Equine Positional Release & Equine Ortho-Bionomy incorporate non-force and non-violence  principles to achieve structural balance, optimal health and performance. with horse and rider. EPR initiates self awareness through stimulation of the proprioceptive system (nerve receptors) thus engaging the reflexive self healing (homoeostatic) ability of the body. EPR engages this response through gentle movement of the body into pain free comfortable positions. It is know as 'indirect structural adjustment' using non-force joint movement and compression. 

I devised this work as a culmination of my practice as a Homoeopathy and Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner working with horses in Australia and the US. My experience working with horses spans some years, working with Stock horses in the cattle industry in Australia and later as a Homoeopath working with a diverse range of horses in Australia, New Zealand and the US.  EPR combines physical techniques with a highly innovative approach which allows the horse to clearly demonstrate comfortable body positions through gesture and movement. The emphasis on comfortable positioning facilitates an enduring and harmonious horse-rider relationship. 

Equine Ortho-Bionomy teaches the application of Ortho-Bionomy non-force principles and positional release exercises to work with both horses and riders.

Postural Re-education Horses like people thrive on continuous movement, which aids the development and maintenance of strong body structures. Postural habits are influenced by lifestyles, living environments, working conditions, social habits and nutrition. Horse's posture and movement patterns are strongly affected by their housing, access to continuous movement, hoof care, training and riding styles and the suitability of tack/equipment being used. 

EPR works holistically with the body as a whole and with the horse-rider relationship to identify postural and movement patterns in the horse. Comfortable positional release exercises help create biomechanical balance between the horse and rider. Positional release exercises stimulate the nervous system, acting as a re-educational tool for body posture, gait, performance and behaviour. Re-education is a spontaneous outcome of the co-operative approach, style of contact and the positional release exercises used in EPR. EPR can be used with the horse at hand or under saddle. The techniques can be easily incorporated into a training regime or used jointly with the horse and rider.

Response of the Horse The response of each horse varies but common responses include:
Relaxation; yawning; stretching; scratching; rolling; moving more freely; relaxation of muscles, increased range of motion and improved attitude. Some horses take time to orient spatially (know where their feet are) while others happily move off once they are released. It is generally recommended that the horse be turned out and rested from training for 24 hours and from riding for 24-72 hours to allow time for integration of the session. 

The EPR ORTHO website contains information about EPR & Equine Ortho-Bionomy, how it came into fruition and the approach and principles it engenders. The Photos Galleries aim to give a pictorial insight into the style of contact with the horse and details common responses. There are numerous photos of practice sessions taken during the EPR classes. The photos are taken by myself and a variety of people over the years. Many thanks to all who have participated in the production of this material and the development of this gentle, effective approach to healthier horse and human relationships.

“The hands-on approach has started me on the road toward enough proficiency in Ortho-Bionomy to treat my own horses with a sense of confidence. I value the positive effects EPR has on the whole herd. One of our horses, Gunsmoke, was quickly running out of options; his behaviour was so erratic that keeping him was becoming unsafe. As a result of EPR he is a fully functioning member of our herd, improving the overall herd dynamics."

Zarna Carter (Dip App Sc BM & H)
Homoeopath, Herbalist
Advanced Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner, Ortho-Bionomy Instructor

eprortho channel

NMAHA

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