April 25, 26, 27 - Canterbury Park
Sponsored by the Minnesota Horse Council
Back to main menu | Email Us

Doug Knick
Equine Bodywork

Friday and Saturday
5:00pm-6:00pm
Tent Arena

Healthy Horse = Happy Horse; Happy Horse = Happy Rider

During the equine bodywork demonstration, participants will gain an understanding of what equine bodywork is and is not; will differentiate between reaction and restriction, between symptoms and source; will observe the subtle and not subtle forms of communication, will witness why awareness of fascia is so critical all the while observing several equine bodywork techniques.

The journey with horses for Doug began at the age of five when he received his first horse. Thunder, a Shetland Palomino, lived up to his farm name, Thunder and Blitzen, and taught Doug how to ride. His grandpa who in his adolescent years used horses to farm asked, “Why do you want a horse?” With a smile, Doug answered, “Why not!”

Doug credits his grandpa’s horsemanship skills as the foundation for his understanding and appreciation for horses. “I was taught how to see the horse, feel the horse, and listen to the horse.” The components to effective communication. That foundation was the bedrock of the journey with horses that included: a breeding program, leadership programs, equine therapy program, starting colts and training program, riding lessons program, equine bodywork, and a doctoral thesis entitled, From The Stable to The Classroom: The Power Dynamics Within A Herd And A Classroom.

Understanding what horses were communicating led Doug to the Masterson Method, followed by advanced anatomy courses, myofascial research, craniosacral therapy, and developing his techniques for working with horses to move them towards a healthy, happy existence.