EquiMotion Performance and Rehabilitation

THE MULTIFIDUS MUSCLE

The Multifidus muscle runs from the Cervical to the Sacral region of the horses spine, and is the muscle which links the Dorsal Spinous Processes (DSP’s) of the vertebrae together. It works alongside the Longissimus Dorsi to enable spinal flexion and extension.

Kissing Spines is a degenerative musculoskeletal disease which is directly linked to the tightening of the Multifidus, and so it is important that we ensure we regularly stretch our horses’ spines in order to release the muscle and reduce the likelihood of the disease occurring.

If your horse struggles with kissing spines, or you want to know more about prevention and strengthening of the Multifidus muscle, send us a message to find out more.

www.equimotion.co.nz

JUNE PROMO- FREE CONSULTATIONS

Supplementary therapies, such as stretching and electrotherapy, are an important part of any horses’ training regime. When setting up EquiMotion, it was our aim to promote the importance of these therapies, and one area in which they are more difficult to fit in is within the riding school community.

In an attempt to rectify this, through June we are offering ONE FREE consultation and stretch session to each riding school throughout Auckland. We feel passionate about the wellbeing of horses within our community, and as riding schools are where most of our riding journeys began we understand how valuable these horses are.

So why not give back to the animals which give us so much? Email or give us a call today to book in for your free session.

www.equimotion.co.nz

NEW SERVICES

Head over to our website for more information and prices

www.equimotion.co.nz

Focus Friday: POLE WORK

One of the most invaluable training tools we can use to improve performance is pole work. Working over poles encourages spinal flexion of our horses, and requires them to engage their abdominal muscles as a result.

The “bow and string theory” is a theory introduced by Slijper in 1946, - and suggests that spinal stability of a horse comes through the engagement of their abdominal muscles. This means that to increase spinal stability and reduce postural sway, it is important that we utilise exercises during training which work these core muscles.

Other benefits of pole work include:
- Increased joint range of motion
- Improved proprioception (the horses’ awareness of its own limbs in space)
- Improved balance
- Improved rhythm
- Improved stability
- Spinal flexion

Pole work is a vital part of a training programme regardless of level/type of work. Head over to our website today to book in your consultation and begin your training journey.

www.equimotion.co.nz

THIS WEEKEND

Come find us at the 5 Star Agistment Centre’s sale day this Sunday 5th May. Buy one get one free offer extends to bookings made on the day, so you dont want to miss out!

88 Church Road, Papakura

www.equimotion.co.nz

Why is performing stretches so important for our horses?

Stretching sessions can be used as a supplementary therapy to mobilise and strengthen specific muscles and joints writhing a horse. Benefits of stretching can include:

- Increases range of motion
- Strengthens muscles
- Improve performance
- Decrease tension
- Increases blood circulation

A stretch session with your horse is also a great way of relaxing both of you, as well as a key time for bonding.

Head over to our website to book in for a stretch session for your horse today

www.equimotion.co.nz

Launching Sale!

To celebrate the launch of our new business, for April only we are offering a buy one get one free offer on all electrotherapy and stretch sessions.

Give us a call or visit our website to book in now. Must mention this promotion at the time of booking to be valid.

www.equimotion.co.nz

Performance and rehabilitation therapy is useful for all horses and ponies, regardless of type/level of work they may be used for. It is our aim to promote awareness of the importance of physical therapy for horses.

A horse can benefit from physical therapy for a number of reasons:
- recovering from surgery/injury
- improve fitness
- increase muscle strength
- improve joint range of motion
- improve performance
- reduce the risk of future injury

It is our belief that every horse deserves the opportunity to achieve their greatest physical potential. Book in for a consultation today to give your horse the chance to improve its performance and optimise its physical abilities.

Electrotherapy treatment!

TENS, short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, works by passing electric currents between two electrodes places on a muscle to stimulate muscle contraction. Initially developed for human use, it’s use on the equine athlete is proving to be a new and effective method of therapy within the industry.

TENS machines can be used to:
- Reduce pain
- Reduce swelling
- Reduce muscle atrophy (wastage)
- Re-educate muscles
- Stimulate muscle contraction
- Muscle strengthening

Electrotherapies must be prescribed by a veterinarian, physiotherapist or osteopath, so be sure to talk to a medical professional before booking in !

www.equimotion.co.nz