28/05/2026
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Why Equine Performance and Wellbeing?
My Journey into bodywork started 15 years ago. I have always had an interest in alternative therapies and after seeing the difference Dianne Jenkins‘ JENT made to my horses I decided to pursue a new career in Equine Bodywork. Once I had qualified In Equine Massage, I also became certified in Myofascial Release and became more and more interested in fascia and its importance.
The results achieved with JENT and Myofascial Release combined were excellent. Participating in courses using Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation in 2014 and Animal Neuro-Myofascial Release Techniques in 2019/20 added more invaluable tools to my sessions.
In 2018 I attended the World Congress of Fascia in Berlin and In 2019 Fascial Manipulation Level 1 (Fascial Manipulation Institute by Stecco) in Germany.
Every course I attend I chose believing it will give me more invaluable tools and the above have been some, that have done just that.
I also try and choose courses held by people that are leaders in their field and internationally recognised.
Fascial distortions and densifications, will
- prevent the ridden horse from performing to the best of its ability.
- stop foals and young horses from growing well and thriving.
- make the starting under saddle process and initial training much more difficult.
Most soft tissue injuries do not make the horse lame - instead the ridden horse:
- becomes unwilling in its work.
- changes behaviour.
- shows some unevenness.
- is just “not right”.
Working with JENT, Myofascial Release and Fascial Manipulation identifies and releases distortions in fascia and densifications in fascial trains, which will prevent your horse from performing to the best of its ability.These issues, when not addressed, may lead to poor performance and, over time, possibly to unsoundness.
With the combination of modalities used postural and compensatory issues are resolved, therefore preventing more serious problems in the future. Some of the injuries happen in paddock/stable incidents, galloping on heavy tracks, heavy falls, casting etc. and are much more common than owners are aware of. The ridden horse does not become lame, but may change behaviour, not be as willing in its work, not as happy in itself. After a period of time the horse seems better but not quite the same as before. This may indicate that the injury is no longer acute but now chronic. Often the range of motion is never the same as it once was and the horse’s flexion may not be the same, it may not be as forward and still not as willing as before. The issues will lead to a change of posture and, over time, are the cause of compensation issues throughout the body.
Because some fascial distortions are caused in paddock incidents, foals and young horses are also affected. Foals may stop thriving and growing as well as they normally would.
How much these distortions affect the horse is especially noticeable in young horses, just starting their ridden work. Once addressed many “green horse” issues are much improved. The horse is naturally straighter and more balanced. Initial training becomes much easier.
Whilst improvements can usually be seen very quickly over the first 3 sessions, at times longstanding issues need subsequent sessions. Maintenance sessions will avoid new acute injuries turning into chronic problems and will prevent compensation issues returning. Over time they will improve overall health and wellbeing. The horse becomes more willing, happier and increases in suppleness and strength.
Photonic Red Light Therapy and Photobiomodulation are also invaluable as they assist the horses’ general wellbeing by stimulating acupoints (needleless acupuncture), as well as helping with many illnesses and conditions. It is also used for pain relief and healing on painful soft tissue, joints and wounds etc.
Qualifications:
Equinology - Equine Bodyworker Certification (June 2008)
Equinology - Equine Myofascial Release Techniques Level 1 (June 2008)
Equinology - Equine Myofascial Release Techniques Level 2 (April 2009)
Equinology - Biomechanics, Applied Anatomy & Gait Abnormalities (March 2009)
JENT Institute - JENT Bodywork Diploma Level 1 (2009)
JENT Institute- Equine Photonic Red Light Therapy (July 2009)
Equinology - Saddle Fitting and Farrier Science Level 1 (December 2010)
Holistic Animal Studies Animal – Animal Neuro-Myofascial Release Techniques (November 2020)
Courses/Seminars attended:
VOM Seminars – Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (May 2014)
Horses Inside Out – Musculoskeletal Testing and Joint Mobilisation (October 2015)
Horses Inside Out – Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics (October 2015)
Equinology – Equine Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises (April 2017)
World Congress of Fascia (November 2018)
Fascial Manipulation Institute by Stecco – Equine Fascial Manipulation Level 1 -presented by Arbeitsgruppe Pferd - Dr Arno Lindner (September 2019)
Equine -Everything Fascia Series - Tuulia Luomala - presented by Online Pet Health (March 2021)
Equine Kinetic Myofascial Connections - Dr Vibeke Elbrond - presented by Horses Inside Out (April 2021)
Equine Fascial Manipulation Level 2 (August 2022)
I am currently studying Animal Physiotherapy.
As a member of the ETAA & International Bodyworker‘s Association I am committed to continuously participate in courses for further education and am fully insured.
Top photo after 2 sessions, bottom photo before first session.
