Instinctively Equine - Equine Massage and Holistic Therapy

29/02/2024

🐴 Looking for a yard to host Equine Massage Training🐴

I am going to be back tutoring group and 1-2-1 Hands on Days for Centaur Equine Massage Training but we need a new venue(s).

The days generally run from 10am - 4pm, given the nature of the training we are looking for a relatively quiet yard. A range of horses would be fantastic.

Bristol and surrounding areas will be considered, South Bristol would be fantastic.

Any questions about what we need / how the day is run, just ask. And please share 😊

16/08/2023

26/06/2023

Duchess has had to receive treatment for ulcers this year and speaking to the vet, there is an increase in your cob types getting ulcers.

It seems it’s not just the anxious, highly strung thoroughbreds we’d expect.

Something to consider when you think about your horse’s exercise regime 🐎

2 DAYS OFF EXERCISE/WEEK FOR ULCERS

Gastric ulcers (gastric disease) in horses is a frustrating condition that can be challenging to treat, and may reoccur despite good diet and management.

The glandular ulcers (also described as lesions, since some aren't true ulcers) are believed to be unrelated to diet, and risk factors include stress and daily exercise.

It is recommended that horses prone to glandular disease (EGGD) are given two days off exercise per week. Gastroenterologist Vet and Senior Lecturer in Equine Internal Medicine at the Royal Vet College Michael Hewetson gives the guideline of one day rest after every two days exercise.

Read more about how to feed and manage horses prone to gastric ulcers (both types, EGSD and EGGD) in the Equine Nutrition Learning Centre on my website (link in comments)

Feel free to share 🐴🍏

19/06/2023

Becoming a mum has been the most amazing and rewarding time, it’s had its challenges and also really hard through parts but I am so lucky.

Navigating the new mum life, along with horses throws up even more challenges so my business has really gone on the back burner so I could enjoy my maternity. I’ve been out and done the odd treatment here and there as well as working on a rebrand. Very exciting!!!

I’ll be back out treating properly very soon. Thank you for giving me the space to enjoy all the little moments with my little man 🥰

18/12/2022

🌟🌟 IMPORTANT UPDATES 🌟🌟

2022 Has been a big year, most importantly I welcomed my baby boy into the world!

I will be returning to work and able to take on new clients in the new year but, as I’m sure everyone can appreciate, my availability will be significantly reduced. I also moved during the year, although this will not impact the areas I cover, my travel costs will change (I will discuss this with individuals on booking).

Unfortunately, we are all feeling the financial impacts at the moment so my prices will also be increasing.

A treatment will cost £45, however I will be bringing details of packages out in the new year as well.

🎅 I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Have a fabulous time with friends and family and I look forward to working with you and your horses very soon🎄

24/12/2021

My little rescue pony, making me proud once again 🥰🎄

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas 🎅🎁🎄

09/10/2021

19/09/2021

🐴 Another great morning at HorseWorld Trust yesterday, running my second Introduction to Equine Massage workshop 🐴

Beautiful to be out in the sunshine and teaching the welfare team new ways to help the horses they work with and improve the bonds they are making 🥰

11/09/2021

Lovely morning at HorseWorld Trust, running an Introduction to Equine Massage for some of the grooms who work on the welfare yard 🐴

All the staff were fantastic, recognising subtle changes in the horses and able to apply the techniques they learnt in the best way.

Looking forward to going back next week, running the workshop for another group of grooms 😁

28/08/2021

Great day being back at Avon Riding Centre, tutoring for Centaur Equine Massage Training 🐴

6 ponies left feeling very grateful for getting to be practice ‘clients’ for the students today 😴

10/08/2021

Many people use trot poles in their training programs, but what effect do they actually have on your horse’s musculoskeletal system?⁣
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Two studies conducted by Clayton et al in 2014 measured kinematics (movement of the back and limbs) of 8 horses trotting over poles on the ground, at 11cm and 20cm.⁣
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They found that:⁣
➡️ hoof height increased over all heights in all limbs, but there was no significant change in the height of the withers or croup. Basically this suggests that the increase in hoof height is due to the limbs flexing more, rather than by the body raising higher. ⁣
➡️ the increases in swing phase joint flexion indicate that trotting over poles is effective for activating and strengthening the muscles involved in flexing (bending) the limbs.⁣
➡️ there was no increase in peak forces or the amount that the fetlock extended when compared to trotting on level ground, suggesting that using trot poles for rehab shouldn’t jeopardise the recovery process by over-loading the limbs.⁣
➡️ the need to raise the limbs in order to clear the poles and place the hooves accurately requires visumotor coordination, which may be useful in neurological rehab.⁣
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It’s so important to design training and rehab programs with a specific goal in mind. Always consult with your vet and qualified therapist when it comes to implementing the appropriate program for your horse. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣