cotton

4) Covered with DRY WHITE cotton

5) Covered with DRY BLACK cotton

The conditions when I was doing this were 36-37°C and 24-27 %RH with a naked globe temperature of around 52°C.

RESULTS

➡ DRY WHITE cotton keeps the sphere ~2-3°C COOLER than the naked sphere

➡ DRY BLACK cotton keeps the sphere 3-4°C WARMER

➡ WET WHITE & WET BLACK cotton drop the temperature by around 25°C (due to evaporation of water) over the first 20 min.

➡ WET WHITE is better over 60 min than WET BLACK.

➡ At 60 min WET WHITE is still around 10°C cooler than the naked sphere.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To keep your horse cool on hot days, don't use a sheet/rug at all. Spray your horse down every few hours.

If you have to use a sheet, ideally use a WHITE or light coloured lightweight sheet and wet it every 60-90 minutes during the hotter part of the day.


Mobirise
Mobirise

Post competition massage under way at barrel camp!
It’s definitely hard work being a barrel racing athlete!!! Willow has a bit of a niggle so Laura gave her some treatment.  
Remember this service is available to help aid recovery, movement of lactic acid and reduce fatigue
Check it out or give me a shout...

Mobirise

Meet Joshi......35 years young and going for the record of longevity.

Normally we are aiming for better performance but Joshi it’s all about his well being, to keep him comfortable and able to continue bossing his field buddy about!
sh to discuss more in depth 

Mobirise

............Equine Kinesio Taping...........
The idea behind taping is that it provides incredible support and stabilisation of ligaments and tendons while simultaneously stretching and flexing like a 'second skin' to allow full range of motion. It can also activate or relax muscles, depending on its application.
Our equine athletes can benefit hugely from taping:
Muscle * Lymphatic * Scar * Fascia * Space * Hematoma * Stabilization * Tendon
Give me a shout if you wish to discuss more in depth 

Mobirise


I am pleased to say that I am now a full Professional Member of IAAMB. This is part of my ongoing training and development to make your horse a "Happy Horse".

Mobirise

I’m super in love with this horse.....met “chubs” nearly ago year, he was tight, lacking top line and dragging his toes with heart bar shoes......today was a different story.....lovely topline, no tension and heart shoes. Credit to his owner @caitlynl96 hard

Mobirise

Another busy day and happy to finally meet Kara! As I met horses/ponies a while back but lockdown has hindered us.

Kara Arnold Equine
"Thank you so much Laura at Level Gaits - Equine Sports Massage, Relaxation & Rehabilitation for treating 3 of our Horses today i can’t wait to watch how much they improve in performance after this! You were great with them all and I can’t wait to see you again soon! "

Mobirise

Wonderful to get back out treating horses today! Even with the social distancing and extra cleaning, it was great to be out and about doing what I love. 

Mobirise

I have taken the Lockdown time to increase my knowledge on infection control and Covid 19. This training was on how to limit and reduce transmission as I look to re-open my diary. The training comes from the beauty industry but found many cross overs which I hope will help us all to remain safe.

I’m happy to discuss this further and will make individual arrangements once I re-start my visits.

Mobirise
Mobirise
Mobirise

I would just like to reassure my clients of the following;


I have not recently travelled to any of the infected areas.
I have not come in to contact with anyone that has travelled recently.
I wash my hands thoroughly before coming to treat your horses.
I sanitize my hands before and after treating your horses.
I take biosecurity very seriously, please repay the consideration by following the government guidelines regarding Corona virus.

If you are already booked in with me through the rest of March and early April, my intent is to still attend and treat your horses, please please update me as soon as possible if your situations change re safety to me or others..
Many thanks.

Mobirise

Has My Horse Got a Sore Back?

Every day, we ask our horses to perform tasks which put stress and strain on muscles really only ever designed to eat grass and roam at will. However, because horses are ‘prey’ animals they have cleverly developed to hide signs of pain and discomfort which may make them more vulnerable to a predator on the hunt for his next meal! So, to find out if your horse is uncomfortable, we need to look out for subtle signs. Do contact me for more information.

Mobirise

2020 sponsored rider result

Last year I started a competition for a lucky rider to become my Level Gaits 2020 sponsored rider. Thank you to all of you that entered the competition. The search showed me a wealth of talent.

I’m proud to announce that Kara Arnold Equine will be flying the Level Gaits flag in 2020. Please see more about Kara by viewing her facebook page follow the season ahead

Kara said “I am very pleased to be able to announce that i am lucky enough to be sponsored by Level Gaits - Equine Sports Massage, Relaxation & Rehabilitation I am very exited to see where this takes us and to work along side Laura at Level Gaits who will be able to help me achieve the very best i can out of my ponies! Thank you so much for the opportunity “ 

The hyoid.......many clients have seen me in action using a technique to help release......Go here to see more.................

Mobirise

My smallest client

Well my smallest client was happy to see me.......especially as I got her stable rug popped on to keep these muscles warm after I had treated her......cheeky (stubborn) little welsh pony.......loves a carrot 🥕 stretch........

Mobirise

An interesting read

After being familiarized with being ridden or lunged, a (young) horse in the trot may drop his neck very low, with his nose almost touching the sand. This usually happens when he is totally relaxed. A lot of criticism has been aimed at this position recently, and people claim it brings too much weight on the forehand, thus overtaxing the front limbs of the horse. However, when you come to think of it  .................

Mobirise

Sponsor News

Proud to sponsor this up and coming amazing sport ( Barrel Horse racing) in the UK. If you want have ago or interested please take a look at 4 Strides - Home of UKBHA - United Kingdom Barrel Horse Association

We are donating 2 post competition massages for 2 lucky horses worth £25 each as part of 4 Strides Christmas raffle which will be drawn at the Christmas social/awards afternoon on November 30th.

Mobirise

Watch Laura on making Ringa a Happy horse

 
See Laura, and her Happy horse (Ringa), where Laura shares Ringa’s background and how he became a Happy Horse. 

Mobirise

Winter is coming

Winter is coming......time to get those knots ironed out over the winter months to ensure that the spring you come out fighting fit! Happy to discuss and work with you to create a plan that is suitable for you and your horse - A happy horse beings with levelgaits

Mobirise

The lovely ‘H’ enjoying a post competition massage 

Jacqui Smith treated him to a relaxing massage which promoted the lactic acid to move from the muscles to help reduce stiffness the following day.

This massage was completed at the venue allowing him to unwind and de stress before going home!!

We are donating 2 post competition massages for 2 lucky horses worth £25 each as part of 4 Strides Christmas raffle which will be drawn at the Christmas social/awards afternoon on November 30th.

Mobirise

Horse skeletons growth

Read this as it was a hot topic at barrels yesterday, think it clearly shows the growth of the 🐎  I love this image...

It shows just how vulnerable the young horses’ skeleton is.

Look how long it takes for the lower jaw & poll to mature.

We put bits in young mouths & in some cases force their bodies into an outline way before their skeletons have matured

Equine Head to Tail 23 September 2019


Mobirise

Over Rugging

I know I’ve been guilty of rugging, but have seen a rise in everyone’s horses being rugged all the time, fly sheets,summer sheets, light weights, medium, hoods, no hoods the list goes on!

Remember just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean you have to.  It’s the same with clipping......less is more.

This year I have made the decision to do what’s right for the horse not me. Still living out 24/7 and looking healthy!

Horse and Hounds September 2017


Mobirise

We had an amazing day barrelling at “ 4 Strides” and received some lovely words from Mark Fettes!! 

“This time last month I wrote about the superhero transformation of this young lady and I’m sure if she was one of Stan "The Man" Lee's creations then she would undoubtable be Massage Girl (since Wonder Woman was already taken and in that shade of shirt she could hardly be The Invisible Girl!).

Recently, Laura launched her new business venture which - as it says on the shirt - offers an equine sports massage service. What it doesn't say - and I think I'm right in saying - is she offers a special service to participants at 4 Strides events. Whether that extends to equestrians I'm not entirely sure but if it includes equestrian photographers then you can all form an orderly line behind ME!”

Level Gaits - Equine Sports Massage, Relaxation & Rehabilitation Thanks Mark for the lovely words. I do offer a post competition massage, remember barrel turning is a fast and dynamic so help your horse recover quickly. This is open to all locations with prior booking! Also remember to quote “4 Strides” when booking. 

Mobirise

Regular massage for the horses at 4 Strides. 

Barrel racing is a fast and dynamic sport, but keeping the horses muscles soft and supple is key, so routine slots are given to help prevent injury and ensure they can engage to their full abilities.

Fendi had her hindquarters worked as her quads, hamstrings were tight and she was not keen to stretch out.

Lottie continued her desensitisation as me applying pressure to tight muscles is still a new feeling.......but the release and relaxation was great.

Ruby work on her shoulder and she is now sound but a little short......so fingers crossed she will be fit to run barrels shortly.

As my nana always said “prevention is better than cure” 

Mobirise

What Level Gaits can do for your horse 

It’s been a busy week so far, meeting Ruby and Billy.......Ruby was a straight forward massage, ensuring everything was how it is meant to be. Lovely to meet a mare who didn’t mind and even do I dare say enjoyed her pecks being jostled and shaken.

Billy is recovering from a leg injury so spent time ensure he was straight and not compensating! He enjoyed himself and having at the vets thumbs up , farrier and me......he is going back in work. 

Mobirise

House and Hound 2017 

House and Hound 2017 – Article by Equine massage therapist on how massage can improve and maintain your horse’s performance, from increased flexibility to relieving poll tension 

Contact us

How to find us
Tel: +44 (0) 7880496440
Email: Laura@levelgaits.co.uk

Easy Website Builder