Equine Cranio-Sacral Therapy

What is cranio-sacral therapy?

It is a gentle hands-on treatment that frees restricted motion of the bones of the skull, vertebral column and pelvis by working with the spinal covering and fluid. The technique was originally developed by Osteopaths for humans and has since been transferred to equines and other animals.

When restrictions in the craniosacral system are released through this treatment, the central nervous system is improved allowing it to better relieve stress and strengthen resistance to disease. Mobility is increased, calmness and homeostasis returns. Emotional trauma held in cells is also frequently released.

Wendy uses a very light touch, energy and intuition to guide the session. She gives guidance and support to the self healing process in the horse. This restoration and healing enables the horse to regain its physical and mental balance.

Why would my horse benefit from this treatment?

Restrictions in the cranio-sacral system can affect mobility, attitude, vision, hearing, and ability to learn. Often, what appears to be a behavior problem or change in demeanor is based in a restriction in this system.

Our regular handling of horses, riding them with bits and saddles, and injuries (known and unknown) can create restrictions. A minor injury can create restrictions through “holding” and “protecting” the area. Think about when you have sprained an ankle or bruised yourself. While the minor injury is healing you “protect” the area by using other muscles and often tense muscles in fear of more pain. Our horses also have this “protection” mechanism which can create imbalances and restrictions throughout the body. Over time, lameness without apparent cause, spookiness, inability to take a lead or use the hind end can result.

How many treatments are needed?

Because most restrictions did not occur over night, to release all restrictions in one session is unrealistic. The number of sessions depends on the degree of restrictions and the horses’ ability to release them. However, many of Wendy’s clients have seen significant improvement in attitude, ability to work, headshaking and fears in as little as one treatment.

How do I make an appointment?

You can call or email Wendy to set up an appointment. The session takes approximately 1 1/2 hours per horse and you will need to give your horse a minimum of 24 hours off after the treatment. When traveling a distance over 30 miles, Wendy requires more than one horse to travel or additional compensation.

Some clients share their experiences.

Harley is doing amazing. His headshaking has dramatically reduced and he seems a lot happier. He's only had a few "bad" days recently, too few to count. Needless to say I am ecstatic with the results!! ...as I know ECS is a continuing process I think it might be best for Harley to have one more session, if not more. He seems to be benefiting a lot and I think it's in his best interest to continue! TN, WI Note: This horse suffered a serious trauma to his zygomatic, lacrimal and maxilla bones with permanent damage resulting in moderate to severe headshaking. This was written after two sessions with Wendy.

THANK YOU! Elmo's sore on his eye is clearing up; there is still some draining but the sore is healing and the BEST I have seen it in over a year. Thank you Thank you! I also think he is seeing better out of that eye; this time he was making go to that side; like WOW I can see you again! HP, WI

"Just wanted to let you know that Charlie seems to be improved . . . the other night he lay down in the pasture, completely relaxed, and let me walk up to him, sit next to him, and pet him. He let out a big sigh, laid his head on the ground and closed his eyes. He’s never done that before. It was so neat; I had tears in my eyes. Thanks for what you’ve done so far! AD, WI

"Thank you again for coming to the barn and doing a cs treatment for Dobby. Just wanted to share with you that we went riding today on a trail that has a sportsman's gun club nearby. Previously, the gun shots really bothered Dobby and made him very nervous. Today - he didn't even blink an eye when he heard the shots! The difference was dramatic and my thought is that he did so well because of the treatment on Thursday." CP, WI

"I guess I should start with Thank You! I arrived back at the ranch for Labor Day weekend. This is the first time I have been with Siobhan since you worked on her a few weeks ago. You have made a tremendous difference in her.

We have gone on two trail rides in the woods. She has been perfectly calm, but alert. I was able to ride her with a very loose rein. I could tell she was interested in looking at everything, especially things on her left side. This morning, when riding along the lakeshore, we spooked a blue Heron that neither of us saw. We were maybe 20 feet from it when it flew over the lake. Siobhan took one quicker step, then watched it fly. You can guess what her old reaction would have been! You can almost feel the calmness in her - something I have surely never felt with her before.

Elsie told me that for a few days after you left, Siobhan would stand off by herself for long periods of time. Also, for about two weeks, she was very calm in the barn. No kicking or beating on her stall. I also noticed that she is opening her left eye wider. In looking at pictures, I had never really noticed that she tended to squint a bit.

I was not expecting this level of results. If only I had known about her pain before. For several years I have been attempting to train her through it, when all along her focus could not have been completely on me." LE, IA

"Tango (canine) slept most of the way home this time after her healing session on Wednesday. Then she was really hungry and thirsty when we got home. She is doing a lot better, able to stretch out more. She is moving better. We did a mile this morning on the hiking trail. You are a very gifted individual. It is amazing to watch her react while you are working with her." PH, IL