Equine Spinal Junction/Function

Thursday, August 18, 2022

with SOBI Instructor Susan Smith

6:00 ET,  5:00 CT,  4:00 MT,  3:00 PT

Three hour study group

SOBI member $45; non-member $55

In this study group we will work with three perspectives of the horse’s spine: spinal junctions and how the change in the shape of the various vertebrae may influence movement, spinal curves, and degrees of motion available in the spine.

Spinal Junction/Function

As with humans, the places where the vertebrae change to a different shape, such as at C0/C1, C1-C2, C7-T1, T17-18-L1 (in horse), L6-S1 (in horse), S5-Coccygeal 1, are areas where there can be tension, miscommunication, or misalignment.

We may ask the questions: are the vertebrae raised in that area? Is there swelling? Is there a shear? Is the fur disturbed, raised or flattened?

Additionally, horses have spinal curves just as humans do. These curves may suffer from scoliosis, kissing spine, swayback and other common ailments. By working with these spinal curves we can find the communication between them and offer space between vertebrae. We can explore range of motion and degrees of motion available in the spine to educate ourselves to what is anatomically possible for the horse and respond accordingly.

By employing Equine Ortho-Bionomy® we can provide an avenue to health and movement with curiosity, preferred and exaggerated position and recognition. The study group includes handout, video list, 3D anatomy exploration and a look at vertebral bones.

The study group will count for 3 hours of credit. After the group all attendees will be emailed an evaluation form. To receive credit you will need to fill out and submit the form within two weeks of the class. 

Your Facilitator:

Susan Smith is Instructor of Equine Body Balance, and Registered Instructor & Advanced Practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy and Equine Ortho-Bionomy; Certified Acupressure Practitioner (Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute), and Equine Positional Release practitioner. She has been involved in equine activities and bodywork for over 20 years. Her articles have appeared in Trail Blazer Magazine, Western Horseman, Equine Wellness, Horse Around New Mexico and many others.

Study Group Date and Times :

August 18, 2022 

6:00pm ET, 5:00pm CT, 4:00pm MT, 3:00pm PT (US and Canada)

Three hour study group

Register Here

Here are the Study Groups we have scheduled for the rest of 2022: