Equine Bodywork Solutions

“I’m a firm believer that prevention is better than cure and that means investing in your horses body even when it seems nothing is wrong. Catching an imbalance or asymmetry early can help to prevent a whole host of issues further down the line and save your horse from discomfort and your bank balance from large vet bills! The lovely Cath from Equine Bodywork Solutions came to see Nelly and Applejack last week. Nelly is very clear what she will and will not allow Cath to do and Cath is always so patient and empathetic and gives her time to accept and process. She never pushes her and acknowledges when Nelly has had enough. It was the first time for Applejack and she loved it, had a snooze and then a lovely big stretch before wandering off. Neither ponies are ridden much and neither have significant issues but I now have simple exercise plans for both of them to address their individual needs and keep them at their best! Thank you Cath, see you again soon - Applejack can’t wait!!”

What you will also get is someone who will meticulously study every detail about your horses underlying conditions, existing injuries and lifestyle influences. I know from experience how much your horse needs that person who can anticipate what they need, and I want to help you be that person. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, full of anxiety and stress…I’m here for you. Hit follow and quietly watch to see more about how I integrate trauma informed care and massage into a horses care plan. When you’re ready pop me a message 💚

Working with rescue horses gave me such a fire in my belly to become a safe space for them, to understand them and introduce them to a calmer and happier way of living.

I studied behaviour, pain and their relationship to each other alongside my massage studies and becoming a Trauma Informed Horse Trainer was a major personal achievement for me.

Undertaking a Behaviour Modification Plan using the trauma informed care principles is a big commitment, it requires self reflection (without judgement or guilt), an open mind and patience.

I can tell you from experience that it is 100% worth it, when tiny steps feel like gigantic wins - there is no feeling like it 🫶

To me, your horses treatment is much more than looking at sore muscles. It’s a constant conversation, with lots of observation and quietly thinking about the story it’s all telling. And I often end up sending voice notes to owners later that day because I’ve had a lightbulb moment on the drive home. So I always want to make sure that I’m in the right head space for a day of appointments, I’m lucky that I truly enjoy arriving at each yard I visit 💚

I’m Looking forward to seeing Nelly and her Mum (The Holistic Saddle Fitter) this week after almost a year!

I first treated Nelly because Alison was becoming more and more concerned about her sensitivity to being touched on one side of her hind quarters.

Two massage sessions later Nelly clearly had felt some relief, however the concerns about her gait still lingered and we decided that it would be best for Nelly to undergo some investigations and continue treatment with a physio.

I would never hesitate to handover a client to another therapist when it’s in their best interests, but I am so very touched that they have asked me to return 💚

Do you have difficulty distinguishing lameness, not tracking up, stiffness from lack of movement and all the other descriptions we use to say there’s something wrong?!

Identifying lameness is difficult, you could put a 20 second clip online and get 25 different interpretations.

So don’t feel bad for being in the group of horse owners that says “I find it difficult to spot”.

If you feel like you’re failing or overwhelmed with all the conflicting opinions remember vets are the only people that can diagnose lameness.

All body workers should guide you in that direction if lameness is suspected.

This is why I am so keen to help horse owners and carers, at all levels, to identify other signs of discomfort or pain through reading body language and interpreting their behaviour in my Learn to Speak Horse workshops.

These can be held at your yard for adults and children, it’s very interactive and there’s lots of hands on learning too.

Comment “WORKSHOP” below and we will have a chat about your needs and how I can help 💚

Yesterday evening I heard two statements that sent me to sleep feeling quite upset, therefore waking up empowered to say something.

According to social media experts cobs don’t get the likes 👍

I was a chestnut mare girl through and through, my whole life, until I met these two girls. Who stole my heart and continue to overwhelm me - and everyone they meet - with love and affection, despite being subjected to unspeakable cruelty.

In a different context “I don’t want someone else with a mental illness working for me”.
I don’t think I need to go into that too much.

But I want my followers and clients, old, new and present to know that who you are, what you are, what physical or emotional characteristics you have don’t matter to me.

Everyone is naturally drawn to their “people” and so many of my clients have become friends. And I’m looking forward to making heaps more 💚

Send me your cob photos or tell me about “the one” that changed you.

….is what my mentor said the first time I ever called her for advice!

Massaging in these high temperatures isn’t recommended, but for a horse with recurring episodes of lymphatic swelling it’s a definite No 🛑

Which is why I thought seeing Prada last Sunday when the temperature had dropped would be safe.

However the following morning her injured leg appeared swollen, which can be normal as circulation has been stimulated and is working slightly harder to mobilise the lymph fluid. In Pradas case we want to avoid another infection.

Fran and I exchanged many voicenotes that day and between us agreed that we need to bend the rules slightly. It’s possible that she felt a little too relaxed and spent less time moving around her track. For her next treatment instead of having the recommended day off Fran will continue with short in hand walks and cold hosing if necessary.

Prada is lucky to be in such safe hands and I’m really enjoying working with Fran who is working so hard to ensure her horses are happy and healthy💚