FAQ

A massage session costs £40 and includes assessment, full body massage treatment and stretching. Discount available for multiple horses on the same yard, please get in touch for a quote.

Normally a session takes between 60-90 mins, it can depend on a few factors such as size of the horse and how easily they relax into the treatment.

There are many health conditions which can be aided by massage but there are also some instances it is not advised. For more information on when massage is contraindicated please see the 'about' page. If you are in doubt the best thing to do is speak to your vet, making sure they have up to date information on your horse and they will be able to advise you.

The horse should be clean and dry and if you plan to work him prior to treatment make sure he has had sufficient time to cool off after exercise and that breathing and pulse have returned to normal resting rate. I am happy to treat the horse in the stable or tied up in a quiet area outside, wherever he is most comfortable. The area should be safe and free from anything which might spook him such as flapping plastic, loose animals, as he will feel a much greater benefit if he is relaxed.

The length of time between massages varies from horse to horse but generally I suggest; For the retired horse or those in light work ( eg: hacking a few times a week) 8-12 weeks For the horse doing a bit more ( eg: schooling a few times a week, hacking out regularly, local weekend competitions) around 4-8 weeks And for the horse in harder work (eg: regular dressage/jump schooling, competing regularly) around 2-4 weeks. If there is significant tension present, maybe a previous issue with the schooling or tack fit, or if the horse is recovering from injury I would also suggest 2 - 4 weeks between. Often when the body has been in discomfort for some time it likes to hold onto poor posture/ movement patterns and this shorter time frame allows us to 'unpick' that before it returns all the way back to square one. These guidelines are by no means set in stone and we can work out a plan to suit your horse, some horses tend to carry a little more anxiety & tension so will benefit from treatments closer together, or maybe your horse is having a holiday and treatments can be stretched out further if you wish. Only so much work can be done in one session without causing the horse more discomfort so it is far better to break it down over more sessions.

I gained my qualification as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist through The College of Animal Phyiotherapy (TCAP).

Unfortunately if the horse is lame I cannot treat until either the issue has been resolved or the Vet handling the case has decided massage may help. All massage treatments require veterinary consent before starting and if the horse is lame when I arrive I will refer straight back to the vet and a cancellation fee may be incurred. It is the responsibility of the owner to keep the vet informed of any problems their horse may be having so that they can give an informed decision on consent. If your horse has been lame and then resolved between treatments please let me know at the beginning of the session.

Massage works best as a preventative treatment, by keeping the soft tissues of the body supple and free of tension to avoid problems forming. It is best not to wait until you feel there is a problem to book in, and instead set up massage as a routine treatment for your horse. I often find that horses massaged regularly get into the relaxed mindset quicker as they know what's coming and so find their releases easier :).

Generally no, unless the horse was especially sore, in which case a day or two off from ridden work may be recommended. In these cases the horse can still be turned out as normal. If the horse is not being turned out after treatment it is often beneficial to take them for a short in hand walk so they can feel the changes in their body. I normally suggest a stretchy, low intensity ride or lunge for the day after, no jumping or intense schooling. If he is sensible to ride out a nice relaxed hack would be perfect.

Yes, by law I cannot treat any horse until the Vet has given consent to go ahead so it is important your vet is up to date with how your horse is doing.