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Michelle Method

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11/03/2026

Day 8 Working With Cody! 💪

Today we focused on Cody’s hind end, working on both releasing areas of muscular tension and activating muscles that need additional strength and support.

I also introduced Cody to the Equiband system as a tool to help develop his core stability, postural control, and hind-end strength.

We incorporated in-hand pole work in the round pen, using the Equiband for part of the session to add another layer of proprioceptive awareness, coordination, and muscular engagement.

The goal is to build strength and stability from the inside out, creating a better foundation for balance, movement quality, and eventually improved performance under saddle.

One session at a time. Progress is never linear, but every step counts!

Comment “YOUTUBE” for the full video! 👇👇

For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

11/02/2026

The chin-to-front-fetlock exercise is a simple movement that can provide BIG benefits when performed correctly!

But this isn’t just a stretching exercise. It’s an opportunity to work on body awareness, mobility, coordination, and postural control.

When your horse reaches their nose toward their front fetlock, they’re encouraged to move through the cervical and thoracic regions while coordinating their body to maintain balance.

Why include this exercise?
-Cervical mobility: Encourages controlled movement through the neck rather than relying on stiffness or compensation.
-Proprioception: Helps your horse develop awareness of where their body is in space.
-Postural control: Challenges your horse to maintain balance while changing their head and neck position.
-Motor control: Encourages slow, intentional movement rather than simply achieving a particular stretch.

A few important tips:
-Start with a gentle range of motion. Don’t force your horse’s nose toward their leg.
-Keep the movement slow and controlled.
-Watch for shifting, stepping, twisting, or losing balance.
-Work both sides and pay attention to differences.
-Gradually improve range as your horse develops the mobility and control to perform it comfortably.

Remember: The goal isn’t to see how far your horse can stretch. It’s to develop CONTROL throughout the movement.

Comment “YOUTUBE” below for the full video 👇

For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

11/01/2026

Softness is a skill, not something you should have to force.

When we talk about getting a horse “soft” under saddle, we need to look beyond the head and neck.

True softness involves the whole body. 🐴

Your horse needs to learn how to:
-Relax unnecessary tension without losing stability.
-Engage the muscles needed to support their posture and movement.
-Maintain balance while carrying themselves and responding to the rider.
-Process your aids, coordinate their body, and develop confidence in the task.

This is where strength and conditioning come in.

A horse that struggles with balance, postural stability, coordination, or muscular endurance may find it difficult to maintain a relaxed, organized way of going. What looks like resistance isn’t always a training problem alone.

Sometimes, the horse needs better physical preparation to perform the skill you’re asking of them.

The goal isn’t to make your horse look soft. It’s to develop a horse who has the strength, balance, and understanding to move softly.

That means building a foundation from the ground up, using appropriate exercises, thoughtful progressions, and consistent practice.

And remember: relaxation and engagement aren’t opposites. Your horse needs to learn when to release unnecessary tension and when to activate the muscles that support their body.

***You cannot rush coordination, strength, or understanding. Give your horse the time and repetition they need to succeed.

At The Michelle Method, we focus on developing the horse from the inside out so softness becomes a learned, physically supported skill… not something achieved through force.

Does your horse struggle to soften under saddle like most horses? Comment “HELP” below! 👇

For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

10/31/2026

I’m excited to share that I’ve been given the opportunity to work with HorseHalo to trial their HaloBack and share my honest experience!

Their philosophy is something I appreciate: consistent daily care can make a meaningful difference in supporting our horses’ comfort and performance.

The HaloBack uses red and near-infrared light to provide a gentle, warming experience across the topline. It’s designed to complement daily care routines and support back comfort, relaxation, and post-work recovery.

Here’s how I’m incorporating it into Cody’s routine 👇

I put the HaloBack on for 15 minutes while I clean his stall and complete other barn chores. Once that’s done, we get to work!

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Equine Rehabilitation Therapist, I would never use a wellness product as a substitute for assessment, targeted exercise, or addressing the underlying cause of dysfunction. However, I love exploring tools that may complement a thoughtful, individualized program.

Through The Michelle Method, my focus is on improving strength, postural stability, coordination, and movement quality. A horse’s topline isn’t just about building muscle… it’s about developing the strength and control needed to support comfortable, efficient movement.

After just three days of use, I’ve noticed less back tension and discomfort in Cody so far. It’s still early, and I’m not drawing conclusions about cause and effect, but I’m excited to continue trialing it and sharing honest updates!

Remember: The goal isn’t simply to make a horse feel better temporarily. It’s to support comfort while building the strength and movement patterns that help them thrive long-term.

Would you try adding 15 minutes of light therapy to your horse’s daily routine? 👇
For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

10/30/2026

When performed gently, moving your horse’s tail upward and downward can be a useful way to explore mobility, body awareness, relaxation, and how your horse responds to movement around the pelvis and lumbosacral region.

But don’t make the goal “How far can I move the tail?”

Instead, ask:
“How does my horse respond?” 👀

Watch for:
→ Smooth, relaxed movement
→ Resistance or hesitation
→ Bracing through the back or pelvis
→ Changes in posture
→ Excessive shifting of the feet
→ A difference between moving the tail up vs. down

That last one is especially important.

Asymmetry isn’t automatically a problem, but it is information.

If your horse consistently feels different in one direction, becomes tense, or shows discomfort, don’t force them through it. There may be something worth investigating with your veterinarian or appropriate equine professional.

In The Michelle Method, we don’t use mobility exercises simply to make a horse “looser.”

We want to build the bigger picture:

Mobility → stability → strength → coordination → controlled movement.

Because having access to movement isn’t the same thing as having the strength and control to use that movement well.

💡 And remember: more range ≠ better.

The best movement is comfortable, controlled movement that your horse can actively organize.

Use gentle pressure, stay within your horse’s comfortable range, and let their response guide you.

Sometimes the simplest exercises teach you the most about your horse.

Comment “YOUTUBE” 👇 below for the full video!

For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

10/29/2026

Does your horse REALLY know where their feet are? 👀🐴

That’s where proprioception comes in!

Proprioception is your horse’s ability to sense where their body and limbs are in space without having to look at them. It plays an important role in coordination, balance, postural control, and adapting to different movement demands.

And guess what? Pole work can be a great way to challenge these skills when it’s introduced thoughtfully!

💡 Here’s how to make pole work more purposeful:

🔹 Vary the distance: Adjust spacing to encourage your horse to organize their stride and coordinate limb placement. Start with comfortable, consistent distances before introducing variation.

🔹 Change the angle: Set poles at a slight angle to encourage your horse to adjust their foot placement and body position. Keep the setup simple and safe.

🔹 Adjust the height: Once your horse is confident stepping over poles on the ground, small increases in height can introduce a different movement demand. Higher isn’t automatically better!

The Michelle Method approach: Don’t just make exercises harder… make them appropriate for YOUR horse.

Start with a setup your horse can navigate calmly, rhythmically, and without rushing or stumbling. Change ONE variable at a time, watch how your horse responds, and adjust accordingly.

If your horse becomes tense, repeatedly hits poles, rushes, or loses coordination, simplify the exercise. These signs may indicate the task is too challenging, fatigue is setting in, or another issue needs attention.

Remember: the goal isn’t to see how complicated you can make the exercise. It’s to help your horse develop better body awareness, coordination, and movement quality.

For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

10/28/2026

When used appropriately, the Equiband system provides gentle resistance and sensory feedback that can encourage your horse to become more aware of how they use their body. 💪

Here’s why I may incorporate it into a horse’s program through The Michelle Method:
-Core engagement: Encourages activation of the abdominal muscles that contribute to trunk stability.
-Postural awareness: Provides sensory feedback that may help a horse develop greater awareness of their body position.
-Topline development: Can complement progressive exercises designed to improve postural control and muscular strength.
-Movement quality: May help support better coordination and control when combined with purposeful groundwork.
-Strength and stability: Adds another tool to a structured program focused on building strength before asking for more advanced skills.

🐎 But here’s what matters most: The Equiband isn’t a magic fix for a weak topline, poor posture, or movement asymmetries.

At The Michelle Method, we focus on the why behind the movement. We assess the horse, identify areas that need attention, and select exercises that match their current ability.

The Equiband is a tool… not a substitute for appropriate assessment, progressive loading, or veterinary evaluation when pain or lameness is suspected.

More resistance doesn’t automatically mean better results! The goal is to develop strength, stability, coordination, and movement quality without overwhelming the horse.

Have you tried the Equiband with your horse?

For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

10/27/2026

Today was Day 7 working with Cody, and we focused on his hind end and sacroiliac (SI) region!

Based on what I’ve found throughout Cody’s assessment and our previous sessions, today’s goal was to address areas of muscle tension while beginning to build strength and improve how he uses his body.

Our session included:
-Relaxation & Muscle Tension: Working to help relax tight muscles and encourage more comfortable movement.
-Strengthening: Beginning to activate and strengthen weaker muscles to support better stability and movement quality.
-Free Lunging: Allowing Cody to move freely in the round pen while observing how he organizes and controls his body without a rider.
-Self-Carriage: Encouraging Cody to develop better control of his own body rather than relying on external support to maintain his balance.
-Balance, Coordination & Proprioception: Using movement to help him improve his body awareness, coordination, and ability to adjust to changes in direction and position.

One of the most important things to remember is that building strength isn’t just about making muscles bigger. It’s about helping a horse learn to use their body more effectively.

When we work on balance, coordination, and body awareness alongside progressive strengthening, we’re helping create a better foundation for everything that comes next.

With Cody, we’re taking things one step at a time, paying attention to how he responds, and adjusting our approach based on his individual needs.

This is what The Michelle Method is all about: assessment first, intentional exercise selection, and progressive development from the inside out.

We’re still early in Cody’s journey, and I’m excited to keep sharing his progress with you!

Comment “YOUTUBE” 👇 for the FULL workout video!

For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

10/26/2026

A gentle tail pull can be used as a form of isometric postural challenge… asking your horse to organize their body and maintain balance while an outside force changes their position.

And that’s where the real benefit lies.

You’re not trying to see how hard you can pull.

You’re asking:
“Can my horse maintain control of their body when their balance is challenged?”

A controlled tail pull may help develop awareness of:
→ Trunk and core stability
→ Postural control
→ Weight shifting
→ Proprioception
→ Balance and coordination
→ The horse’s ability to resist an external force without excessive bracing

Does your horse:
• Stay relaxed?
• Maintain their posture?
• Make a small, controlled weight shift?
• Recover their balance smoothly?

Or do they brace, step repeatedly, hollow their back, swing their head, or become tense?

Those details can tell you far more than simply completing the exercise.

And this is an important distinction in The Michelle Method:

An exercise isn’t valuable because it looks impressive. It’s valuable because of the adaptation we’re trying to create.

We don’t need maximum force.

We need the right amount of challenge for the individual horse.

Start with extremely gentle pressure, keep the movement controlled, and never force a horse through resistance or discomfort.

Strength isn’t just the ability to create movement. It’s the ability to CONTROL movement when your environment changes.

That’s the foundation we’re building when we train for long-term soundness, not just another trick to add to the workout.

Comment “YOUTUBE” for more horse exercise how-to videos!!

For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

10/25/2026

You don’t need MORE exercises. You need to know WHY you’re doing them…

If you’ve been working hard with your horse but aren’t seeing the progress you hoped for, you’re not alone.

Maybe you’ve tried pole work, stretching, lunging, or countless exercises you’ve seen online. But without a structured plan, it can be difficult to know:
✨ Which weaknesses actually need addressing?
✨ Is your horse strong enough for the exercises you’re asking them to do?
✨ When should you progress, regress, or change the approach?
✨ Are you building strength and stability or simply repeating movements?

Here’s what I want you to understand: more work doesn’t automatically mean better results.

Your horse needs the RIGHT work, at the RIGHT difficulty, progressed at the RIGHT time. 💪

At The Michelle Method, we take an individualized approach to equine strength and conditioning, focusing on the foundations that support better movement: postural control, muscular strength, coordination, balance, and stability.

We build from the inside out, meeting your horse where they are today and progressing as they develop. Because strength comes before skill, and stability creates the foundation for more supple, coordinated movement.

And you don’t have to figure it all out alone!

I’m opening 2 more spots for October for horse owners who want a personalized training plan, progressive workouts, and guidance on what their horse needs next.

Your horse deserves more than guesswork. They deserve a plan.

Comment “READY” 👇👇 if you’re ready to help your horse build strength, stability, and suppleness.

For more information, please visit:
www.Michelle-Method.com

Disclaimer: The Michelle Method is a paid strength and conditioning program. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting a new program.

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