Elevated Equine

We will be on-site this weekend for Equiscope sessions! Please text 302-313-9193 to pre-book your sessions so that I can plan accordingly with the heat

Excellent information!👏👏👏

A recent study from the University of Tennessee provided strong support for something trainers, movement specialists, and bodyworkers have observed for years:

Ground poles significantly increase activation of important postural and core muscles in horses.

What the Study Found

Walking over ground poles increased activity in:

• Longissimus dorsi — a major topline and spinal support muscle
• Abdominal muscles — critical for core stability and support of the spine

Even at the walk, poles require the horse to:

• Lift the limbs higher
• Stabilize the trunk more actively
• Organize posture and balance with greater precision
• Continuously adjust limb placement and timing

At the trot, researchers also found increased activation of the abdominal muscles.

Trotting over poles requires greater dynamic stabilization, and the increased limb elevation demands more coordinated control of the trunk, pelvis, and spine.

What This Means

These findings support the long-standing use of cavaletti and ground poles as a low-impact way to:

• Strengthen the topline
• Improve abdominal engagement
• Support spinal stability
• Enhance proprioception and coordination
• Encourage improved posture and self-carriage
• Develop better movement organization through the whole body

One of the most important aspects of pole work is that it influences both sides of the postural system:

• The dorsal chain — including the longissimus muscles along the back
• The ventral chain — including the abdominal support system

This balance is essential for efficient movement, force transfer, and development of a healthy, functional topline.

But pole work is not only muscular.

It is neurological.

Each pole creates a movement problem the horse must solve in real time.

The horse has to:

• Judge distance
• Adjust stride length
• Control timing
• Stabilize the trunk
• Organize the limbs in space
• Adapt moment-to-moment to changing demands

That process requires attention, coordination, body awareness, and ongoing nervous system regulation.

In many horses, poles appear to improve focus not simply because the horse is “behaving,” but because the nervous system is becoming more engaged and organized around the task.

Pole work may also influence neurological tone — the background level of muscular and nervous system readiness that affects posture, movement quality, stiffness, and coordination.

For some horses, this can help reduce excessive bracing and improve adaptability through the body.
For others, it can help improve postural engagement and overall organization.

Why It Matters

Regular pole work can benefit many types of horses:

• Young horses developing coordination and posture
• Performance horses improving strength, agility, movement quality, and limb awareness
• Horses rebuilding core control and stability after periods of weakness or reduced work
• Older horses maintaining mobility, coordination, and movement confidence

Importantly, many of these benefits occur even at the walk, making poles accessible to horses across a wide range of ages, disciplines, and fitness levels.

Rather than simply “making horses pick up their feet,” poles appear to challenge the nervous system, postural system, sensory system, and muscular system together — encouraging the horse to organize movement with greater control, awareness, and adaptability.

https://koperequine.com/step-by-step-the-benefits-of-walk-poles-for-horses/

New Jersey, this Saturday is probably my only chance to get up there for Equiscope sessions this month!
This is a perfect opportunity for the high school rodeo kids or those wanting to get their horse worked on before the Sunday race.
Text 302-313-9193 to claim your spot.

Spring is finally here 🌸🌷🐝 and it’s the perfect time to get your horse feeling their absolute best!

Equiscope sessions are a great way to support recovery, performance, and overall wellness as we head into a busy season.

Weekend appointments are VERY limited over the next 5 weeks, so if you’ve been thinking about booking, now’s the time to grab a spot! Call or text
302-313-9193

🏇🇺🇸🎆

🇺🇸✨ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ✨🇺🇸
The Maryland Delaware NBHA Benefit Race for 2026 will be the Independence Day Barrel Classic July 3rd, 4th and 5th!
We are incredibly excited to be back at the Quillen Arena in Harrington, DE this season! We know how much our members love running at Quillen and we hope you’ll join us for a weekend full of fast horses, great friends and celebrating America’s 250th birthday in big way! 🇺🇸
💰 $5,000 Added Money & Weekend 4D Average Sidepot, giving you even more chances to take home lots of money and some awesome prizes!
🏆4D Average Division Awards are going to be NEXT LEVEL!
Champions: Buckles
Reserve: Double J Headstalls
3rd Place: ProRate Equine Sports Boots
We have a full weekend planned including a pole bending jackpot, 100% pay back PeeWee class with $100 added, plus the opportunity to qualify for the Hooey Junior Patriot in Las Vegas and Fort Worth!!
Entries will open on SaddleBook starting May 4th, so mark your calendars!
Leg up your horses, load up your friends and come celebrate Fourth of July weekend doing what we all love most… running barrels! 🇺🇸🏇
We can’t wait to see everyone there!

Did you know that the Equiscope isn't just for horses?
Got pain? The Equiscope has got your back💜⚡️

Living in Pain? Have you tried Equiscope? Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Spring is on the way!
I'm no longer put of town this weekend so that means plenty of availability for Equiscope sessions!
Text 302-313-9193 to claim your spot

Wondering how Equiscope can fit in your program?