RE: Belly Lifts

["Suzanne J. Griffin" <FIT-TO-RUB@worldnet.att.net>]

Kat,
Just a FYI...being sensitive or ticklish is OFTEN a sign that soft tissue 
work needs to be done, in all walks of life be it two or four legged.  It 
is the body's way of saying,  ooh I hurt there!  So explore these areas of 
your horse very slowly and with gentle pressure.
susie

-----Original Message-----
From:	Kathy Myers [SMTP:kathy@nvolve.com]
Sent:	Wednesday, January 21, 1998 2:49 PM
To:	ridecamp@endurance.net
Subject:	Re: Belly Lifts

Lucy wrote:
>When I got home, I
>dutifully tried it on Mouse, and she totally ignored me.

Just this morning I was brushing Magnum horse untied
in his paddock .  He thinks I always carry carrots in
my jacket pockets.  Without moving his feet he had
stretched his head all the way around to his hip and
upside down... snif-snuf-snuf... looking as cute as
equinely possible.  His neck went Pop-pop!  Just like
a chiropractor.  :)  Make sure to brush both sides.

For the belly lift I have used a hoof pick.  Plus
you gotta find just the right spot.  Kinda hollow
area.  Start with a gentle poke.  Personally,
Magnum doesn't like this as much and will eventually
pin his ears, stomp a foot, and try to ignore me.
He's sensitive and ticklish though so it's tough.
The thing is, there must be 5 acres of belly under
there!

The other stretch that really helps the back
and topline is the carrot just off the ground
between the front pasturns.  If you can get his
eyes between his front legs and back legs...

:) - kat myers
in San Mateo (No.) Ca. with Magnum the TB ex-racer