Equine Neuromuscular Based Dentistry & Jaw Realignment
a progressive whole horse practice
Equine Neuromuscular Based Dentistry & Jaw Realignment
a progressive whole horse practice
Everything that restricts motion in the jaw, restricts motion in the entire body
There are close direct connections as well as indirect connections between the different structures and systems of the body. What happens in the mouth is influence to superficial and deep myofascial connections within the equine body including the digestive system and organs, the nervous system and the musculoskeletal systems, understanding this can help us to more effectively rehabilitate the whole horse.
“My herd has been calmer and happier!” Jenifer - Ramona, CA
WHAT IS NEUROMUSCULAR HORSE DENTISTRY™
Everything that restricts motion in the jaw, restricts motion in the entire body.
Teeth and stomatognathic system are an integral part of the vestibular proprioceptive balancing mechanism. The nervous system and the righting reflexes are highly dependent on sensory information from dental occlusion.
Think about that and all the implications of correct dental occlusion and the horizon for the state of the nervous system and balance.
If the teeth are not in balance to the individual, the TMJ becomes compromised, and compensations in the body begins. When the horses teeth are not in anatomical correct alignment: nerve impulses and transmission of messages to multiple acupuncture points in the body are restricted. These impulses and messages affect for example organ function, the sensory apparatus and proprioception. Thus, anything that restricts motion in the mouth, restricts motion in the entire body.
For the past years, traditional equine dentistry focused primarily on the theory that eliminating points on molars was necessary to enable a horse to eat better. However, research conducted by Spencer LaFlure, founder of the NBD school, actually found a different approach to be true--that horses need proper inclination on their teeth for correct anterior, posterior and lateral motion of mastication.
Neuromuscular based horse dentistry™, is dedicated to realigning the jaw with ergonomically correct hand-held instruments designed and patented by LaFlure to achieve optimal neuromuscular, proprioceptive and physical function in a horse’s whole body. These precision instruments are more effective for the practitioner and the horse, and also minimize soft tissue damage and discomfort after dentistry. Starting with the incisors, it provides guidance and stability to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), followed by adjustments to the molar table surface to provide anatomically correct inclination. By adjusting the inclination of a horse's dentition, the horse gains a complete and natural movement of its jaw*.
This balances the TMJ and maximizes surface-to-surface contact between teeth, allowing the horse to maintain or regain its full, natural bodily function.
The balance of the jaw impacts the horse, his health and soundness, alignment sees improvement in the horses movement, hoof balance, behavior, metabolism and muscle development.
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Whole Horse Perspectives
ABOUT ANNA
Combining gentleness, ethical standards, and evidence-based approaches with an intuitive understanding, is at the heart of my work.
Over the course of a life time I have pursued education in different areas of equine well being learning from world renowned methodologies motivated by the desire to help domestic horses heal from unethical practices. While working with horses, mules, donkeys and their people in Italy, Hawaii and Arizona, within training, and then hoof care, I quickly realized that considering the whole horse is crucial no matter if the problem we see is in the hoof, the gut, the mind or in the body. Nothing in the body works alone or can function alone, and a lot of pathology begins in the mouth. I have always been fascinated by the very important role of teeth and the jaw for the horse, a role greater than just eating. As a hoof care provider I was noticing patterns in the horses mind, body and metabolism that had me wondering why despite excellent care some horses never seemed to stay in balance and optimal health, and I wondered where this was stemming from. It was an obvious choice to enroll in Spencer La Flure’s school of Neuromuscular Horse Dentistryhttp://www.neuromuscularhorsedentistry.com
At a current level 4 I have attended and successfully completed four levels at the NBD school.
As an NBD we are trained to work with the horse not ‘on the horse‘. Lots of horses present mouth anxiety from previously having their arcades flattened and smoothed, for this reason maintaining a calm demeanor and communicating with the horse through instrument placement, timing and moving with them is a key part of this work. Horses are very aware of our intentions and allowing them the space to understand and work with us helps build a cooperative experience.
We often work alongside veterinarians, body workers, farriers and other professionals involved in the care of the horse. “A circle of influence“ with like minded professionals working together is a powerful asset for a horse.
When it comes to hoof care I don’t follow one hoof care model. I blend world recognized methods with my own equine-led approach, influenced by the research of Dr. Bowker, for each unique situation, prioritizing comfort and the whole horse.
As a certified Trust Technique Practitioner since 2019 I have also been dedicated to using, and teaching mindfulness practices for nervous system co-regulation, as well as teaching horse owners about ethical practices to enhance their horses emotional and physical well being, herd dynamics, herd integrations, and ethical herd management via principles of equine ethology.
Considering the whole horse including management and environment, by optimizing a holistic approach all around is important to keep happy & healthy horses head to toe.
Learning from rescue horses has been a key component of how I work with all equines. In 2021 with my husband we founded a non-profit and have worked for the rehabilitation and rehoming of equines by providing a “wild horse” environment, and achieving heartwarming results with highly traumatized and neglected animals.
I have since served the south western horses and travel to near by states with Whole Horse Perspectives LLC.
I am also a graduate of Windward Community College- University of Hawaii in Psycho Social Developmental Studies and a former life coach for the state of Hawaii. Certified holistic equine nutritionist with Holistic Animal Studies and continuing my education in holistic nutrition to provide the best guidance and resources to clients, particularly those with endocrine challenged horses.
I live with my husband, our dogs and our herd of horses, mustangs, minis and mules. This herd is my why. They have taught us a lot over the years and continue to teach. Most of them came to us with severe hoof problems, and were challenged in a way or another.
For this reason my great passion became hooves, the connection with teeth, and the intricacies of metabolic disorders, this area is a big part of my life, work.
Continued Education
Currently working on my equine dentistry certification, I am committed to a never ending learning journey. I continue to update my skills by staying current on classes and seminars, so that I can better serve my clients and their horses.
Field work along side teachers, staying up to date with aligned methodologies and scientific research is a priority, as well as learning from every horse I meet and work with.
A big part of this work is also educating clients. I strive to leave every care taker educated, and empowered, and in a listening state with their animal, confident to make sensible decisions now and in the future, that are ethical and feel right to them and the animals in their care. The horse will always be the best judge of our work.