The Larsen Group

Circles of Change:  Conversations with Dr. Zara Larsen

 on Change Leadership and Career Fulfillment

June 3, 2009

"EquiStride Services:  New Horizons through Partnership"

Guest: Rene Noriega

(520) 490-8125         spurstrap AT peoplepc.com

Anchoring Points:

1. My career has been with the Coast Guard, as a policeman, and 20 years with a federal law enforcement agency.  Five years ago I was inspired by a television documentary on physical therapy to help injured animals. I grew up thinking that horses are tools, not knowing how to, nor having the time to train with them as real partners.  I set off to “build a new career” that some day I would segue to full time.

2. The mission of EquiStride Services is to provide the best service to my client by providing a thorough and dedicated safe session for the horse.  This work is an adaptation of approaches codified by the Roman and Greek soldiers as they would prepare their horses for battle plus help them recover afterwards.  

3. Horses usually heal themselves once they realize the pain in no longer there, or their predisposition is removed.  They are very defensive when they are hurt, and I discover and then focus on what is causing the pain.  This is complementary but not intended to replace veterinary care – enhancing the healing process by addressing recent injuries and bringing comfort to the horse, allowing the natural process to take place.

4. Backed with over 250 hours of specialized training and life experience with horses, I work on the horses’ issues physically in 30-40 minutes sessions, allowing both emotional and physical release for these true athletes. You cannot train through pain.

5. The healing modalities are all non-invasive and include:

·        Sports massage for increased range of motion, enhanced performance

     and gait quality, and increased circulation

·        Acupressure for relief to muscular skeletal pain

·        Structural integration to restore balance from compensatory posture

·        Emotional release using hands-on modalities and relationship exercises

6. What I do is just too much fun – in no way is this work.  EquiStride Services is a passion that is opening all sorts of new horizons for me and others.