relax - reset - rebalance

No one has a perfectly symmetrical and straight body. We’ve all got conformational anomalies of one sort or another and our bodies make adjustments around them to allow us to function as best as we can. The longer we live life, due to posture or injury, the more adaptations and compensations we lay down unless we are working to correct them. It is no different with horses. Horses have to work quite hard to adapt to the lifestyles we want them to lead. Despite what some people might say, they haven't fully adapted to domesticated life, they have merely compensated for it. The problem lies when these compensations increase resulting in a state of restriction of movement and/or pain which interferes with functionality and sets off a chain reaction of additional compensation around the body. Left long enough these restrictions become dysfunctional and often this is when pain shows up.

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I work with the horse to release and redistribute physical and emotional tension in key areas of the body to maintain or improve performance, whether that is competition, hacking or just living life to the fullest. I do this by tuning in and feeling to where it is the horse needs me to be at that moment. By using soft touch and positional releases I can facilitate the horse's body to make changes within the fascial network and nervous system, enabling longer lasting changes.

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I believe most people want to do the best by their horse. However, there is a huge amount of available information out there today, and much of it conflicting. Unfortunately, the way we break down the body to learn it’s different parts when studying anatomy or training can lead us to viewing it as a collection of separate body parts and layers of bones, soft tissue and organs that work independently or in groups. The best way to view your horse’s body is as an integrated system which is constantly making adjustments to its environment to try and stay in balance, physically and emotionally. When one thing is off the rest of the system works hard to keep the rest of the body working. We now know that that everything under our skin is totally in a fibrous elastic mesh called fascia. You are literally connected from tongue to toe and everything in between. 

There are many things that can impact a horse physically and emotionally; from its conformation to its posture, digestive issues, issues resulting from training, tack, farriery and dentistry – basically anything in its environment that causes it pain or worry.  These issues can occur in retired or non ridden horses too, although riding adds another level of stress to the body.

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Having previously trained in Equine Facilitated Learning and Development I have a keen interest in horse behaviour and psychology. In my experience of bodywork the less you interfere and the quieter you can get, the more there is to hear. For this reason I chose Masterson Method® Integrated Performance Bodywork as my main practitioner training. This method puts recognition of the whole horse at its core in a manner that respects and involves the horse which in turn enhances the results.

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However, bodywork is only part of my relationship with you and your horse. I advocate a holistic ‘whole horse’ approach to equine health care. Although I do not diagnose or treat specific conditions, I will work with you, your horse and your team of professionals on any factors past and present which may have an impact on your horse with the aim of preventing the same compensatory patterns re-occurring. Often what's showing up for your horse isn't the origin of the problem and I will support you and your horse in working out a plan of improvement. I may suggest a referral to an appropriate professional for any issues outside my professional scope of practice depending on what would be helpful to your unique situation. 

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If you would like to experience what can be achieved by giving your horse a voice - please get in touch.

*Things to bear in mind*

 I don’t diagnose or treat specific or acute issues - this is outside the scope of practice of a bodyworker, if you have a particular concern over an illness or injury please contact the appropriate professional who can provide a diagnosis 

 I can't be a substitute for good training or living environment. Species appropriate care, both physical and mental are paramount to the healthy functioning of a horse and rider.

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Different professions and modalities provide different benefits. I am more than happy to work in partnership with other professionals, by addressing any tension and discomfort in the body, to facilitate recovery and improvement.

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Bodywork is not always a quick fix. For some horses they feel fantastic after a session, but with other horses it can take time especially if your horse is not used to bodywork, if the issue has been there a while or is emotionally charged for the horse. In these situations it takes the time it takes.

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The issue(s) may not be where the pain is. Chronic pain is usually associated with issues elsewhere in the body. For example the majority of leg and foot pain originates higher up in the horses body.

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The Masterson Method is non invasive and will not cause an issue that wasn't there to suddenly occur - but it might allow a previously hidden issue to emerge. This can be frustrating but it is actually a step forward as without addressing all the body is holding you'll likely find old issues returning and optimal performance won't be achieved. It may feel like you’re going backwards at times, but you are definitely heading in the right direction if you are allowing the horse's body to lead the conversation.