Equine Positional Release

Equine Positional Release is a non-manipulative bodywork for the horse and rider. It is based on comfortable positioning, assessing the horse's conformation and movement with a view to improving the structural balance and health of the horse. It is an adaptation of ortho-bionomy(R)specifically for to work with the horse and rider. Equine positional release is a holistic and therapeutic approach, taking into consideration the horse's gait, movement patterns and gestures. This is done on the ground with the horse being lead and under saddle as the horse is ridden.

Positional release techniques stem from the practice of osteopathy and work directly with nervous system reflexes called proprioceptors. These are found in muscles,tendons, ligaments and joints and relate to movement, body position and balance. When a horse is moved from a painful position into a more comfortable position, tight and contracted muscles relax and return to normal tone. Normal muscle tone allows the joint to go back into alignment. Global movements work with larger structures: the limbs, head, neck, shoulders, back, abdomen and pelvis. The limbs are used as levers to assess movement patterns, the range of motion in the area and to create the physical positioning for technique. Local movements work with specific bony structures: muscles, joints and tendons. These movements are sued in assessing pain, function and range of motion. The neck, legs, knees, fetlock, hooves and ribs are examples of areas which can be assessed and worked with using local moves.

References:
Evrard P. Veterinary Equine Osteopathy (ISEO)2001
Jones L.H, Kusunose R. & Goering E. Strain-Counterstrain (Jones Strain-Counterstrain) 1995
Kain K. & Berns J. Ortho-Bionomy A Practical Manual (North Atlantic Books) 1997

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