Judah Lyons classes and training in Equine Massage

Imagine this concept for a moment: an animal whose natural way of movement is severely compensated by the addition of a rider and saddle on its back. In addition, its hooves are carved in a geometric configuration that we deem to be "correct" to ensure durability and stability for our purposes. Now to get a clear understanding of the impact of this relationship on the muscular skeletal system of the horse, imagine yourself with an ill-fitting backpack, a considerable load that is constantly shifting, and a pair of shoes that do not fit. Now imagine how your body would feel physically and emotionally after hours trekking in the hills! Think you might enjoy some bodywork?

The horse has brought sheer joy and love to people all over the planet for thousands of years. For this reason, it is my intention to bring one of the top healing modalities, with a 100 year old history in the USA, to the global equine community. As a former anatomy instructor at one of the top massage schools in America, it is very apparent that the horse benefits hugely both physically and mentally from various forms of bodywork. It makes perfect anatomical and physiological sense.  As an endurance rider who has kept Arabians in his backyard as well as Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds, I have experienced first hand the benefits of regular Cranial Sacral therapy, Structural Integration work and other forms of physical therapy for the equine athlete. They stay emotionally and physically sounder if bodywork is added weekly to their regimen. And who better to administer this work then their “owners” who have an intimate relationship with them. Many of us use every means possible to insure their mental and physical performances remain in tip top shape, but often neglect a form of physical therapy, which is as important as nutritional supplementation. If the equine athlete is pushed to extremes, the need is even greater!

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I have been an equestrian most of my life and everything I know that principles that apply to people are applicable to the horse. To a sensitive rider, the value of SI work on the horse is both physically and emotiona lly obvious. Performing Structural Integration on both horse and rider enhances their interaction and can create a new level of harmony between them. Equine cranial sacral and myofascial trigger point work are brilliant and effective forms of physical therapy for restoring normal function and range of motion for the equine athlete. Most importantly, the horses deeply appreciate this form of communication and compassion with us. It creates a whole new realm that enhances our relationships with them. It is a magnificent approach that allows us to give back to them for all that they have done and continue to do for us.

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"My horse suffered a series of falls-end over end-in his pasture. He was badly shaken and bruised. It was obvious he suffered neck injuries as he turned his neck very stiffly. After a week I had Judah come work on my horse. He has a very gentle calming nature and went right to the places on his neck that needed help. His neck actually popped! My horse sighed with relief. He was visibly calmer and able to move his neck more freely.

Judah really made a big difference in my horses attitude and overall demeanor. He uses different methods depending on the site and animals response from the Bowen Technique to cranial sacral-which my horse really seems to enjoy. My horse is by nature a bit stand offish and welcomed Judah's touch. He highly recommends this man!"  Franziska Graham - Moloa'a, Kauai

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 "When you watch Judah Lyons with a horse you experience a welcome awakening. Horses respond to his touch with an immediacy that reminds us of what we seek in them. There is recognition, release and grateful movement that will bring the observer back to the present. This is a dance of healing and learning where the horse is invited to share the lead... the teaching.

As with all real art, Judah's work speaks directly to the heart and suggests unlimited possibilities, not only for horses but for the people who love them. The really astounding successes with my own horses has been inspiring and humbling. I wish for all my horse friends to have Judah meet them where they live."  Marianne Benezet, Martinez, California

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"Magic is a thirteen-year old quarter horse. He was six when I bought him and I was his seventh owner. He had been used as a roping horse at a young age and developed a bad back. He was often lame more than he was sound.

I had heard about Judah Lyons through a friend and called him to a setup an appointment. When he arrived, he gave me some history on himself and explained the principals of what he was going to do. At the end of the first treatment I saw a change in the way Magic carried himself. Throughout the week he seemed to be more relaxed in terms of how he moved. On the second treatment Magic was so relaxed he fell asleep and hit his nose on the rail. That week I noticed a big improvement in terms of how Magic moved under saddle. He seemed a lot more fluid. By the ti"me we got to the third treatment I felt like for the first time in years I knew that Magic was not in any kind of pain."

 Leann Boudreau, Sydney, Australia