Carls Story…. By Lori Justin
Harleys Story…….. By Kimbal Griffith
I hope it is reflects how I feel what I see. I’d like to share my horse experiences with Heather Kornemann.
Before I begin, here is a little back story on Harley, My kind and goofy, 7 yr old Quarter horse. He was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with kissing spines, which then unfolded into several portions of his spine with arthritis, probable nerve impingements at C6,7 and T1, thoracic sling dysfunction, mild neurologic symptoms related to Vit.E imbalance, and others . He saw many highly respected vets , with countless treatments, and endless rehab since his diagnosis.
His complexities led me down nontraditional paths and eventually to Heather thru membership in Celeste-Leilani Lazaris’ BTMM. With Harley’s complicated self and my learning style , I knew we needed in person help, and that was our beginning. From the moment we met , I knew she was extraordinary. Both Harley and I could feel her calm presence and genuine interest . She watched Harley with me and then how he moved independently, and began her work. Heather is very methodical in her approach and works through his entire body targeting particular areas of need. Harley is very focused with her clear communication and gentle technique. Each session has lasted about 3 hours yet somehow not exhausting the horse. One of her most amazing skills is how she is able to balance Harley’s emotional state. He is so extremely calm and relaxed the following day. And how discreetly and skillfully she addresses my horsemanship also.
Heather is truly invested in Harley’s path to improved health. Her intuition and feel are unmatched. She exudes confidence and humility. Harley continues to be a work in progress , having Heather as one of our guiding lights has made a big difference. And for that, I am extremely grateful .
This is a long post and worth the read, if:
• You have a horse in Chronic Pain
• You have a horse with Chronic or On and Off Frontend lameness
• You have a horse that may have Nerve Compression
• You have a horse with Undiagnosed Lameness or Behavior Issues
This is a story about my 12-year-old QH Gelding, Carl. He is a sweet and talented boy that started to have suspicious behavior and lameness issues that created an angry, untrusting and unhappy horse. I wanted to help Carl through whatever was taking him down this path. Doing so, Carl has become one of my greatest teachers, whom I am forever grateful.
He brought me amazing people and practitioners to support he and I on this path back to emotional and physical health:
• Dr. Marty Gardner – DVM
• Heather Kornemann – BTMM & Nerve Release/Horse Trainer
• Phil Menacho – Barefoot Trimmer and Body Worker
• Melissa Davis – Magna Wave Body Worker
• Monica Clark – Body Worker/Cranial Sacral
• Dr. Mark DePaolo – DVM/Nutritionist
• AND my Amazingly Gifted Friend/Mentor Terry Kuebler – Horse Trainer and Spiritual/Mind Set Coach.
Initial Concerns and Findings
• 2021 – 2023 Carl began grinding his teeth, pinning his ears and a general unhappy and anxious disposition. During work he would not want to walk after trotting especially to the right.
• On and off Right Front lameness treated as an abscess or minor laminitis and ongoing Ulcers.
• Limited work to occasional trail rides and low energy lessons/clinics and treated him for ulcers.
• First Diagnosis indicated Back issues that were treated with Osphos, Shockwave and Acupuncture and rehab exercises. He was still unrideable and unhappy.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
2024 Dr. Marty Gardner diagnosed Carl with:
• Front Limb Overload/Laminitis
• Thoracic Sling Dysfunction
• Brachial Plexus Compression
• Lumbosacral Dysfunction
Treatment: PRP in the Lumbosacral, Shockwave of the Brachial Plexus, Coffin Joint Injections, Hock Injections and provided at home Thoracic Sling Exercises and Stretches. Followed by Monthly visits to add/change exercises or provide additional treatments.
Continuing Issues after Treatment
• Chronic Right Front Lameness
• Ongoing Ulcers
• Unhappy demeanor
• Teeth Grinding and anger with a saddle on his back
Even though Carl was happy to do his rehab exercises, he was not out of pain and was angry when the pressure increased.
Then the Magic Happened!
• Dr. Gardner felt we really needed to focus on his Thoracic Sling and Brachial Plexus improvement to get him out of Chronic Pain. He suggested I consider the posture improvement exercises he has seen with the Balance Through Movement (BTMM) work (https://www.balancethroughmovementmethod.com).
• When I went to the Website; I felt the exhale I was searching for. They have a Nerve Release Technique that I knew immediately, was what Carl needed and, can you believe it; there was a practitioner not too far from me! (https://www.balancethroughmovementmethod.com/nervepractit...)
I Found: Heather Kornemann, BTMM Certified Trainer and Instructor, Certified in Lazaris Techniques Nerve Release, California Vaquero Bridle Horseman, Hoof Care Specialist, Owner/Trainer/Clinician and Instructor at X bar 7 Livestock and Equine Services and a full-time cowboy. Yes - a Cowboy!
Heather graciously came out 6 times (once a month) to treat Carl and teach me the BTMM work to keep Carl improving between appointments. The first visit changed my heart and gave me hope for Carl’s future. Heather used her magic to see Carl exactly where he was at and methodically helped him into a new reality; emotionally and in his body. I could see Carl accepting his work with more appreciation as it felt good and relieved the pain. The work Heather was doing was gentle and immediately effective. It held between visits and he progressed so quickly to a happier horse. Soon, he was no longer teeth grinding, the nerve pain sweat had stopped and he moved like a horse that felt good emotionally and in his body.
Heathers Recommendations during this time
• Chronic Ulcers due to the chronic pain: Heather prescribed a protocol that finally knocked the ulcers out of his body. He was finally ulcer free and happy.
• To further support his health and a healthy body and spirit, Heather recommended a Hair Analysis by DePaolo Equine Concepts to check for Toxins in his body that may need to be cleared for him to have a healthier body. He started his personalized Toxin removal supplements in July. (https://www.depaoloequineconcepts.com/.../horse-hair...)
AND the Magic Took on Warp Speed!
Within only a few treatment sessions, Carl was feeling so much better that Heather decided it was time to ask him to carry a rider to prove to himself that he could, and it would feel good. The work she did from the saddle was remarkable and helped Carl to carry himself in correct posture and move with encouragement without anger or fear. By the 3rd ride, they rode in my arena at the walk and trot for over 30 minutes and Carl was happy.
• Heather communicated with Carl in a way that he felt heard and confident like I hadn’t seen in a few years. When Carl asked a question, he got a fair and considerate answer and a release to think about it. His courage grew and so did his willingness and trust.
• After using the DePaolo Equine Concepts Supplements, I reached out to Dr. DePaolo for his advice to treat Carl’s chronic pain. He recommended his Meta RX. We started Carl on it in Sept. and his improvement and pain reduction has really accelerated. I do believe his Pain Cycle has been cured.
• Due to my own chronic pain, which is a whole other story, I decided to try the Human version of Meta RX. It has been 12 days and I am still pain free and have more energy and focus than I have had in years. Now I know how it helped Carl, along with the work Heather has done. Halleluiah!!
• Heather shared her work with me and Terry Kuebler so we could continue his riding. Honestly, due to my chronic back pain, I was not eager to ride him. Fortunately, Terry offered to pick up the reins from this point and has been riding him once a week with each ride getting better. This led to his first Trail Ride in 4 years on Dec. 16, 2025
Carl’s story continues to be written with many years ahead of us to share together. I am filled with joy and gratitude for all those that helped Carl and I get to this place.
My message to all the readers that made it to this point in the story: The paths we choose with our horses are a collaboration of what we are willing to learn and explore for our horse’s best life and ours. It is never one sided…..it is a unified experience where we both grow and expand into a new version or ourselves. Be Brave and Courageous and ask your horse to join you on the journey.