Online SOBI Sponsored Study Groups

The Society of Ortho-Bionomy International sponsors monthly Online Study Groups. They are primarily in a conference call format and are taught by various Registered Ortho-Bionomy Instructors via Zoom.

Our Study Groups cover a variety of topics and also count towards the study group requirements in the Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner Training Programs.

The receipt received upon registration will have a link to download the handout, any preview materials and the Zoom link. Be sure you have these materials available before you login to the study group.

There is a limit to class size, so be sure to register early.

After a group finishes, all attendees will be emailed an evaluation form for that session. To receive study group credit attendees must attend the class live, keep their cameras on during the study group, and complete and submit the evaluation form within two weeks.

Recordings of select past study groups are also available in the SOBI Bookstore.

The study groups are a full three hours, with no credit given for homework time.

Out of respect for the instructor and the other students, please be on time for the study group.

Equine Shoulder Points and Fascia Anatomy Revisited

with SOBI Registered Instructor Susan Smith

August 20, 2026

6 PM Eastern, 5 PM Central, 4 PM Mountain, 3 PM Pacific, 12 PM Hawaii (US and Canada)

Three hours--Online through Zoom

SOBI member $55; non-member $75

In most equine modalities, the shoulder points have required leg lifting. While leg lifting is an important skill and can provide good compression into joints, it is not always the best option for either horse or practitioner. Heavy horse legs are difficult for practitioners to lift, and many horses suffer from conditions that make leg lifting tough for them. Discomfort will limit the effectiveness of the treatment.

For these reasons, in this study group, we will learn how to provide gentler, powerful bodywork techniques for relationships between humerus and scapula, C6-C7, withers and pivot point area, biceps brachii and humerus, pectorals, subscapularis and many more important structural and muscle relationships for the shoulders.

Videos of each technique, diagrams and examples of horses with varying limb conditions will be included for discussion.

About Susan

Susan Smith is Instructor of Equine Body Balance, and Registered Instructor & Advanced Practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy®, Ortho-Bionomy® for Equines; Certified Acupressure Practitioner (Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute), and Equine Positional Release practitioner. She has been involved in equine activities and bodywork for over 20 years. Her articles have appeared in Trail Blazer Magazine, Western Horseman, Equine Wellness, Horse Around New Mexico and many others.

Upcoming 2026 SOBI Study Groups
September 17 Melissa Malm Anterior Neck, Hyoid, and Trachea	October 15 Sara Sunstein Chapman's Reflexes Self-care
November 19 Jessica Mark Ethics—From the Inside Out	December 17 Rouel Cazanjian Phase 7

Past Study Groups

Did you miss a previous study group? Recordings of select past study groups are available in the SOBI Bookstore. Take advantage of these excellent resources to deepen your understanding and practice of Ortho-Bionomy. The two newest available recordings include:

A Structural Approach to Plantar Fasciitis
with Instructor Rob Rich

Plantar fasciitis is often treated as a foot problem, but what if the source of the pattern lies elsewhere? In this study group, you'll explore a whole-body Ortho-Bionomy approach to plantar fasciitis, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying drivers rather than chasing symptoms. Through anatomy review, assessment strategies, and demonstration videos of key techniques, you'll learn how restrictions in the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower leg can influence weight distribution and contribute to ongoing foot pain. This study group includes demonstrations of practical techniques to evaluate these relationships and support more lasting change for your clients.

Understanding the Fascia of the Neck
with Advanced Instructor Sheri Covey

Understanding the fascia of the cervical spine is crucial for expanding your therapeutic tools in treating whiplashand neck trauma. This study group will delve into the intricate layers of the neck, providing insights into the deep and superficial fascia. By gaining a deeper understanding of these layers, you’ll forge a stronger connection with other aspects of fascia that significantly impact neck health. This connection can enhance your Ortho-Bionomy sessions and broaden your work with clients.