Equiflex Therapy PEMF

25/11/2025

Lovely morning spent with Wilson, Parker, and Olivia Renshaw of course 😉 at Wolds Equine Sports Massage Approved Courses

21/11/2025

A brilliant section of the BSAS - British Society of Animal Science conference today. A panel of experts from across a wide range of the equine industry with the chance to quiz them.

Some very valuable questions, including the very topical Imposter Syndrome 😊

19/11/2025

A lovely surprise today from Lynnda Stainton Jessy Grove Sarah Stainton Vicky Glasow
Thank you ❤️

15/11/2025

Thank you Alex Jewell Performance!
Very excited to announce that I am now an FEI Permitted Therapist! ✨️🥳

Massive Congratualtions to Life and Business Coaching Client Katie of Equiflex Therapy PEMF on this tremendous achievement, now you can take your horses therapist to those all important FEI events too.
Well done Katie so pleased for you🎉🎉

12/11/2025

Whether I am between yards on working on multiple horses on the same yard, is my go to for keeping myself and my kit safe for everyone 😊🙏

10/11/2025

🐴 Horses are so much more than “just animals.” They’re our friends, confidants, partners, and healers — grounding us, teaching us, and reminding us what true connection feels like. 💫

09/11/2025

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them ❤️💜

06/11/2025

Does your horse feel tense, resistant, or just not quite right under saddle? 🐴💭
Neck pain and tension can show up in subtle ridden signs such as:
✨ Difficulty bending or flexing one way
✨ Reluctance to accept the contact or go “round”
✨ Head tossing or uneven head/neck carriage
✨ Shortened stride or stiffness in transitions
✨ A feeling of heaviness in the reins or lack of softness
✨️ Tripping, stumbling or lack of coordination

These changes can make your ride feel frustrating or disconnected — but they’re your horse’s way of saying something’s uncomfortable.

💆‍♀️ Regular massage, therapies and targeted exercises can release tension, improve suppleness, and restore comfort and performance.

03/11/2025

I cannot believe we are already in November! Less than 4 weeks to go 😱
Thank you Equestrian Business Awards for putting on such an amazing event and I can't wait to meet everyone!
Roll on the 29th!

02/11/2025

Have you considered the impact winter has on your horse's diet?

As the seasons change, so do the nutritional and physiological needs of horses, with winter significantly impacting hydration and therefore tendon elasticity, fascia health and more. It is important to understand how to adapt care routines to support musculoskeletal health and keep your horses performing at the top level.

🌾 Winter Diet Transitions: From Moisture-Rich Grass to Dry Forage
During warmer months, horses graze on fresh pasture, which contains up to 80% moisture. In winter, this is replaced by hay or haylage, which typically contains only 10–20% moisture. This reduction in water intake from forage alone can lead to systemic dehydration if not properly managed. Alongside this, cold weather often discourages horses from drinking enough. Icy troughs and reduced thirst response mean horses may consume less than required, increasing the risk of impaction colic and compromising cellular hydration.

🧬 Fascia and Tendon Health
Fascia is a connective tissue network that surrounds muscles, organs, and joints. It’s composed largely of water and collagen, and its ability to glide and support movement depends on adequate hydration. Tendons, too, require water to maintain their visco-elastic properties. Dehydrated fascia becomes stiff and adhesive, reducing range of motion and increasing injury risk. Similarly, dry tendons lose their shock-absorbing capacity, making them prone to strain under load.

🐴 Hard Feed and Hay: Fibre vs Fluid
Hard feeds and dry hay are essential for winter energy needs, but they lack the moisture content of fresh grass. Without compensatory water intake or soaked feeds, horses may experience slower digestion and reduced nutrient absorption. This can lead to muscle fatigue and poor recovery.

✅ Practical Tips for Supporting Tissue Hydration
Offer warm or flavoured water to encourage drinking during cold spells
Incorporate soaked feeds like beet pulp or alfalfa to boost moisture intake

Understanding the interplay between diet, hydration, and tissue health is key to maintaining peak performance and comfort for your horse.

01/11/2025

A poorly fitted rug isn’t just uncomfortable—it can alter your horse’s biomechanics & compromise tissue health.

Rugs are essential, for some, for warmth and protection, but a poor fit can interfere with musculoskeletal function and are often overlooked.

🧠 Spinal Alignment and Postural Compensation
The equine spine is a dynamic structure supported by deep postural muscles. These muscles stabilize the vertebrae and facilitate movement. A rug that pulls unevenly across the withers or spine- especially if it slips or twists- can create asymmetrical pressure, leading to compensatory posture such as a hollow back or bracing of the neck. This can exacerbate existing conditions.

🦴 Restricted Scapular Movement
The scapula (shoulder blade) rotates upward and backward during locomotion, sliding beneath the trapezius and over the thoracic rib cage. A rug that is too tight across the chest or shoulders can impinge on the scapular cartilage, which acts as a lubricant between bone and muscle. This cartilage is delicate and non-regenerative - once damaged, it cannot heal.

Restriction here limits stride length, reduces shoulder freedom, and can cause compensatory loading in the forelimbs and thoracic spine. Horses may present with shortened movement, reluctance to stretch, or uneven muscle development.

⚖️ Asymmetrical Muscle Loading
When a rug shifts to one side or applies uneven tension, it alters how muscles are loaded during movement. Uneven loading can affect fascia and lymphatic flow, contributing to localised inflammation, fluid retention, and reduced tissue elasticity.

✅ Best Practices for Rug Fit
Check clearance: Ensure the rug allows full scapular rotation without pressure points. Rugs should sit evenly across the spine and not twist or pull to one side.

Assess movement: Watch your horse walk and trot in the rug—look for shortened stride or reluctance to move freely.

I often see the downstream effects of poor rug fit in horses and ponies. Addressing these subtle biomechanical stressors is key to maintaining comfort, performance, and long-term musculoskeletal health.