Glitter Cowgirl Equine Services

Something to consider as we gear up for riding season…

Did you know the first 60 seconds of grooming can dictate the quality of your entire ride?

In professional yards, grooming is about neuro-immunology, not just dust. By focusing rhythmic strokes on the shoulder and neck, we signal the horse’s nervous system to enter 'parasympathetic dominance.'

The Science:
Natural bristles stimulate the skin to trigger oxytocin release, lowering cortisol and relaxing musculature. This prepares the horse mentally for work.

What to look for:
1. Lowering of the head and neck.
2. Softening of the eye or a deep sigh.
3. Gentle licking and chewing.

The Pro Tip:
Spend your first minute on the left shoulder. Use a medium-stiff natural brush in long, sweeping motions. Wait for the reset before moving on.

Grooming is the bridge between stable and arena: it’s where trust is built and the nervous system is primed.

Save this for your next session. To dive deeper into grooming science, DM me 'REGULATED' to learn more about my ebook, 'The Regulated Horse'.

I am loving this weather and more sunshine during the day! That means it is time to tune-up the ol' mare after sitting all winter on vacation, get started on saddle training with the Mustang, and time to start promoting business again! My calendar is open for evenings after 5 pm on weekdays, and between 9 am and 7 pm on weekends. Text, message or email for appointments! Can't wait to start making the rounds again, and seeing everyone again.

Happy New Year!!! 2026 is the Year of the Horse, so let's make it an awesome year for us all!

Per https://www.equinediseasecc.org/ Kansas continues to have no reported cases of EHV-1, so I have decided to return to 'business as usual' with a small adjustment to increase my bio-security measures. I will be keeping appointments spread out between locations to give me time to get to a neutral location (such as a truck stop) to sanitise all equipment, and provide myself a chance to change my clothing before arriving at the next location. (My footwear will be rubber boots that can be sanitised with my equipment.) If you have other bio-security steps that you would like taken before I arrive at your location, please let me know so I can plan accordingly to accommodate your request.

If you suspect that your animal has a mineral deficiency, I recommend getting a hair analysist done. Reach out to me and I can give you more information.

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What are some of your favorite wellness practices/treats for your horses and yourself??? My husband & I both love using the PEMF machine at home for our own aching bodies.

Some common options - PEMF, Red Light, Cold Laser, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, KT Tape, Cupping, Massage, Acupressure, Active Stretching and/or Cryotherapy.

In light of the current EHV-1 situation, I am temporarily halting routine session visits. If sessions are needed for an acute situation I will make barn calls on a case by case basis and will visit no more than 1 location on any given day. This will allow time for extra bio security measures, and complete disinfecting of all equipment.

Hopefully, this will pass quickly and we can all resume our normal horsey lives.

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Mark DePaolo is a licensed DVM in Texas.

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There is an outbreak in Texas right now, know the signs...

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Do you ever do stretches with your horse?

It does work…

We are here to show you that MagnaWave actually works! With MagnaWave you can reduce pain and inflammation, improve overall wellness, and non-invasively energize your cells for recovery! A lot of people know that…but do you know that? #magnawavelove #pemftherapy #animalwellness #holisticwellness