Contraindications are certain conditions that may mean I am unable to treat your horse.  

This list is non-exhaustive and if there is any doubt as to whether your horse can undergo a treatment, please contact me to chat about it so we can work out what's best for your horse.

• Lameness
• Open wounds
• Skin conditions, e.g. ringworm
• Contagious diseases
• High temperature
• Post operation
• Signs of colic
• Abnormal discharge from nose, eyes or mouth

Here are the basic need to knows for your appointment. 

• Horses must be dry and well groomed prior to a treatment.  I can't treat a wet or muddy horse, it causes friction and damages the skin and muscle fibres.  Yes, that includes legs and underneath the tummy.
• If it is raining, we will need a dry stable or covered area to work in.  Again, wet horse blah blah... you know the drill.
• Please make sure we have hard standing or a suitable surface / safe space to stand / work on.  The middle of your field is not the best place.
• Please let me know if your horse is lame or suffering with any contraindications.
• Massage therapy works best when it is used alongside regular saddle and bit & bridle fittings, dentist and farrier visits.  As I have the best interests of your horse at heart, I may suggest these areas are revisited.  Please don't be offended, I am trying to help your horse and save you some money!
• A treatment generally involves some stretching at the end. It is your responsibility to ensure your horse is happy to have their feet picked up and their legs moved and held, please advise me if this is not the case.  I do have some stretches that do not require feet to be picked up and will revert to these if needed and for older horses in particular.
• Finally, I will most likely leave you with some exercises to help you improve or maintain your horse's mobility and muscular condition.  I would really appreciate it if you made attempt at doing them, even once a week.  I know life happens, but you'll see less of me if you do your exercises!

This can be confusing.  Basically, if your horse is not under the vet and there are no contraindications, you do not need their permission.   But, here are my T&Cs surrounding this subject. 

• Bodywork is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis.  I may refer you to your vet if I feel it is required.
• The laws around bodywork changed in 2020 and veterinary consent is not required for any routine bodywork as long as your horse is not currently under vet supervision.  However, if your horse is under vet supervision, consent is required before all initial appointments in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.  Please contact me if your horse is under the vet for any reason.
• I am happy for you to share your horse's reports with your vet or other equine professionals, they are yours after all!

I will gather some background information at the start of your appointment, then carry out static and dynamic assessments and a full palpation routine.  Your horse will then undergo a thorough treatment through their whole body, in particular the areas that have been causing imbalance and issues.

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To help me understand what has been going on with your horse I will send you an initial information form before your first appointment and will then require the following information before the following visits:

date of last saddle fit and any comments / remedial fitting work

date of last dentist and farrier visits and any comments

workload & type of work your horse takes part in

any notes from your vet.  This is especially important where there are contraindications that would usually prevent me from carrying out a treatment, e.g. lameness.  In these cases, I may request approval to treat from your vet.

A treatment generally involves some stretching at the end.  It is your responsibility to ensure your horse is happy to have their feet picked up and their legs moved and held, please advise me if this is not the case.  I do have some stretches that do not require feet to be picked up and will revert to these for older horses in particular.

Please feel free to ask as many questions as you want through your appointment, it is yours and your horse's time after all.  If there are any exercises I leave you with that you don't understand, please let me know.

Please do not try and replicate any of the techniques you see me use without guidance.  The horse's body is a delicate system of muscle fibres, fascia and bones and can be damaged.

GDPR and other useful info relating to how I manage your personal details.  If there are any other questions about this, please contact me. 

• I keep copies of reports, details relating to your horse and your contact information in Cavanti and in my CRM file.  I will not share anything without your permission, unless requested by a vet or other authority where it is in the best interests of your horse's health and wellbeing.
• If things change and you cease using my services, I will keep pdf copies of your reports for a minimum of 10 years but all other contact information will be deactivated in Cavanti after 5 years.  This is to cover my insurance requirements. 
• You may receive the occasional email from me with information I think may be beneficial for you and your horse or to inform you of offers, competitions and my future plans.  You can unsubscribe at anytime by following the link at the end of the email or by contacting me directly.

I understand life happens so here my T&Cs regarding cancellations and reschedules. 

• Appointments cancelled within 2 days notice will be liable for the cost of the full visit.
• Cancellations made within 4 days will be liable for half the cost of the visit.
• Appointments can be rescheduled within 30 days at no cost.
• All deposits are non-refundable. 
• I will waive fees at my discretion, especially if circumstances are unavoidable. 
• For any issues, please speak to me.  There is usually a way we can figure things out, after all, I do want to support you as well as your horse.

Here are my T&Cs regarding payments and invoicing.

• A £10 non-refundable deposit is requested for all bookings.  This is deducted from your final payment.
• Payment to be made at the end of the appointment and can be made by cash, card or bank transfer.
• Card payments may incur a small transaction fee of no more than 2% depending on the total cost.
• Invoices agreed prior to the initial appointment and are payable within 48 hours of receipt.
• Payment plans are available for all my services.  Please speak to me to find out more.

Absolutely!  Mileage fees outside of my area are 45p a mile.  However, if you can drum up some more people or horses to join you, I will waive this. 

Yes, you may very well be!  Here's how my discounts work.

• Discounts on bit &  bridle fitting consultations and animal Reiki are only available to existing clients.  
• To qualify as an existing client you must be on a regular treatment plan with me.
• Discounts are available across all services if there is more than one of you or you have 2 or more horses, but the bookings must run successively on the same day.  I call this the "multi horse yard discount" on your invoice. 
• Henry James bridle fitting fees are deducted from your final invoice if you order the bridle on the same day. 
• Double check my price list, you can also request a copy.  You may save by booking things like the Bit, Bridle & Bodywork package instead of paying individually. 
• Keep an eye on my socials as I often run limited time offers. 
• Please note, multi horse yard discounts may not apply, or be the full amount, if you are outside my area. 

Unfortunately I am unable to do this.  However, if you order the bridle on the day of fitting I will waive the fitting fee.