Equine Therapy & Rehabilitation in Lincolnshire
Helping your horse move more freely, feel more comfortable, and perform at their best.
This page is for you if your horse...
- Feels stiff, uneven, or reluctant in work
- Is recovering from injury or needs rehabilitation
- Is struggling with performance or behavioural changes
- Feels “not quite right” but you can’t pinpoint why
- Would benefit from regular maintenance & support
"Your horse doesn't care how much you know, until he knows how much you care.
Put your your hand on your horse and your heart in your hand."
- Pat Parelli -
The quote above from Pat Parelli also helps describe the intellectual art of equine manual therapies or bodywork. Bodywork is as much about feel, intuition and care for the horse as it is about knowledge of the horse.
Using assessment, palpation and watching the reactions of your horse, I am able to determine where issues lie and then rectify with the use of various techniques and tools.
Equine Sports & Rehabilitation Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a complementary treatment focussing on the fascia and the superficial and deep muscle layers to alleviate stiffness and soreness and promote healing.
Massage therapy is a great prevention tool and aids in recovery from injury. The benefits of regular massage are:
- improved circulation and respiration, range of motion, muscle tone, and proprioception
- support for the immune system and efficient removal of waste and toxins from the body
- release of trigger points and tension from muscles, tissue and fascia allowing the skeletal frame to settle into its natural state
- reduced activity of nociceptive (physical) pain receptors
- improvements in the overall health and wellbeing of your horse!
I have witnessed the effects of massage on a range of horses from nasal drainage in an asthmatic horse to a favoured limb standing square. It never ceases to amaze me. Your horse will soon settle into the treatment, I generally find that horses appreciate the relief of muscular release and some will work with me leaning into the pressure or adjusting their stance to gain the full benefit of the work.
Your horse's emotional, lifestyle, nutritional, exercise and health routines need to be working correctly to help your horse's body heal, repair and maintain itself. Massage therapy complements these basic requirements and prompts the body to reset itself so it can regain the health and stability of its internal and external systems.
Research shows that massage therapy has a huge benefit for all horses whether retired, leisure or competing.*
*Mike Scott LMT, CSF & Lee Ann Swenson MSc, BSc Evaluating the Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy: A Review of Evidence & Current Practices published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Vol 29, Issue 9, September 2009, pages 687-697. To read the full paper click here.
Low Level Laser Therapy
Horses have many layers; the surface, things we can touch like skin and hair, then the superficial muscle layer lying just beneath the skin, followed by the deep muscle layer and then the internal organs, all enveloped in a web of fascia. By moving between various wavelengths, low level laser therapy uses targeted light energy to -
- Reduce inflammation
- Speed up healing
- Ease pain and stiffness
Red light therapy activates the release of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is the largest carrier of energy to cells increasing chemical reactions to allow the cells to use nutrients faster and remove waste more efficiently. It stimulates the production of collagen which can have a positive impact on scar reduction and is one of the building blocks of cellular growth.
Some horses will experience the benefits in one treatment, while others may take up to 3 weeks, for example, arthritis will require ongoing treatment while a knot in a muscle can react immediately.
Myofascial Release & Kinetic Chain Therapy
Myofascial Release & Kinetic Chain Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that helps release tension and restrictions in the horse’s fascia - the connective tissue that surrounds all the horses internal structures including muscles and joints. By working with the whole body, this therapy improves movement, posture, and performance, while reducing pain or discomfort.
The horse's body works through eleven interconnected “kinetic chains” that link movement from head to hoof. By using myofascial release and working along these chains, I can identify compensations and restrictions that may be affecting your horse’s comfort and performance.
Together, these techniques support better function, faster recovery, and give you a happier, more comfortable horse.
Ideal for horses in work, recovering from injury, or just needing a tune-up!
Balance Pads Program
Balance pads are an excellent way to improve your horse’s proprioception, core strength, stability, and coordination. They’re also a useful aid for supporting recovery from surgery or injury.
The pads are made of thick foam, creating an unstable surface under the horse’s feet. By standing on them, your horse makes constant adjustments, activating the deep postural muscles. This helps build strength, coordination, and balance, and all without strain or tension, unlike some ridden exercises.
Your 8 week program includes:
- Clinical history and assessment, including photos of your horse
- Introduction to the balance pads
- Exercises for the first 4 weeks
- Revisit at 4 weeks for assessment and follow-up
- New exercises for the next 4 weeks
- Final revisit at 8 weeks for assessment and completion
- Your own set of balance pads to keep
Interested in the Balance Pads program? Contact me to discuss your horse’s needs and let's get started!
Please note: Veterinary approval is required if your horse is recovering from surgery, injury, or has existing health issues.
If you think your horse could benefit from any of these therapies, I’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch or book an appointment today.
