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THE BLOG
All things related to holistic horse care and therapy.
Read the latest:
Elisse Miki
Jan 13 min read
The Horsemanship of Everything: From Poop Picking to Partnership
Horsemanship isn’t confined to riding, training sessions, or the moments when we’re tacked up and ready to work. It permeates every...
Elisse Miki
Dec 30, 20244 min read
Debunking the Myth of "Removing Toxins" Through Massage
Can we talk about the "removing toxins" claim often plastered all over social media in the bodywork world. It’s time we put this myth to...
Elisse Miki
Dec 20, 20242 min read
Is That Even Indicated?
Understanding the why behind every technique is essential for safe and effective treatment. When working with horses, it’s essential to...
Elisse Miki
Dec 3, 20242 min read
Why Horses Gain Weight When Transitioned to Free-Choice Forage
When a horse transitions from timed feeding to 24/7 free-choice forage, significant changes occur at the cellular, metabolic, and...
Elisse Miki
Nov 25, 20244 min read
It Takes The Time It Takes: Why Healing Isn't An Overnight Process
Healing and rehabilitation are journeys that demand patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the process. Horses are sentient...
Elisse Miki
Nov 19, 20244 min read
Beyond Protocols: Why Our Programs Stand Apart
When we created our program, it wasn’t to add another certification to the world of equine therapy — it was to revolutionize how...
Elisse Miki
Nov 12, 20243 min read
The Backbone of Healing: Why Orthopedic Assessment is Essential for Therapists
In the world of therapy, there's a fundamental skill that stands tall amidst the array of techniques and methodologies – orthopedic...
Elisse Miki
Oct 17, 20242 min read
Reevaluating the Approach to Equine Care: A Call for Modernization
As I complete my mandatory continuing education to maintain my healthcare license, I encountered an eye-opening topic: the stark contrast...
Elisse Miki
Sep 14, 20245 min read
The Ineffective Art of Lunging: Why It Fails Horses and What to Do Instead
Lunging is a common training technique used by many to exercise horses, improve balance, and establish control. However, this traditional...
Elisse Miki
Aug 31, 20244 min read
Treating the Cause Over the Symptom: A Holistic Approach to Healing in Human and Equine Therapies
In both human and equine therapies, a recurring theme that often determines the success or failure of treatment is the distinction...
Elisse Miki
Aug 29, 20244 min read
Why Embryology Matters
I first became fascinated with embryology when I discovered that the development of the heart in utero is essentially the first "hug" we...
Elisse Miki
Aug 9, 20245 min read
Why Massaging Horses With Back Pain Is Not the Answer
Let’s stop blindly massaging tight muscles. Yes, you read that correctly. For too long, the equine community has embraced massage as a...
Elisse Miki
May 9, 20243 min read
Turnout: The Secret Weapon for Equine Health?
Brace yourself, because I'm about to drop a bomb that might shake up your world. Turnout — yes, the seemingly simple act of letting your...
Elisse Miki
May 6, 20243 min read
Combatting Burnout: My personal list of resources
I've been noticing more and more posts about compassion fatigue and burnout among trainers and therapists. It's heartbreaking to see the...
Elisse Miki
Apr 29, 20248 min read
Managing Gelding Scars: Insights from Three Cases in My Practice
Gelding scars are a common occurrence in horses that have been castrated. These scars can have an impact on pelvic functional...
Elisse Miki
Apr 27, 20244 min read
The Impact of Stall Rest on Soft Tissue Repair: Lessons from Human Medicine
The scenario of horses undergoing prolonged periods of stall rest due to soft tissue injuries is a common sight. However, it is...
Elisse Miki
Apr 11, 20247 min read
Top 5 Stereotypie Behaviors of Domesticated Horses
As an osteopathic practitioner, stereotypie behaviours are taken very seriously because they illuminate root causes to physical...
Elisse Miki
Mar 23, 20243 min read
Why Is Play Crucial for Horse Development? Unveiling the Neuroscientific Evidence.
In the equestrian world, the significance of play for horses often takes a backseat to more structured training and exercise routines....
Elisse Miki
Mar 20, 20243 min read
The Hidden Dangers of Joint Injections for Horses: Lessons from Human Medicine
In the realm of equine health, joint injections are a common practice aimed at alleviating discomfort and aiding in the recovery of...
Elisse Miki
Feb 4, 202418 min read
Is Your Horse Suffering from Undiagnosed Pelvic Fracture or Sacroiliac Strain?
Back (sacroiliac) pain is arguably the most common finding in equine athletes at an astounding estimate of up to 94% of ridden horses...
Elisse Miki
Jan 10, 20242 min read
How to Prevent Knee Arthritis in Your Horse: Tips for a Typical Movement Session
A short video of a typical “knee arthritis prevention” session with my senior pony. By the age of 36, carpal arthritic changes are a...
Elisse Miki
Jan 3, 20249 min read
The truth about Kinesiotape: Debunking the myth of its effectiveness and exploring truths.
Kinesiotape, or k-tape, gained popularity in the human sports and physical therapy realm in the late 90s. Now making its way into the...
Elisse Miki
Oct 19, 20233 min read
Horse Grimace Scale: An Effective Tool to Quantify Equine Pain
How do I know if my horse is in pain? This is by far the most common question asked by clients. Many inquisitive owners looking for...
Elisse Miki
May 1, 20235 min read
Are you chasing pain?
Do you get results from your equine therapy sessions or are you merely chasing pain. Chasing pain can be highly frustrating for the...
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