Have you struggled with the way you and your horse connect through contact? Does your horse show a brace or restriction when you ask for movement through the halter or bridle or even if you just touch them?  One beautiful solution is to explore the Balance Through Movement Method (BTMM) offered by Celeste Lazaris. 

What is The Balance Through Movement Method?

The method can be used for development, rehabilitation, or to gain a deeper relationship with your horse.

This method was developed by Ms. Lazaris as she worked with thousands of horses through her bodywork business.  She designed a three-pillar system that incorporates exercises you can do with your horse on the ground (and later under saddle) to:

1. Help relax bracing muscles, reprogram fascial holdings causing potential nerve compression,
2. Develop a positive relationship to connection
3. Engage the muscles needed to create a healthy posture necessary for ridden work. 
   

I discovered this method when I was working through some physical issues that my daughter’s mare was struggling with.  It was a game changer for helping us reset her body and our relationship with her.  But when we combined BTMM with Lazaris Nerve Release Technique (LNRT) sessions, we saw even more improvement in muscle development, better movement, and less anxiety.  I was so impressed with the results that I went through the certification process to become a practitioner.

What has been so helpful for many of my clients is that I can support them as they start the BTMM process with their horses. The BTMM information and masterclass provide the framework for the method, but many people find that having in-person instruction to go over the foundation of the method can improve their results and provide valuable feedback. 

About Lazaris Nerve Release Technique

As part of my Lazaris Nerve Release Technique sessions, I can give clients feedback on their Pillar 1 work and help them fine-tune their understanding of the best posture for their horse and their relationship to contact.

So many horses have learned to instinctively brace against any contact, even light contact.  That continual bracing can lead to communication issues and restriction in the body over time.  Thus the BTTM strives to highlight when the relationship to contact can be improved.  Combined with postural improvements and a targeted reduction in restriction in the body through the LNRT.

A Range of Results From Lazaris Nerve Release Technique:

• Eliminating cross-cantering
• More fluid movement under saddle
• Less anxiety
• Muscle development in the neck and shoulders
• Improved breathing and circulation
• More stability in the body
• Release of nerve impingements
• Improved comfort in horses diagnosed with kissing spine and other chronic medical issues
• Reduced lameness issues

A Typical Lazaris Nerve Release Technique Session Includes:

A typical session includes:

• A postural and movement assessment
• Physical palpation of the horse’s muscle tone
• Working with the horse in Pillar 1 posture
• A discussion and practice session with contact
• And a series of gentle techniques to help the horse begin reprogramming their fascial restrictions and releasing any potential nerve impingements. 
  
  Sessions usually last between 60 and 90 minutes.

Read through a Case Study Here.

What I Love About Lazaris Nerve Technique Release:

What I love about the technique is that the horse’s state of mind and willingness to receive the work are critical.  Some sessions may focus more on helping the horse develop a receptivity for the work, if they struggle with anxiety or are uncertain.  Other horses are ready for deeper work and can handle a full-body session.

How Much Time Between Sessions?

Each horse and human pair progress at their own rate through the BTMM, but I find that adding regular LNRT sessions (every 4-8 weeks) can both jump start the progress initially and help keep the momentum.

Learn More:

If you are interested in learning more about the BTMM or LNRT or would like to book a session, you can contact me here.

You can also take a deeper dive by visiting:  Equine Rehabilitation | Balance Through Movement Method.  
And you can join the Masterclass here: Academy | Balance Through Movement Method.

Another great Bodywork modality that I practice is Equine Hannah Somatics.