Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about the treatments or programs at Cabalancé?
That is completely understandable.
You want to know what to expect, how I work, and whether this is the right step for you and your horse.
On this page, you will find clear answers to the questions I am asked most often.
So you know exactly what to expect and can make your decision with confidence.
- About holistic osteopathy
- About your horse
- About training and sport
- About my programs
- Practical questions
- About trust and expectations
A traditional osteopath often focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system. Holistic osteopathy looks beyond that. In addition to muscles and joints,it also considers nutrition,internal processes,stress factors,training,and management. The body is not viewed as an isolated system,but as part of a much bigger whole.
No. The foundation lies in anatomy, biomechanics and physiology. The holistic aspect does not mean vague, it simply means that multiple influences are observed simultaneously. A horse is never just one isolated joint or one individual muscle.
No. Not intentionally. The techniques are gentle and fully adapted to what the horse can handle. The goal is to invite the body to release, not to force it.
When performed correctly and adapted to the individual situation,osteopathy is safe. Medical history and possible contraindications are always carefully taken into account.
No. In cases of acute injury, fever, colic or medical conditions, a veterinarian is essential. Osteopathy can however be a valuable addition within a broader care team.
Yes,in many cases absolutely.
An osteopathic treatment can be especially valuable when a horse is recovering from a medical condition or undergoing intensive veterinary treatment.
When a horse is ill, has undergone surgery or receives long-term medication, the body often carries a significant amount of tension. Pain, discomfort and immobility easily create restrictions and compensatory patterns elsewhere in the body. Those compensations require energy from the system to maintain.
During an osteopathic session,I therefore do not work directly on the medical issue itself, but rather on the rest of the body surrounding it. By reducing tension and restrictions elsewhere, the body can use its energy more efficiently for healing where it is needed most.
A simple example:
A horse receiving intensive treatment for an eye condition – or any other medical issue – can become stiff and tense throughout the body due to stress, posture or reduced movement. By restoring more balance and freedom of movement within the body, I support the natural recovery process.
The same often applies to horses on prolonged stall rest after a fracture or injury. Limited movement frequently creates tension in other areas of the body. Gentle osteopathic guidance can help keep the body supple during recovery allowing rehabilitation afterwards to progress more smoothly.
Important: Osteopathy never replaces veterinary care. When a horse is under veterinary supervision, I always work in addition to – and within the boundaries of – medical guidance.
In reality, every horse that is ridden or trained benefits from osteopathy.
Often the signs are subtle: crookedness, difficulty with transitions, recurring tension, behavioural changes, reduced muscle development or simply the feeling that “something is not quite right”.
Even your sense of doubt itself is often a sign worth exploring further.
Yes. Waiting until obvious symptoms appear is absolutely unnecessary and honestly,not recommended. Preventive guidance can help identify tension early and prevent larger issues from developing. Prevention over curing! Any. And. Every. Day.
In addition a horse that is treated regularly is often far more resilient after events such as a fall compared to a horse receiving treatment for the very first time after an accident.
Absolutely. A horse can perform well while still compensating internally. The earlier tension is recognised, the less deeply patterns become ingrained. We should never forget that horses are masters at hiding pain as an instinctive survival response. On top of that, they share a bond with us and will always try their best to do what we ask of them. So yes, restrictions are often present. They are simply not always obvious to the untrained eye.
Every treatment is fully adapted to the individual horse. No two horses are the same. Each horse has its own pain threshold, tempo, character and history. My role is to help and guide the horse towards relaxation and release without pushing beyond what it can handle.
With sensitive or anxious horses,a first treatment may sometimes look less “pretty” than people expect. When a horse has carried tension or insecurity for a long time, the body often has to move through that layer first before true release can happen.
That process requires time, respect and clear communication.
Interestingly, sensitive horses are often the horses that communicate the clearest. They react quickly to what they feel inside their bodies. Because of that, they often show me the core of the issue much faster than horses that have become shut down or passive.
My role during treatment is to read those signals,gently guide the horse,and create space within the body step by step.
Always in dialogue with the horse.
Always within what the horse can handle.
That differs from horse to horse. Some horses show more relaxation or freedom of movement immediately, while others need a few days to integrate the treatment.
After a session,the body usually continues processing for another three to seven days. During that time, muscles, connective tissue and organs can continue adapting to the changes within the body.
Sometimes,a horse may feel slightly stiffer or more tired for a short period. This is comparable to mild muscle soreness after training and usually disappears on its own.
Because every horse responds differently,I can never predict exactly how your horse will feel after the session. What I do recommend, is keeping your horse lightly moving in the days that follow. Calm work and light training help the body integrate the changes more smoothly.
Yes,in most cases treatment during pregnancy is possible. During the first months, treatment can even be very valuable to reduce tension in the body and help the mare move through pregnancy as comfortably as possible.
From around month eight I usually choose to give the mare’s body more rest. At this stage, the body is constantly adapting to the growth and position of the foal. Some mares naturally start compensating in posture or movement. Actively trying to correct those compensations at that moment may work against the body rather than support it.
When support is still needed, I only work with very gentle techniques such as craniosacral therapy or acupressure. These help the body relax and support communication between the different systems,without placing unnecessary strain on the mare.
The pregnancy itself is of course always monitored in collaboration with the veterinarian.
After birth, treatment can become especially valuable again. During pregnancy and foaling, the muscles, ligaments and pelvis are placed under significant strain. A session in the first weeks after birth can help the mare’s body recover,stabilise,and rebuild strength.
In most cases,no. In fact, I prefer your horse to keep moving lightly after treatment.
Movement helps the body integrate the changes created during the session. When a horse is put on complete rest, the body can more easily fall back into old compensation patterns.
In the days after treatment, I usually recommend light work. Think calm riding, groundwork, mobilising exercises or anything that helps the body keep moving softly. You will always receive concrete advice from me on what type of work and which exercises are most supportive at that moment.
The only exception is when a horse is on strict stall rest under veterinary advice. In that case,we always follow the medical guidance.
The goal after treatment is therefore not to move less, but to move smarter, so the body can truly hold on to its new found balance.
Yes,when physical or internal restrictions are limiting progress. Sometimes,the cause is not in the training technique, but in restricted movement or compensation.
Absolutely. Balance and wellbeing are not reserved for sport horses only.
Often, yes. Behaviour can come from discomfort, pain, trauma, stress or hormonal influence. When physical tension decreases, behaviour often changes with it. Not every behavioural problem is physical, but excluding the body is essential.
Because real change often takes time and follow-up. A single session brings some insight,but in complex situations,guidance in multiple steps is more effective. It is impossible to reach the essence of a horse in one single session. I often compare it to an onion that needs to be peeled back layer by layer.
We discuss it together. Based on your story and your horse’s situation, we determine whether clarity is enough or whether deeper guidance is needed. Please keep in mind that the Performance Improvement program can only be followed after the Clarity First program.
The advice is adapted to real life. Not everyone has the same resources or possibilities. The goal is progress within your context.
Yes,when needed. Good communication between professionals accelerates progress.
On average,between sixty and ninety minutes,depending on the situation.
Make sure your horse is dry and clean.
Please make sure our appointment does not take place during the stable’s feeding time, as that interruption in routine can be stressful for horses and prevent the treatment from having its full effect.
In addition to that I prefer to have a session shortly after the farrier has done his work.
Important: Horses that haven’t seen a dentist in the past 6-12 months might present hooks or deformities on the day of the session. I cannot release tension, nor rebalance it’s body when its teeth cause the restrictions.
I can however release tension and restrictions unrelated to its teeth.
That depends on the horse and the goal. Often it is visible immediately after the session. Sometimes change is felt immediately also. Sometimes,improvement builds over several weeks.
The exact prices are listed on the program pages. Transparency comes first. There are no hidden costs.
Yes. Feel free to get in touch to discuss the possibilities. As from now, I’m active in Belgium, The Netherlands, France and England, but my aspirations and dreams go way beyond that!
Honesty comes first. Not every situation can be resolved through osteopathy alone. In that case,I will refer you onwards or adjust the approach.
Horses show that quickly. Relaxation. A softer eye. More space in movement. Trust cannot be forced. It is given.
No empty guarantees. What I do offer, is a thoughtful approach,grounded expertise,and full commitment.