As a massage therapist, Diana Thompson is acutely aware of a horse's musculature and movement patterns. If the flight-or-fight reflex of the horse is out-of-balance, the horse will be constantly fearful and reactive. He will habitually tense his muscles and use poor movement patterns. This tension and biomechanically inefficient movement limits the horse's athletic ability and leaves him vulnerable to injury. It also limits the effect of massage, acupressure and other body therapies and frustrates training efforts. This is why horses who are easily frightened or prone to aggressive behavior rarely reach even reasonable levels of performance in recreational or competitive events. They also injure themselves and their handlers frequently.

Diana Thompson uses both acupressure and Bach Flower remedies to calm a horse's fight-or-flight reflex and resolve emotional problems. The Bach Flowers are liquid extracts of flowering plants that are renown for their ability to balance the emotional states of both people and animals. Diana has successfully used these holistic products in her horse training and equine rehabilitation work since 1985. She has found the Bach Flowers to be extremely valuable in calming fearful horses, transforming belligerent or unfocused animals, and easing the stiff or injured horse. Professional equine body workers, veterinarians, trainers, and farriers as well as recreational horse owners can benefit from the astounding health and training assistance these inexpensive and widely available products provide.

The Bach Flower essences were developed by English physician and medical researcher Dr. Edward Bach almost 70 years ago. While working in a traditional hospital setting, Dr. Bach saw the limitations of treating only the physical manifestations of a person's dis-ease. In 1930, he gave up his practice in London and returned to the countryside to seek out natural healing methods that would heal mental, emotional and spiritual unrest. The herbal preparations that resulted from his search transform unwanted negative emotions such as fear, depression, or lack of confidence to peace and stability.

Today these 38 formulas are known as the Bach Flower essences. Holistic practitioners and lay people worldwide use these products to assist both humans and animals. They are completely safe, non-toxic and non-habit forming. In the United States they are approved by the FDA and available for over-the-counter purchase in health food stores.

Bach Flower Education with Diana Thompson

* Diana teaches students how to use the combination Bach Flower essence known as Rescue Remedy in her Hands-On Horse Care group classes. See Year 2008 Schedule of events for clinic dates in your geographic area.

* Diana teaches students how to mix the 38 individual Bach flower essences into formulas during her Hands-On Horse Care group class. The formulas assist frightened, unfocused, belligerent, stiff and injured horses. They also help horses during competitive events, trailering and handling situations (training, shoeing, veterinary care, etc). See Year 2008 Schedule of events for clinic dates in your geographic area.