Online SOBI Sponsored Study Groups
The Society of Ortho-Bionomy International sponsors monthly Online Study Groups. They are primarily in a conference call format and are taught by various Registered Ortho-Bionomy Instructors via Zoom.
Our Study Groups cover a variety of topics and also count towards the study group requirements in the Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner Training Programs.
The receipt received upon registration will have a link to download the handout, any preview materials and the Zoom link. Be sure you have these materials available before you login to the study group.
There is a limit to class size, so be sure to register early.
After a group finishes, all attendees will be emailed an evaluation form for that session. To receive study group credit attendees must attend the class live, keep their cameras on during the study group, and complete and submit the evaluation form within two weeks.
Recordings of select past study groups are also available in the SOBI Bookstore.
The study groups are a full three hours, with no credit given for homework time.
Out of respect for the instructor and the other students, please be on time for the study group.
Equine Shoulder Points and Fascia Anatomy Revisited
with SOBI Registered Instructor Susan Smith
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August 20, 2026 6 PM Eastern, 5 PM Central, 4 PM Mountain, 3 PM Pacific, 12 PM Hawaii (US and Canada) Three hours--Online through Zoom SOBI member $55; non-member $75 |
In most equine modalities, the shoulder points have required leg lifting. While leg lifting is an important skill and can provide good compression into joints, it is not always the best option for either horse or practitioner. Heavy horse legs are difficult for practitioners to lift, and many horses suffer from conditions that make leg lifting tough for them. Discomfort will limit the effectiveness of the treatment.
For these reasons, in this study group, we will learn how to provide gentler, powerful bodywork techniques for relationships between humerus and scapula, C6-C7, withers and pivot point area, biceps brachii and humerus, pectorals, subscapularis and many more important structural and muscle relationships for the shoulders.
Videos of each technique, diagrams and examples of horses with varying limb conditions will be included for discussion.
About Susan
Susan Smith is Instructor of Equine Body Balance, and Registered Instructor & Advanced Practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy®, Ortho-Bionomy® for Equines; 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.
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September 17 |
October 15 |
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November 19 |
December 17 |
Past Study Groups
Did you miss a previous study group? Recordings of select past study groups are available in the SOBI Bookstore. Take advantage of these excellent resources to deepen your understanding and practice of Ortho-Bionomy. The two newest available recordings include:
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The Role of the Tailbone A consensus of an internet search is to call the tailbone vestigial, or a structure left over from our evolutionary journey that has no job in the body anymore. To quote one site, “it is a structure that at one time that served a purpose but has long since become useless”. From my own experience with a broken tailbone and the healing that has taken place over the course of many years, I don’t believe this statement. I feel like the tailbone is tied to much more than we give it credit for. Bringing this experience into my practice, I have discovered that the tailbone can often be the “thing” that doesn’t allow the pelvis to stabilize. A lot of chronic pelvic issues have been resolved in my clientele by detailed Ortho-Bionomy work around the tailbone and their dedication to self-care maintenance. This study group is an opportunity for me to share my Ortho-Bionomy passion for tailbone issues. |
A Structural Approach to Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is often treated as a foot problem, but what if the source of the pattern lies elsewhere? In this study group, you'll explore a whole-body Ortho-Bionomy approach to plantar fasciitis, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying drivers rather than chasing symptoms. Through anatomy review, assessment strategies, and demonstration videos of key techniques, you'll learn how restrictions in the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower leg can influence weight distribution and contribute to ongoing foot pain. This study group includes demonstrations of practical techniques to evaluate these relationships and support more lasting change for your clients. |
Training & Classes
