Harper Equine

29/07/2014

08/07/2014

After a few days away I brought the Harper Equine horse (The Tank) in for a fuss. He's not a fan of hands on massage but prefers more gentle, soft approaches.Today I did Bladder Meridian. It can be slow and rather boring but this technique can have dramatic results on some horses. The Tank did not disappoint - hyperventilating, rapid blinking, multiple yawning, fidgeting - all big releases. Try it with your own horse - it's easy to learn and helps calming and bonding :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPVyG37Wve0

The Masterson Method is an innovative form of equine massage that allows the horse to release deep, accumulated pain and tension in muscles and connective. T...

28/06/2014

Some fun for Saturday night :D

H Tobago, Arabian stallion, international champion, sire of many champions including 4 British National Champions, all-time highest-ranked Arabian sire in th...

01/06/2014

30/05/2014

Truly hilarious collection of videos :) The last one is my favourite :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wsOr0m-hAo&index=2&list=PLfYc1fRT-ZngPcBXy_yD87FQlWaehHoZa

As much as we love our horses, some of their behavior is a little...weird. Imagine if you're best friend or co-worker acted like that? That's exactly what we...

26/05/2014

26/05/2014

I love working on all my client's horses....but Charles is just that bit special. Such a lovely boy :)

Just a quick message to say a huge Thank You for yesterday. Charles is like a new ponio today, very happy and really enjoyed a morning scratch! Visibly more relaxed, amazing xx

16/05/2014

It will be interesting to read the research when it is released
http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-news/2014/04/07-stabled-horses-colic-risk.aspx

Research out of the United Kingdom suggests that moving horses from pasture to stable could increase colic risk.

13/05/2014

EBTA Turnout Week - No. 1: For many horses the spring weather brings a change in routine to include more turnout. With increased freedom horses can engage in natural behaviours such as socialising with other horses, rolling, grazing and browsing.

Conversely, spring heralds the time of management challenges for those with laminitic animals and/or those with metabolic issues. Also many horses are considered too valuable to risk going out, particularly in company. When horses who are stabled a lot are turned out, they are likely to exhibit more intense movements than if they were turned out more regularly and thus be more likely to cause the injuries the owners had hoped to avoid by confining them. A 2010 study (http://www.animalbytes.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/015_animal_chaplin_2010.pdf) showed that this so-called "rebound behaviour" can also have implications for rider safety.

This series of updates for EBTA Turnout Week addresses some of these management challenges and tries to help owners find solutions.

11/05/2014

So the Harper Equine horse has been lame and dragging a leg. In the absence of any heat, swelling or injury, it appeared mechanical. I got the vet out who believes horse has done the splits and pulled a muscle in his chest. He's for 10 day's Danilon and field physio then vet is hopeful for a full recovery. It is important for any new lameness to be checked out by a vet. I could spot mechanical lameness and my theory was that muscle strain was behind it, BUT I am no replacement for a full lameness exam by an experienced vet. Any decent massage therapist will refuse to see a horse with a new and undiagnosed lameness until a vet has attended and given permission for body work. On the plus side, the Harper Equine Horse appears to be feeling better on the Danilon ;)