WHAT EXACTLY IS EQUINE BODY WORK?

Equine Body Work is a hands-on form of complementary therapy for the horse, using sports massage, stretching and range of motion exercises. I do not include the use of gadgetry in my sessions as I feel that no machine can match the sensitivity and versatility of the human touch. Unlike with many other therapies, Equine Body Work considers and treats your horse as a whole, taking into account his posture, movement, tack and training. For example: have you ever had a visit for your horse from a therapist who did not look at your horse move, they simply adjusted something near the horse's spine, or they perhaps left the horse for half an hour with a magnet on its back? In my opinion this sort of 'treatment' does very little for the horse, at the best it may treat the symptoms, not the cause. By looking at the entire horse, the aim of Body Work is to identify the cause of the problem and treat it right at the source. For example, it is not uncommon to discover that the apparently painful area on the lower back originates from limbs, such as a tightened hamstring, and this could only be determined after the entire horse was assessed. Attempting to treat the painful area on the back would not solve the original problem, even if it provided some temporary relief. However, as a Body Worker I am not allowed to diagnose medical conditions, this job is for the qualified veterinarian only.


As a Body Worker, I can administer care to minimize the risk of injury or treat your horse after an injury or illness. In the healthy and sound horse Equine Body Work can be used to find that 'extra inch', be that at the height your horse can clear, his length of stride in the dressage arena or his position at the finishing line at the races. I can help the owner plan an exercise routine that optimises the horse's capacity, together with simple daily stretches specific for the horse's needs.



ARE YOU QUALIFIED AND INSURED?

Yes! I am certified through Equinology, an international training body for Equine Body Workers. The title EBW (Equine Body Worker) is recognized internationally, in the UK it is recognized by the McTimoney Chiropractic Association and the Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice. I am also a member of the IEBWA, the International Equine Body Worker Association. Being a member of IEBWA guarantees that the Body Worker is qualified, insured and undertakes continuing training.

Equinology

IEBWA

WHY DO I NEED TO TALK TO MY VET BEFORE THE BODY WORK SESSION?
The law states that ALL complementary therapists(this includes physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths) must have your vet's permission before they can work on your horse. (The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966/ The Veterinary Surgeons Exemption Order 1962) All you would have to do is call your vet and ask if they are happy for the horse to receive massage and stretching. I have yet to hear of a vet who wouldn't agree!

If your horse has a recent injury or illness, your vet may also wish to discuss a treatment plan with me. In some cases it may be your vet who refers your horse to me for treatment. An Equine Body Worker is a part of your horse's wellness team, together with the vet, farrier, saddle fitter, trainer, or whoever you may wish to use.


HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL MY HORSE NEED?
I get asked this question a lot, and often owners want me to promise to 'fix' the horse in one session. As with the human body, the equine one needs time to heal and often muscles need more than one session before they start functioning normally again. However, all this depends entirely on the nature of the issue. I am therefore reluctant to estimate a 'normal' recovery time as the treatment is always tailored to the horse's needs.

CAN I RIDE MY HORSE AFTER BODY WORK?
Yes, and in most cases you should. As most Body Work sessions include the release of stresspoints and spasms, softening up scar tissue and lengthening muscle fibers, a well thought-out exercise session will help the muscle fibers to re-align in a more natural position. You should aim to ride the horse (or hand-walk if the horse cannot be ridden due to an injury)within three or so hours of Body Work. I will advise my clients on the nature of the exercise suitable for their horse after the session.

IS BODY WORK SUITABLE FOR MY HORSE?
Yes, absolutely. The Body Work sessions will be tailored around the individual horse's needs instead of following a fixed plan. Anything from a companion Shetland Pony through happy hackers, all the way to the top competition horses, hunters and show horses will benefit from Body Work. Age is also immaterial. Pregnant mares often benefit from gentle work on their lower backs, too.

Please also read my article 'More than just massage!'

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