Hanna Somatics exercises were developed to do just that.
Have you ever wondered if you could support your horse in a different way?
One that empowers your horse in a way unlike any other bodywork or training techniques?
What if you didn't have to do hours of strengthening exercises in-hand or under saddle each week to help your horse improve their posture and movement?
What if your horse could do it on their own?
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Through gently guided cooperative movements, your horse will voluntarily contract and slowly release groups of muscles throughout their body. When done correctly, these muscle contractions are initiated from a different part of the brain than is usually used to control movement.
By inviting the horse to shift the level of brain control during an Equine Hanna Somatics session, I help the horse to reset their resting muscle tone and remind the horse's brain what relaxed muscles feel like.
This work is based on the natural tendency of horses to pandiculate (a natural polysynaptic reflex hardwired into the brainstems of all mammals).
Because I ask the horse to participate by moving their own body, I am not doing anything TO the horse, but simply REMINDING the brain how to do something it already knows how to do!
BENEFITS:
- Performance enhancement
- Increased range of motion
- Flexibility, suppleness, and straightness
- Injury prevention and career extension
- Relaxation and well-being
- Enhance bonding with their human
Check out a short video course that is available for owners to learn how to do some introductory exercises with their horses.
For more detailed information about how and why Hannah Somatic works for and with Equines:
This proprietary manual therapy was developed by Celeste Lazaris to help release fascial holdings that keep joints restricted and cause compression over the main nerve highways in the body. The technique facilitates release of the bracing muscles that prevent horses from accessing their bodies for effective in-hand and under saddle development and incorporates proprioceptive exercises to help the horses retain the work in between sessions.
If you'd like to to learn more about this technique and how it helps horses, read this post.
BENEFITS:
- Supports a healthy nervous system
- Reduces restriction
- Improves thoracic sling function
- Releases nerve impingements
Read MORE
Improving Connection through the Lazaris Nerve Release Technique
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.
READ MORE
Empowering Your Horse through Equine Hanna Somatics
What if you could help your horse develop better range of motion and balance without years of exhausting training? This is where Hanna Somatics comes in.
Equine Hanna Somatics (EHS) exercises are based on a postural assessment of your horse, both at rest and moving.
"The Pictures Speak For Themselves!"
“Big shout out to Gail Thuner for working magic on my guy with the Lazaris Nerve Technique. this guy has been a lot of onion layers to peel back over the last few months, my OTTB training project for the RRP. He used to be very tense, a bit aggressive, incredibly unbalanced and a cribber. He’s been doing BTMM since mid December, mostly pillar 1, and made amazing changes but was feeling a little at a plateau.
I happened to be searching the website to see if any new practitioners had popped up in my area and low and behold, Gail was there. She was so kind, caring, empathetic, and understanding, we saw a lot of big releases, and clearly you can see an amazing change in what was maybe 60-90 mins between pics. I highly recommend Gail. The pictures speak for themselves. Thank you!”
Before
After
Testimonial
Retirement Rejuvenation
Lazaris Method
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Bodywork + Time
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Case Study Examples
OTTB TURNAROUND
My clients often report that their horses feel softer, that they enjoy being around them more, that they can touch them in places that used to cause discomfort, and that working with them feels easier. Here are a few examples of results my clients have seen with their horses:
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CK
A Quarter horse/Thoroughbred mare in her late twenties had been retired from riding by her owner because she felt the mare was not able to handle even light work any longer. I did a single session of Lazaris Nerve Release Technique and within a couple of weeks, the owner realized that the mare was moving more energetically and in better balance.
So much so that she started riding her again!
They have been enjoying light work out on the trails regularly during the last year, with no follow up session needed.
Retirement Rejuvenation
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CK
An OTTB who had raced for at least six years was exhibiting signs of being shut down, but would also try to bite and kick his owner while being groomed and tacked up. He also struggled with extreme separation anxiety.
I did the first bodywork session with no contact while the horse was loose in his pasture with his friends because the horse was so sensitive. I continued working with the owner and the horse for several sessions for over a year as we progressively released the patterns that were contributing to the behavior.
Both the horse and the owner are now connecting in new and deeper ways and are able to work together safely.
"Now, the owner can simply walk into the horse’s stall and groom the horse with no halter."
OTTB Turnaround
credentials
Which locations do you cover?
I primarily serve northern Virginia, but I will travel to areas nearby for a travel fee.
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It depends a little on the modality I use for the session. At a minimum, the horse needs to be in a space where they feel comfortable plus a small area to walk around. Examples are a stall with a barn aisle, a round pen, and arena, even the horse’s turnout paddock or field can work. I am also happy to work with the horse with their friends nearby as long as it is safe to do so.
What kind of space is needed for a session?
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It depends on the horse and the work you are willing to do in between sessions. I typically recommend planning for at least three sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart and then re-assessing. I find that clients who schedule the first three sessions closer together and who follow my recommendations for exercises to do between sessions see faster and more dramatic results. Booking additional sessions beyond the first three at an interval that matches your horse’s needs and your resources can facilitate greater healing and improved connection between you and your horse. However, most clients start seeing improvements after a single session.
How many sessions do I need to book to see results?
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Sessions vary based on your horse’s (and your) needs. Typical sessions are focused on either Equine Hanna Somatics or the Lazaris Nerve Release Technique, but may also include kinesiology taping, red light therapy, gentle massage, cranial sacral therapy, sound/vibrational healing, or other energy work. I may also work with you on Hanna Somatics exercises and exercises to do with your horse. I follow up each session with a written summary and recommendations.
What is included in a session?
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The cost varies, depending on what you would like to work on and where you are located. Please contact me to get a quote.
How much does a session cost?
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Session time varies based on the horse’s needs and responses as well as based on what you would like to explore. Typically, though, a session is an hour to an hour and a half.
How long does a session last?
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