Equine–Librium
Goes a Step Beyond, One Hand at a Time

Photos
by Meris Watson
Susan
Howard’s Austin USDF Reiterhof Dressage Show offered the perfect
venue for savvy equestrians to learn more about the Myofascial
Release work of “Equine–Librium” at a lunchtime
demonstration. The owners of Equine-Librium, Eric Webb and Erin
Bobo, are Advanced Myofascial Release Therapists trained under
the founder of MFR, John F. Barnes, P.T. They demonstrated the
Myofascial Release (MFR) approach with Maggie, a beautiful warmblood
mare, with a long history of discomfort in her hind end resulting in
their choice for her not be ridden as often and it has been a mystery
to figure out what troubles her.
Maggie
is, in general, distracted and unable to relax even at home. It was
fascinating to watch even in the distracting horse show environment,
as Maggie was able to relax under the hands of the Erin and Eric. We
began with Maggie trotting in front of us looking for rotation or
hesitation of limbs at push off and footfall, mobility of the rib
cage (does it move more to one side or the other), head and neck
carriage, mobility of the pelvis at the walk, holding patterns in the
movement of the shoulders and head, and movement through the spine.
During
the observations, Erin Bobo introduced the idea that, even though we
were only addressing the horse today, in order to gain even greater
success in performance, MFR should be utilized for both horse and
rider. She went on to state that Equine-Librium goes one step beyond
addressing the normal stiffness and lack of suppleness issues by
approaching the body like a kinked garden hose by releasing each
restriction then going to next so the body can flow in a more unified
manner, thereby attaining suppleness in the entire body.
Observing
Maggie’s gait, we all agreed that her right hind and pelvis was
stiff and she may not be reaching under as much a possible. Nobody
knows what might have happened to Maggie, but regardless of how long
ago an injury occurred, the body may “hold onto” the injury
creating structural changes in the equine body. Erin and Eric point
out that every discipline of riding is about communication between
horse and rider so every imbalance and “holding pattern” in the
rider’s body affects the horse and vice versa. Riders,
trainers, and competitors at any level and in any discipline may
benefit from MFR.
One
of the unique aspects of Equine-Librium is that Erin and Eric work
together in dual-therapist sessions to achieve the greatest results
and to economize cost. As our two practitioners began to work on
Maggie, she would assist them as much as possible by leaning into the
pressure and began to show Erin and Eric where her body needed
attention. It was obvious to observers of the demonstration what Eric
noted when he stated “Horses really get that we are there to
help them.” Once Erin and Eric began their session on Maggie, it
was clear that she responded to the softening of her restrictions as
she displayed the classic signs of release in her body. She began a
shift in the rhythm of breathing and demonstrated deeper breathing
and relaxation about the head and neck. Her head started to lower
and the eyes began to soften. These signs and Maggie’s licking and
chewing were a startling change for this high-spirited equine.
Some
of the ideas that make Myofascial Release different from other types
of equine bodywork are the considerations that pain or imbalances in
one area of the body affect the body as a whole, MFR sessions
are individualized as opposed to “protocol-based” and the
techniques are designed to provide long-term solutions to holding
patterns as opposed to just temporary relaxation of the muscles.
During
the demonstration our practitioners pointed out that their work is
not a replacement for veterinary care, no diagnosis is ever made by
them and they feel that Myofascial Release is an excellent compliment
to all veterinary and chiropractic modalities.
Eric
and Erin are passionate about educating the community about this
unique work and can be contacted to schedule sessions and
demonstrations at barns or equestrian events by calling 512-964-8963 or by visiting their website at
www.equine-librium.com.
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