Equine Services
Massage can work for equines of all kinds to improve their mobility, circulation, mental wellbeing and overall health
Sessions may include
Relaxing and sports therapy massage, red and blue light therapy, reiki, mobility mobilisation, hyoid corrective manipulation, gait analysis and along with a veterinary report if required.
Conditions that benefit from massage
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Behaviour anomalies (such as) – changing leading leg in canter, head tilt, bucking, refusal to jump, nipping when girthing, moving away when mounting.
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Stomach ulcers – massage can relax the whole body and mind, which can relieve the stress causing the ulcers.
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Reduce swellings.
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Aid recovery from strains, sprains, over exertion
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Osteoarthritis and general stiffness.
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Release muscle tension from overcompensating muscles and soft tissues from rider disabilities and potential discipline choice – such as horse ball.
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Decrease recovery time post-surgery or trauma.
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Improve removal of toxins from the body and organs
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Reduce stress and anxiety, improving overall well-being.
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Improve skin condition and can aid breathing conditions where the rib cage is over worked.
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Improved performance for competition equines
How equine massage sessions work
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First session – 1 to 1.5 hours
A video of you riding your equine in their usual tack prior to their first session would be beneficial. A veterinary style gait analysis - walk and trot up, with circles, which will video to watch back at leisure. Paperwork, general observation and time for us all to get acquainted. The session will be gentle to allow your equine to become accustomed to the sensation of being massaged, it isn’t the same as being groomed by hand. This allows us to start developing trust and for me to read their body language to gauge tolerances and gain understanding of their requirements. A tack check is also required, to ensure that’s not the cause of discomfort.
Subsequent sessions – up to 1 hour
A shorter gait analysis, owners update and reassessment of canine prior to the massage treatment.
Post-massage
For 24 hours post massage = calm and quiet environment, with gentle exercise or calm turnout. This allows their body to process the changes made to the soft tissues.
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Please note all session times are a rough guide, sessions maybe shorter or longer depending on the equine’s requirements and tolerances on the day. It may also take several sessions before results are seen as it takes time for trust to build (allowing for a deeper massage) and for muscles to truly relax. You may be given homework of massage techniques, stretches and exercise regimes to benefit your equines wellbeing and aid a quicker, prolonged recovery.
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Your equine may require veterinary consent if their condition has been seen by the vet. Consent is not required if the equine is receiving maintenance therapy. Should your equine be lame or showing signs of ill health I will not continue with the session without prior veterinary approval.
Please ensure your equine isn’t wormed, dental treatment, vaccinated or had flea treatment 1 week either side of the appointment.
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How frequently should your equine have treatment?
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The frequency of your treatment depends on your animal's requirements and the reason for treatment. For most animals who are just starting to have massage and for the best, most positive, prolonged improvement, we usually recommend a tapered course that begins with weekly treatment for one month, then every two weeks for two months, then monthly and lastly every two months. This is a rough guide for optimum outcome and is flexible.
