WHAT IS STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION FOR HORSES

Equine Structural Integration is a step by step reorganization of the horse’s connective tissue and muscular system to assist horses in achieving their optimal power, speed, grace, efficiency and well-being. This work is based upon the Rolfing system developed by Ida Rolf, Ph.D. for restructuring the body. Dr. Rolf believed that, as a result of gravity and trauma, a body becomes functionally disorganized. Rolfing aligns the connective tissue system, which can be considered an organ—the organ of structure which holds the body appropriately in space. Dr. Rolf noted that the connective tissue “is a very resilient, elastic, plastic medium. It can be changed.” This is good news for horse owners, because a horse’s structure determines how well the horse functions.

As a Certified Equine Structural Integration Practitioner, Pat draws upon training in Rolfing and Hellerwork as well as an in-depth understanding of the anatomy, physiology and psychology of horses. Using her hands to apply pressure to the superficial layers of muscle and tissue, the Practitioner releases restrictions in the horse’s body that have limited strength and freedom of movement. Over a series of Ten sessions, the outer layers of tissue become more flexible and less restricted, allowing the practitioner to delve more deeply into the horse’s structure to organize intrinsic muscles and joint relationships more efficiently. Ongoing work allows a Practitioner to develop a relationship with the horse and an understanding of the unique body patterns and restrictions, as each session supports the next. This intimate knowledge of the horse then enables the Practitioner to free up the deepest levels of core restrictions in the joints and reinforce the changes that take place from the work so that the benefits last.

Through this integrative process, the horse experiences enhanced balance, stability, power, flexibility, muscle integration and fluidity of movement. Thus, while Equine Structural Integration can certainly address particular problems, even a healthy horse can benefit from the work because it is designed to support optimal health and functioning.

A horse owner who is certified in Equine Structural Integration, Pat Gallagher is uniquely qualified to assist horses in achieving their optimal power, speed, grace, efficiency and well-being. She has traveled all over the world to train with the Masters in Equine and Human healing arts including Jin Shin Jyutsu^® Physio-Philosophy, Synergia, Rolfing, Hellerwork. She combines her knowledge and experience with a deep love and respect for the horses, and they respond by working with her to allow profound restructuring and healing.

 THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION SERIES

FIRST SESSION

This session is designed to build trust and allow your horse to understand the work. This session allows access of your horse’s surface musculature and identify the deeper holding patterns.  The primary goal is to find your horse’s core issue.

SECOND SESSION
During the 2nd session the goal is to work with the legs to improve hip, hock, shoulder and knee action, giving the horse a better sense of stability so (s)he more is more secure in all forms of movement. These areas are worked to free up connective tissue, tendons and the musculature of the 4 legs.

THIRD SESSION
The 3rd session focuses on your horse’s neck, giving your horse greater balance and coordination which improves movement.

FOURTH SESSION
In the 4th session the focus is to release the superficial and mid-level connective tissue restrictions in the pelvis, lumbar and hip joints.

THE FIFTH SESSION
This session focuses on freeing up the deepest levels of core restrictions and to clarify the relationship of each muscle group with the skeletal system.

THE SIXTH SESSION
In the 6th session, the hind-quarters are balanced in relationship to overall movement. The ribcage is reworked for greater release, allowing your horse to breath more easily.

THE SEVENTH SESSION
The 7th session focuses on the head and face. If the horse will tolerate it, the mouth as well as the poll are released.

THE EIGHTH SESSION
During this session, the focus is again on your horse’s core issue(s). This varies from horse to horse, depending upon the project.

THE NINTH SESSION
The 9^th session is to bring about a full release and re-balancing of the full system.

THE TENTH SESSION
This session balances and reinforces the entire, overall structural integrity, tying all loose ends together. This is the session that tweaks all of the structural work so that everything in your horse’s body is in harmony. At this point it is crucial to bring both the horizontal and vertical lines of the horse into optimal alignment. There is a visual and tactile interpretation of your horse’s system as well as intuitive information that is applied in this last session.

After the series of 10 sessions, periodic tune-ups are helpful and may be given as needed.

"I DO WORK A BIT DIFFERENTLY THAN MOST ROLFERS AND/OR HELLERWORKERS IN THAT I USE JIN SHIN JYUTSU^® PHYSIO-PHILOSOPHY & SYNERGIA IN MY PRACTICE. AFTER YEARS OF WORK, I’VE CREATED A SYSTEM WHICH KIND OF ‘TOGGLES’ BETWEEN THESE VERY DIVERSE HEALING ARTS.

THIS MIXTURE OF JIN SHIN JYUTSU^® PHYSIO-PHILOSOPHY,  STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION AND SYNERGIA  HAS PRODUCED SOME INCREDIBLE RESULTS, ESPECIALLY WITH INJURED HORSES THAT ARE UNABLE TO TOLERATE THE DEPTH AND INTENSITY OF ROLFING.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS WORK, PLEASE CONTACT ME AS I AM VERY HAPPY TO EXPLAIN MY METHODS. THIS HAS REALLY BEEN A JOURNEY OF 25 YEARS OF CREATING WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE HEALING ART."

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MY WORK, PLEASE CONTACT ME AS I AM HAPPY TO EXPLAIN MY METHODS.  THIS HAS REALLY BEEN THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCE WHICH HAS INSPIRED ME TO CREATE A POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE HEALING ART FOR YOUR HORSE."

Patgalla@sbcglobal.net
314-550-2112
636-305-1484