What I have experienced working on a variety of horses is that there is a missing component often times that if changed can help expedite progress.
Approaching horses with the whole wellness team in mind we can accomplish quite a bit - farrier, chiropractor, bodywork, diet, physical fitness all comes together to bring a happier healthier horse.
I find many cases of horses where points I massage are a persistent issue that can be related to digestive issues. Horses range from major symptoms to stoic conditions so therefore looking at what the ingredients are that you are feeding, the horse's workload, behaviors and when they are triggered can all build a case for analyzing our individual horses' program.
Joint issues, muscle pain, behavior can be helped with a healthy diet. What is deemed healthy is broken down into how separate ingredients help or hinder the gut. When the gut is healed and healthier, nutrients are able to be more readily absorbed into the body. Eliminating the worry of a deficiency in the nutrition plan and if it's apparent are all topics I enjoy researching and talking about.
Aiming to keep it simple, however, there is a fine line in balancing this. I focus more on investing in horses long term verses quick fix methods that cover up symptoms resulting in a breakdown sooner rather than later.
Try palpating these points, look for... responses, spasms, body language in this process.
Horses can tell us a lot just by these few tips.
Even if your horse seems stoic in their ways and willing to perform doesn't mean they aren't suppressing an issue that is building due to lack of intervention.
I meet many horses that the owner notes they never show pain or reactions. The shocking find is through working on them 1 or 2 times they end up showing a response that isn't normal to the owner. I do feel horses recognize our intentions and can feel our energy.
Many of us have been told this through trainers when they recognize an anxious rider or someone who's mind isn't focused on the lesson but instead on a personal issue at home. It seems more horses feel comfortable through this intention to express what is bothering them.
I am happy to see that these types of horses become more comfortable to express their personalities more openly and their opinion in an issue. Some owners find their horses become more comfortable in expressing this outside of appointments which helps when knowing how much to push them in certain scenarios. This helps to prevent build up injuries over time.
To learn more about these methods and how you can apply this way of identifying pain and behavior issues in your own horses or clients (for equine therapists) find out about The Equi-IX Method and pick up some new tips at this free class: https://www.equi-ix.com/the-horse-course-sign-up