Meet Leslie Kennedy

My foundation in bodywork therapy is grounded by an accumulation of years of riding including training with Olympic riders and coaches, studying horses, working with equine veterinarians, chiropractors and equine massage therapists; but most of all my deep love, and respect for the horse. Looking out for their well being beckoned to me in developing Equine Dynamic Bodywurks. Over the past several years my practice successfully grew to encompass canine patients, resulting in renaming my current business to Dynamic Bodywurks Canada.

I love horses. For the most part they always try, seldom complain, do the best they can with the situations we, as humans, put them in. Without a voice other than to act out, shut down, become uncomfortable and even exhibit lameness, the horse stoically carries on. As muscle asymmetry accumulates, it often goes unrecognized until there is a behavioural and/or physical problem. It is my quest to support equine athletes, from whom as riders and trainers we expect so much.

Earlier in my career I trained many difficult and not so difficult horses of all breeds, conformation, temperaments and disciplines. My experiences have proven to be a great resource for me to draw on as I evolve into Equine Sports Therapy.

I am a former Grand Prix Dressage competitor, EC Gold medalist, current EC and USEF Senior Dressage Judge, F.E.I. Dressage Steward and Western Dressage Judge, licensed and certified competition coach specialist with Equine Canada.

As an avid horsewoman of long standing within the equine industry, I have developed a keen eye for biomechanics, muscle asymmetry, lameness, stiffness, tension, and behavioural issues which could be attributed to muscle imbalance eventually resulting in poor performance and/or poor attitude.

Evolving into Equine Sports Therapy

As a professional emergent I had the opportunity to deepen my equine education in England where I leapt at the chance to study equine anatomy during dissections.

During the 1980’s I was introduced to the concepts and application of acupressure and laser therapy from a practitioner when my developing upper level dressage horse sustained an injury. I was taught how to apply the techniques to my dressage horse with positive results.

Throughout the 1990’s I became familiar with equine massage therapy techniques. Today I continue to consult with veterinarians on acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic treatments to further enhance my understanding of alternative methods and effectiveness on performance horses.

I am a Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner (MMCP) Instructor and Coach. The Masterson Method® is an interactive, integrated, multi modality method of bodywork designed to improve performance in equine athletes; the Masterson Method® uses the responses of the horse to find and release accumulated tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. These responses are visible and able to be felt instantly; your horse will love it! In addition I also hold an Animal Bowen Therapist (ABT) certification, specializing in Canine and small animals; Trigger Point Therapist (TPT), Trigger point is very specific and involves releasing constricted areas within a muscle; There can be a substantial reduction of pain after a single treatment.

At the time of this posting I am the only BOARD CERTIFIED LIGHT THERAPIST IN CANADA covering EQUINE, PET and HUMAN. Light promotes healing and controls pain. The Blue Light is effective in removing inflammation and heat (ice the injury). It is also scientifically proven to kill bacteria. The Green Light creates a natural balancing and calming effect on the body I have found all three lights to be very effective. Photonic Light Therapy has been researched by NASA for over 40 years and cleared by the FDA as a safe, natural non-invasive way to promote healing and pain. Photobiomodulation (PBM) Light has three settings that include a combination of continuous red and near IR and a 40Hz optimal healing frequency that will penetrate deeper for joints and muscles as well as deeper and tougher issues. One of my favourites is the Red Light Therapy Poll Cap; love this red and infra cap that can be placed directly over the horse’s poll and extends down over the TMJ joint. Think of it as a poll guard with red and near infra red lights! My red and infra red pad is something I reach for often, especially for my canine friends suffering from arthritis.

As a complementary supplement to my bodywork therapy I completed a fascinating and very informative hindgut ulcer course called EGUS. The EGUS (Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome) program was developed and given by the renowned Dr. Kerry Ridgway. EGUS has proven to be a very valuable protocol for identifying ulcers.

Saddle fitting and hoof balancing are also among supplementary studies I have undertaken, two very important factors in treating the “whole horse”.

In 2018 I became an F.E.I. Permitted Equine Therapist. This means I am registered with the Federation Equestre International to perform restricted therapies, (Acupressure and TPT) on horses during F.E.I. sanctioned competitions.

2024 has started out to be an exciting year with the successful completion of an International Diploma in Equine and Canine Osteopathy.

I am so grateful to all the fabulous equine partners I have worked with over the years. Without them I would not be on the journey I have found myself to be. I am especially thankful to Winston, (1990-2013) my awesome Grand Prix Dressage horse that was with me for 23 years, from a weanling all the way to the Grand Prix ring and into retirement.

Zilvano, my beautiful Dutch Warmblood (2004-2023) was my inspiration that led me into what has become Dynamic Bodywurks Canada. Without him, I would not have taken this leap of faith into yet another dimension of the equine world.