A Whole-Horse Approach to Functional Mobility & Performance
Understand the whole horse. Address compensation patterns. Support better movement.
Equine bodywork in Diamond Valley, the Foothills and the Calgary area.
Committed to the horse
Welcome to The Equine Bodyworker - Catherin Gunkel.
Every horse has its own history, movement patterns and demands. My approach looks beyond individual symptoms to understand contributing factors and compensation patterns throughout the body.
Combining CranioSacral Therapy, Masterson Method® techniques and myofascial release, I assess each horse as a whole and tailor my work to its individual needs.
Whether your horse is competing, training, enjoying the trails or simply enjoying life, my goal is to support functional mobility, movement quality and comfort as part of your horse's wider healthcare team.
How Equine Bodywork Can Support Your Horse
Recovery and Rehabilitation Support
Addressing compensation patterns following injury, lameness or periods of altered movement, alongside appropriate veterinary care and rehabilitation.
Supporting Whole-Body Function
Considering how changes in hoof balance, dental care, training demands and management may influence movement and function throughout the body.
Young and Developing Horses
Supporting functional movement and body awareness as young horses prepare for and adapt to ridden work.
Performance and Maintenance
Identifying restrictions and compensation patterns that may influence posture, movement quality and athletic performance.
Changes in Behaviour or Responses
Exploring whether physical tension or movement restrictions may be contributing to changes in how a horse responds to handling, training or riding.
An Approach Tailored to Your Horse
No two horses are the same. Each session is guided by the horse's individual presentation, history and needs. Depending on my assessment, I may use one modality or combine and adapt different approaches throughout the session.
My work focuses on understanding how the body functions as a whole, addressing relevant restrictions and supporting functional mobility.
Equine bodywork complements veterinary care, farriery, training and management as part of your horse's wider healthcare team.
What Horse Owners Say
Kind words from horse owners
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“The targeted homework… is invaluable.”
“I really appreciate the targeted homework so that I can continue to help my mare find ease in movement. The combination of hands-on teaching, video clips and handouts to refer back to between sessions is invaluable.”
— Diana
“The education I’ve received from her is extraordinary.”
“It helps me to continue to follow up with the proper care for my horse in between visits… as we continue with our sessions, homework and watch the progress being made.”
— Jacquie
“She was thorough and took the time to explain her findings.”
“I really appreciated the exercises she showed me that I can do on my own, as well as the discussions on nutrition, exercises and riding. I truly felt that she was invested in the care of both my horse and me.”
— Brenda
Every horse has a story. Let's look at what your horse's body is telling us.