Structural Integration is a holistic bodywork modality that focuses on the fascia to balance the body, first developed by Dr. Ida Pauline Rolf (1896-1979).  Fascia is the connective tissue that supports muscles, blood vessels, organs, and nerves. As injuries and general wear and tear occur, the fascia protects the body and masks any weakness by tightening in a way to compensate for the injury or weakness.  The horse’s body then learns this shortened movement pattern that has less range of motion and fluidity. Balancing the body through structural integration removes compensation patterns that develop, and creates better communication through the fascial network that runs through the body.  

Structural integration serves as a way to influence the fascial network in each of us, to allow our bodies to function as naturally and gracefully as they were designed to do.  Balance, freedom of movement, and communication within the body are all wonderful side effects of an integrated structure. 

Why Structural Integration?

So why structural integration?  Why should your horse have a “series”?  While I do employ massage and stretching techniques, the foundation of my bodywork is structural integration.  Structural integration involves a series of sessions to systematically balance and align the body so it can maximize function.  In horses, this series is typically 4-5 sessions.  Throughout this process, we don’t just relax the horse’s muscles and focus on a particular problem area, but reprogram the horse’s entire fascial network and neuromuscular system. 

By releasing the tension in the fascia, we return elasticity back to the horse.  Due to the fascial network being completely connected, when we address tension and compensations in one area, we free up slack, so to speak, in the whole body.  The horse’s nervous system integrates this information, and new movement patterns with greater freedom are programmed.  The effects gained through structural integration are long lasting, often 6-12 months, with only infrequent maintenance sessions as follow-up.   

As prey animals, horses do their best to mask pain and discomfort. It is up to us to interpret their behaviours. While this list is not exhaustive, there are many signs that your horse may benefit from bodywork:

+ Sensitive to groom, saddle or blanket
+ Bucking, balking, stopping at fences
+ Difficulty connecting the hind end
+ Heavier on one rein, trouble bending in one direction
+ Moves with quarters in, or “drops” shoulder in
+ Lead swapping, or difficulty picking up a particular lead
+ Unwillingness to stand still for mounting, tacking
+ “Cold-backed”

A series is typically 4-5 sessions, each lasting approximately 1hr 15 mins to 1hr 30 mins

Session two focuses on vertical balance over all four legs, freeing up the shoulders, lumbar, hips and pelvis.  This creates stability, as well as power from the hind end.

Session three moves into horizontal balance, addressing deeper tension through the barrel, and integrates muscle groups that share movement functions.

Session four further integrates the body while connecting the front end to the hind, addresses core holding patterns in the body, and assists in bringing out the horse’s natural fluidity.

Session five reinforces changes.  As the horse moves through the series and explores their new flexibility, they must develop strength in their new movement patterns.

Typically you want at least several days to a week minimum between sessions so the horse has time to experience and explore their “new” body.  As your horse moves through the series, more time between sessions may be beneficial for them to build strength.  The results of the sessions are cumulative; I’ve found the effects become most noticeable usually as we move into sessions 3 and 4.  

Please have your horse relatively clean to get the most out of your session time.

RATES

As of April 1, 2022: $110 per session.  Each session lasts approximate 75-90 mins.  After each session, you will receive a detailed report via email so you can keep track of your horse’s progress.

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED

Performance Prep sessions are a great way to ensure your horse is best prepared to show off in the ring. These sessions (45 mins) are designed to help clients in a regular program get the maximum performance out of their horse at their event. $75

Rest & Recovery sessions available to help your horse feel their best. Perhaps you’re in the middle of a hunter/jumper show, 3 day event, or just finished a 50 mile ride! You’ll want to ensure your horse is feeling best prepared to continue. These shorter sessions (45 mins) are designed to help your horse stay loose, relieve muscle soreness and flush lactic acid. $75

Clinics and demos are also run periodically, or upon request. Inquire today!

In offering this service, my vision is to improve the relationship between horse and rider, and to enhance the horses’ well-being and overall health. Through this work, I have found many horses become more emotionally engaged and connected, as fascia does hold emotion.

Please note that equine structural integration and bodywork does not replace veterinary care. Consult your veterinarian with any concerns.