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Pulling Back (4) Lessening the Ripple Effects: Hands-On Work You Can Do

7/15/2025

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In my upcoming book, In It for the Horses: A Journey from Whips to Whispers (July 2025), I advocate for a compassionate, ethical approach that transforms not just our relationship with horses, but our connection to ourselves, and the natural world. A key element in this transformation is understanding how a horse's mind and body work and realizing the ramifications of not taking action on their behalf when something happens to them even though they "seem fine." 

This video discusses the benefits of a Tellington Method head wrap and explains how to make an "energy sandwich.” 
TRANSCRIPT
​(Make sure to watch to the very end to see an example of how powerful your work is, even if the horse appears to be paying little attention while you do it.)
Welcome to Part Four of my-no-pull-back-event-is-insignificant series.
Last time, I was unable to discuss the Ace-bandage head wrap, because Jalila spooked while I was putting it on and became upset. Fortunately, I hadn’t tied the wrap, and it easily came loose and fell off.
I want to emphasize that I didn't make a fuss over reintroducing the wrap. Since the incident three weeks ago, I've fed her twice with the bandage looped over my shoulder and laid it across her back once.
People are generally advised to repeat actions to succeed quickly, a strategy rooted in the ego's need to control and conquer. If I'd tried to force Jalila to wear the wrap the next day, she would only have become more suspicious and fearful of it.
Some benefits of the head wrap are:
  • Horses receive unique sensory input from its gentle pressure.
  • It can help calm a nervous horse.
  • It improves focus and proprioception awareness during training.
MAKING AN ENERGY SANDWICH
Now, let's learn a simple but powerful energy technique called the "energy sandwich.” Using this technique, healing energy penetrates more deeply into body tissues. It can also harmonize the energy on both sides of the treated area, thus promoting a balanced energy field in the body.
An energy sandwich allows you to target healing energy. You may apply one around a joint, on either side of a chakra, or any area of pain or discomfort. To address the ripple effects of a pull-back incident, our focus will be on the poll. Ultimately, we will place our hands on either side of the atlas, which is the first cervical vertebra, often called C-1. However, since this area may be sore, making the horse reactive, we'll start at the base of the neck and work our way toward the poll.
To perform an energy sandwich, place one hand on each side of the area being treated, essentially "sandwiching" the body part or energy center between your hands. While doing this, it's important to:
  • Quiet your mind.
  • Abandon any preconceived notions or desired outcomes.
  • Tune in to sensory feedback like heat, tingling, or pulsing between your hands.
  • Focus on generating a healing energy stream from one hand to the other.
Don’t be in a rush. You may find you want to stay longer on certain areas of the neck than others. Follow your intuition and the feedback your horse provides.
If the horse accepts your invitation to relax, you may find that repeating this sequence while swaying side to side by shifting your weight from one foot, then the other, much as we did in the wither rock, adds an element of lateral rocking that enhances the benefits of this exercise.
The energy sandwich is a valuable tool for you to have in your toolbox. It’s a simple, effective, and direct approach. This technique's versatility makes it accessible to beginners yet remains a powerful tool in the hands of experienced healers, allowing practitioners at all levels to engage in focused, intentional energy healing.
Be prepared to follow your horse’s movement should they raise or lower their head while you are working with them. This can be a little awkward, so simply do your best.
I like to turn the horse loose when I’m finished and remove myself from the process. Sometimes they like to roll or walk around. And again, don’t be in a rush. You are on Equine Standard Time.
Wait for it… I’ll take that. 
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    Author

    Nancy Camp is a retired Connected Riding instructor and horse trainer with over five decades of experiences in the equine industry. She is self-employed as an equine and canine bodyworker, freelance writer, and illustrator. She holds an M.A. in art history was an adjunct professor at the college level for 25 years. A transplant from Illinois, Nancy currently lives in Idaho with her patient husband, two loving dogs, a prosperous feral cat, and a beautiful Arabian mare.

    I  am proud to contribute regularly to Peggy Cummings' "Connected Riding Newsletter" through these insightful posts. 

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