Before visiting any horse, permission from the horse’s usual veterinary surgeon will be sought to allow me to carry out massage therapy.

In order for all the horse’s details, history, observations and assessment to be recorded, it is advisable to allow up to 1½hrs for a first visit. Subsequent visits would be approximately 1 hour long.

An initial visit/session commences with a full evaluation and assessment of the horse including horse’s mood/demeanor, ascertaining the “norm” for the horse, how the horse is in his own surroundings/routine eg), how he stands in his box etc. Conformation, condition and any muscular asymmetry are observed along with other important aspects such as teeth, shoeing/feet and saddle/bridle fit, making a note as to how these might affect his work. The horse is then led out at a walk and trot, on a straight line and, if necessary, in both directions on a circle whilst being lunged. It may also be necessary to see the horse ridden.

During the massage session I will move from area to area using a variety of massage movements whilst palpating and noting the state of the muscle tissues, feeling for tension and muscle guarding as well as changes in temperature, pain and muscle atrophy. Once the horse is relaxed and the muscle tissues are prepared, warmed and relaxed, deeper movements can be carried out, followed by passive stretching of the legs and possibly some lateral neck bending.

At the end of the session I discuss my findings with the owner, recommend follow-up treatments if applicable, show the owner specific follow-up exercises/stretching which will benefit that particular horse between visits.

If I have concerns about the horse I visit I will refer him back to his vet. Likewise, if I feel the horse may benefit from a visit from the farrier, saddle fitter or horse dentist I will recommend this to the owner.

All assessments/findings/massage carried out are recorded for every horse visited for future reference and a written report of the session is sent to the owner and a summary sent to the vet if required.