Question 1

How should I present my horse for you?

Accepted Answer

While an immaculately groomed horse is always lovely (and very welcome!), it’s not essential.However, I do need the horse to be completely clean and dry so I can work effectively. If your horse is wet or dirty, unfortunately, I won’t be able to proceed with the appointment.

Question 2

Why do you need my vets details, nobody has asked for those before?

Accepted Answer

While I can’t control how others work, I will always work in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and within my professional scope of practice.  If your horse is fit, healthy and has no current veterinary concerns, I will notify your vet that you have requested treatment.However, if your horse has a new injury, is currently receiving ongoing veterinary care, or is not sound, I must seek permission from the vet responsible for their care before treatment can take place.This is to ensure that your horse is always treated appropriately as part of a veterinary-led team, and that their vet is aware of any additional professional involvement.This isn’t intended to create an unnecessary barrier to treatment - it’s about making sure that everyone involved in your horse’s care is working together, with their welfare at the centre of everything we do.

Question 3

What happens during my horse’s first treatment?

Accepted Answer

Your horse’s first appointment is about getting to know them and establishing a baseline that we can use to monitor their progress.Before the appointment, I’ll ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form so I can gather as much information as possible about your horse, including their exercise, management, current concerns and the reason for their visit. This is usually completed electronically beforehand, but if you prefer the old-fashioned pen-and-paper approach, that’s absolutely fine! We’ll then discuss the information together at the appointment.I’ll begin by assessing your horse statically (standing still) and dynamically (walking and trotting up where possible). I’ll take photographs and videos which can be useful for monitoring changes and progress over time.I’ll then palpate your horse, assessing for areas of tension or discomfort, as well as looking at joint range of motion. All of this information helps me build a better understanding of your horse and guides how I approach their treatment.Once the treatment is complete, we’ll discuss my findings and I’ll answer any questions you may have. Where appropriate, I’ll also demonstrate post-ride stretches that I feel may be beneficial for your horse, along with any aftercare advice or recommendations.

Question 4

Do you work alongside vets, physiotherapists and other professionals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! I strongly believe in taking a holistic, collaborative approach, and working alongside other professionals is important to support the horse as a whole.All of my treatment notes and reports are available to you through the Equigate app, so you can easily share them with your vet, physiotherapist, saddle fitter or other members of your horse’s care team if you wish.I’m also very happy to provide a vet report at any time, should your vet require further information about your horse’s treatment or progress.

Question 5

How might my horse respond?

Accepted Answer

I will always work with the horse, never against them, and nothing is ever forced.It’s important to me that horses are allowed to communicate how they’re feeling, whether that’s showing a preference, discomfort or simply that they need a little more time. Their responses are always listened to and taken into consideration throughout the session.For this reason, I prefer to treat your horse wherever they feel most comfortable - whether that’s in the yard, in their stable or another familiar environment. We’ll get the most out of the session when your horse is relaxed, comfortable and a willing participant.Some horses, particularly those who haven’t experienced massage before, may need a few sessions to process what’s happening, become familiar with the sensations and build trust with their therapist. That’s completely okay. Every horse is an individual, and I’ll always work at their pace.

Question 6

How often should my horse have sports massage?

Accepted Answer

There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, and it can vary depending on your horse, their workload, age, discipline and individual needs.It’s also a question I’m always a little reluctant to give a definitive answer to. Every horse is different, and so is every owner’s situation. I would never want anyone to feel guilty or pressured into booking treatments more frequently than is realistic or affordable for them. We’re all just out here trying to do our best for our horses!You know your horse better than anyone, and you’re often the best person to recognise when something has changed or when they might benefit from some extra support. I’m here to help you make an informed decision, rather than tell you that your horse must be treated every X weeks.For some horses, regular maintenance may be beneficial, while others may only need treatment when there is a particular change in workload, routine or how they are feeling.Ultimately, the most important thing is that your horse’s individual needs come first - not a prescribed treatment schedule.

Question 7

Can my horse be ridden after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, no. I recommend that your horse has at least the rest of the day off, and where possible, a full 24 hours of rest following treatment.This gives their body time to respond to the treatment without adding the demands of ridden exercise straight away. So where possible, it’s best to have exercised them beforehand. The only important thing to bear in mind is that your horse needs to be completely clean and dry for their appointment, so please allow enough time for them to cool down and dry off.

Question 8

What can equine massage do for my horse?

Accepted Answer

Massage may help alleviate muscular tension, maintain joint range of motion, enhance local circulation and promote general comfort. It can be a really useful addition to your horse's wider conditioning and maintenance programme.One of my favourite benefits of massage is one that's often overlooked - the effect it can have on the skin and coat!The skin is the largest organ in the body and the coat is the first thing we see when looking at a horse. Changes in the skin and coat can provide useful clues about a horse's overall health and wellbeing.Massage can help promote a healthy-looking coat by stimulating local circulation, this stimulates the skin's natural processes, including sebum production, helping to leave the coat looking glossier, healthier and more vibrant.

Question 9

Can my horse be treated if they are injured?

Accepted Answer

If your horse has an injury, illness, or an unexplained change in behaviour or movement, veterinary assessment must be sought.Massage should never be used as a replacement for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. I am not qualified or permitted to diagnose your horse, so if your horse is currently lame or injured, I will require permission and guidance from your vet before attending.Where appropriate, massage therapy can form part of a wider rehabilitation programme alongside veterinary or other professional care. I'm always happy to work alongside your vet and other members of your horse's care team to ensure treatment is appropriate and beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions