For Horses
Debono Moves was developed by Mary Debono based on her training in the Feldenkrais Method. Through this method, you can improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement. Mary combined her Feldenkrais studies with her knowledge of animal bio-mechanics, behavior and training, to develop a hands-on approach that helps animals. Just like in humans, this method helps the animal move more freely, can minimize the effects of aging and injury, improve athletic performance, and enhance communication between human and animal. While I have trained and studied many different methods over the years, the focus of my work with horses is now the Debono Moves Method.
The Debono Moves method is unique in that it provides all the benefits of traditional bodywork while also reeducating the nervous system after injuries. It also improves overall coordination and ease of movement to reduce the chance of injury in the first place. Another unique aspect of this work is that it can be utilized while a horse is being tacked up and even with a rider in the saddle. My focus is helping teach owners how to work with their own horses using this method. I offer private sessions and small group workshops. I have studied with Mary since 2010 and am endorsed by her to represent her work. To learn more please visit her website. marydebono.com
https://www.marydebono.com/blog/equine-massage-or-Feldenkrais-Equine Massage or Feldenkrais Method®️: What’s the Difference?
Other products and services I use in the equine work are:
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Testimonials
“Leah Astrup is a gifted practitioner and teacher of Debono Moves. She possesses a unique blend of intelligence, kindness, and skill. Over the many years that I’ve known Leah, I have witnessed her dedication to enhancing her knowledge and expertise, in a variety of approaches, all of which benefit her clients and students. What impresses me most about Leah is her unwavering commitment to her clients and her craft. She is constantly seeking new ways to improve her practice and her thirst for knowledge and growth is inspiring. I’m privileged to call Leah a talented colleague, and friend.” -Mary Debono
“Initially, I reached out to Leah for help with keeping my aged mare feeling great, and had her evaluate my four year old mare as an afterthought. We eventually found that the behaviors I thought were related to my young horses inexperience were actually due to pain from ulcers. Despite my scientific training as a practicing veterinarian, I still had some serious, preconceived, notions, fears, biases, and denial to work through before I could get to a place mentally and emotionally where I could accept that something was very wrong. After consulting with my equine veterinarian, we decided to treat for ulcers for one month and then reevaluate. Words cannot express how grateful I am for Leah’s ability to open my mind without judgment at her recommendation to consider an internal issue as the cause for the, at times, dangerous behavior my mare was displaying. My horse truly made 100% improvement and we are now back to enjoying each other. Thank you Leah for giving me and my horses relief. We look forward to continuing to partner with you.” -Erin Whalin, DVM
“Working with Leah has been eye opening. If you want a clear understanding of the harmony that can be achieved between the horse and rider, Leah is an amazing resource. Not only does she do a great job giving you the tools to help your horse develop better posture and body awareness, she also gives that same awareness to riders. Giving you a seamless understanding of how your posture can influence your horse and what approaches would be best for you to improve that influence. She has great attention to detail without the work feeling tedious, dull or repetitive. I can't recommend Leah's approach enough. She has fabulous insight for riders and disciplines of all types and levels.” -Jayne Bailey
“I have had Leah perform body work on my mare and I’m always impressed with her ability to interpret what the horse needs. She draws from a very diverse pallet of techniques which gives her more options to allow the horse to accept the work, especially when there are areas of tensioner soreness. She’s gentle and considerate, and knows when a particular technique is too much for my horse to handle. This is essential for getting my sensitive mare to relax and get the full benefit of the session. Leah will always give me homework to do in between sessions, and she will pass along helpful articles and educational resources, which I very much appreciate. She’s an amazing person who cares deeply about horses, and the people who care for them.”
-Susan Lafferty