Equi Balance

Holistic Bodywork & Bowen Therapy
for better performance and happier, healthier horses

Equine Ortho-Bionomy, Positional Release

What is Equine Positional Release?

Equine Positional Release (EPR) is a manual therapy based on the principles of non-force and movement away from pain to achieve joint stabilisation, soft tissue repair and postural re-education.

Where does Equine Positional Release come from?

EPR is adapted from Ortho-Bionomy: an innovative approach to positional release techniques incorporating the mechanism of self-correction, the body’s natural ability to heal. EPR combines the principles found in Homoeopathy (like cures like; less is more) and non-violent horse handling with manual positional release techniques to achieve structural alignment and soundness.

How does EPR work?

EPR uses movement and body position to stimulate a natural reflex found in muscles and joints.
This reflexive ability is part of the nervous system and is called proprioception. It is initiated by touch, movement and positioning of the body. When the body is moved into a comfortable position away from pain or discomfort, the natural response is for the body to relax and re-balance.
This in turn helps:
* Muscles relax and return to their normal tone;
* Joints to return to alignment;
* Blood circulation and nerve supply to improve;
* Pain and tension to reduce;
* Recovery from performance, injury and illness improve.

What can EPR help?

EPR works with the whole body, the horse as a whole. Range of motion, flexibility, strength and endurance all improve once the body can move more freely. Comfortable, pain free movement under saddle or in training will improve attitude and behaviour.

EPR can be used to prevent injuries and to aid in the treatment of injuries including muscle, joint, neck, shoulder, back and leg problems; hoof problems and rehabilitation; problems with movement and gait patterns and reduced performance. Working holistically with the horse and rider improves attitude, understanding, behaviour and performance, along with the horse-rider partnership.

Shoulder before release, shoulderblade is very thight.

Shoulder after a release


EPR was developed by Zarna Cartner. I studied the 1st module with her and will continue to study with her.
Info. from Zarna Carter's website, www.eprortho.com