Even Stride Equine Massage

Even Stride Equine Massage Level 4 Diploma in Equine Sports Massage located in South Devon
Fully insured, covering Devon Feel free to message me and I would be happy to help.

Hello my name is Emily Gilbert and welcome to my business page for Even Stride Equine Massage. I have a level 4 Diploma in Equine sports massage and lifetime of experience with horses. I have competed up to Elementary working at Prix St George however eventing is my true love having competed to Novice and have a young horse where I hope she will be my next eventer. My passion is working with horses to help them feel at their best and work with owners to maintain a happy partnership so they can perform at their optimum ability.

This week has been very up and down, been very busy with work, Dory keeps on getting better, so we even had a lovely rid...
01/09/2025

This week has been very up and down, been very busy with work, Dory keeps on getting better, so we even had a lovely ride on the Moor, but, most significantly, there has been a loss

As many of you know, Charlie, my daft donkey, came to join the gang in January as a companion for Dory. He was an older chap, standing at a Diddy 10hhs with the usual ridiculous ears and the loudest heehawww you ever heard. On Saturday, I went down as normal first thing to bring in, but there was no welcome from Charlie. Dory came over as normal, but I could see a flat out shape and presumed Charlie was asleep. Shockingly, when I went to him and prodded him, saying get up lazy, it become obvious that he had died.
To say, it doesn’t seem real is an understatement. I’d only said goodnight and left them both lhappily munching the night before. He had become quieter in the last few days, but, other than that, there were no signs.
So, I am writing this to thank everyone for baring with me while I wrap my head around this, and as a memorial to the sweet wee man that was our Charlie. Here are a few interesting things about donkeys, so we can take something away from the heartbreak

Donkeys are very physiologically different from horses, not just the big ears and small hooves! The reason why miles (when a donkey and a horse cross breed) are infertile, is due to a horse having 64 chromosomes, and a donkey only 62.
Despite their small, structure, donkeys are very strong and sturdy, particularly in their necks, which are shorter and stockier than a horse, being built for traversing rough terrain and to support a large head! They have a large cutaneous coli muscle that supports the neck, and still have a nuchal ligament that attaches to all cervical vertebrae (something that is weak or absent in horses -future post to follow)
Stubborn. How often have we heard that phrase? But it is actually a donkeys stoic nature. Instead of a horse that is fight or flight, a donkey is more likely to freeze, making their body language harder to read than a horse

To dear, sweet, escaping Charlie boy.

18/08/2025

Hello from Even Stride headquarters!

I am so glad that the temperature has dropped, and we’ve even had a few spots of rain. It makes exercising the neddies so much easier, not having to be out at daybreak before it’s roasting hot and avoiding being plagued by hoards of flies. It certainly makes treatments easier, the horses aren’t so fractious and being annoyed by biting things, flies or just generally hot and bothered ! The same can be said for me, climbing into work clothes built up a sweat before I’d even got my hands on the horses.

I had the pleasure of another new client with an older Arab, Zel. Zel was quite a character, quite nervous and clearly very smart. I was told that he had had a bad experience with a bodyworker and was consequently, wary and a little explosive with new experiences. It’s one way to test my focus and ability to regulate my emotions. Zel was a dream, he was so responsive and , once he realised that I was there to make him feel better he relaxed and we were able to work over his whole body. I choose not to treat areas for his first time, and simply notice things, but keep the session as a calming and gentle experience. He certainly enjoyed a little snooze in the sun!

It really highlights how much we as therapists have to put into our work. You can’t go in to a session thinking about what you’re going to eat later, what you did at the weekend, and, no matter what, you have to be an oasis of calm for the horse to lean on . I wouldn’t change what I do, I love watching the effects a treatment can have the reward I get from seeing a nervous horse start to relax and trust is amazing, but i needed a moment to take stock and recharge after this session, it can be really emotionally draining!

If you feel that your horse would benefit from a massage session, or would like a chat, please feel free to get in touch

Another Monday's come around, I really don't know where times going another busy week and I've been lucky enough to hav...
04/08/2025

Another Monday's come around, I really don't know where times going another busy week and I've been lucky enough to have another new client start with me and her two gorgeous horses, unfortunately, I yet again forget to take some nice photos of them so attached below is a picture of me with returning customer Chilli. Chilli is a gorgeous young lady who hasn't yet started to be ridden but we are working on keeping her functioning and in a correct posture before we even start to put the pressure of a rider on her this is such a lovely little mare and I feel truly honoured to be working with her she is very strong in her opinions but the sweetest kind of little girl and gives the best reactions when you hit the “sweet spot”.
And so now, here we are at the start of a new week! I am getting busier, but am still happy to take on new customers, again, first massage free (within half hour of Bovey Tracey) and 25% off if you refer a friend. Feel free to message me to discuss
I also thought I am start doing some common problems as a post if people would find that interesting?

20/07/2025

Taking a backwards step

Not something that anyone wants to hear or do. But, sometimes, it can be the best cure.

I have been really struggling with Dory since our fall. She has always been big and expressive and very athletic, and so, when she spooks, we can be turning on a pinhead and back the way we’ve come before you’ve had time to whip out your swear word of choice. Since last August, these spooks have got worse, and more frequent – who knew raindrops on leaves were a thing – and, to be honest, I have been in tears multiple times. Put her in a school and she’s laser focused I can’t fault her, but out and about, it is like the world is out to kill her. PTSD? Probably, but adding in my paranoia of slipping again, and you’ve got the perfect storm.

So. At the end of my tether, I did the opposite of what my instincts told me; I dropped the reins. I kept focussed on talking tonher, loosening my hips and shoulders and keeping pelvis in neutral. We went round the block she knows and armed with a pocket of sweeties, we made it home with out any tears. The first time, she wasn’t perfect, but, when i had warnings of a spook, we just stopped and looked. When I felt her calm, she got a treat and off we went.

We have now done the same ride, the same way, 4 times. Deadly dull, and nothing to write home about, but do you know what? Today, her “surprise spooks” (killer pigeons) were still there, but not as turn tail and run as they were. We even managed to have a no contact swinging trot. A trailer went passed with rattling beer kegs and she stood and watched.

On top of the saner rides, I can feel her starting to enjoy being with me again, her back swings, her Stride lengthens and she drops her nose down. We arent waiting for the other to do something stupid

Taking what feels like a massive backward step was a real confidence blow at first, but, after just 4 rides, I feel like I’m on top of the world, this is the election I normally get when we come home in the ribbons. To summarise, listen to your horse, trust yourself. To quote a rather famous scientist, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting change”

Another busy week! More exercise programmes drawn up, a few more new people to meet as well as some returning clients. ...
07/07/2025

Another busy week! More exercise programmes drawn up, a few more new people to meet as well as some returning clients. In between, i have been continuing o several really interesting CPD courses, looking at bodywork, rider effects to a horses way of going, as well as fitting in time with my own girl and daft donkey!
After a long time off due to my head injury, the pleasure I am getting being back out in the field and selecting exercises that are tailored to the horse is immense, and I can’t wait to see how mine and the owners efforts go to help the comfort and way of going of the horse

I am getting busier, but am still offering your first massage free, and a discount on the second if you recommend a friend. Please feel free to message me and we can have a chat and go from there!

Here's the gorgeous baby Chilli having her first massage

Where has the time gone! Just like that another week and so much to love about all the new people and horses I’ve even l...
30/06/2025

Where has the time gone! Just like that another week and so much to love about all the new people and horses I’ve even lucky enough to meet. Typical me, I forgot to take pretty (not just the photos for record cards) of everyone, but what a special bunch. I’ve had golden oldies, babies, pony clubbers, endurance, happy hackers, lead rein, big, small and everything in-between. I really do feel privileged to be asked to treat these lovely animals, the responses I get from them makes my day, and I feel extra lucky as I get to learn a little bit about sports that I’m not aware of.
The variety I’ve met shows that massage isn’t just for the elite, but everyone can benefit (and, in this heat, i think some owners might like a relaxing massage in the shade!) So please, if you would like to book in, feel free to message me, no obligations and your first massage is free

1 / 1And, just like that,it’s Monday again. Hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and managed to skip all the summer showe...
23/06/2025

1 / 1
And, just like that,it’s Monday again. Hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and managed to skip all the summer showers. It has been bust here, along with having fun with my two, and watching my cousin tackle the Dartmoor classic (a bike ride for crazy people) I had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful lady, Jemima. I honestly couldn’t have had a sweeter girl to kick off the free massage give away! She was only 9hh, so, as someone of 5ft11, most of the treatment was done on my knees! Jemima is a golden oldie and clearly well loved by her lovely owners. She was an absolute poppet and, despite a few “old bones” aches, really enjoyed her treatment!
Can’t wait to see her again next month

Still offering first treatment free, so please feel free to contact me to discuss further

Happy Monday! Given all that has been happening, I have been trying to get myself restarted with my massage business, wh...
16/06/2025

Happy Monday!

Given all that has been happening, I have been trying to get myself restarted with my massage business, while trying to scrape back some money in part time roles to plug the gaping hole left in my savings from the months post injury.
For this reason, I feel that I want to get back into the swing of things, and get hands on with as many horses as possible
Call it Monday madness, but, for this reason, I am offering A FREE MASSAGE SESSION. Yes. You read that right. Providing you are within a 40min drive from Bovey Tracey (sorry, but I have to think of fuel!) I will come snd treat your horse, and put together an exercise programme. In return, all I ask is that you promote me share me and give me some love! If you like how you think your horse feels then please, use and abuse me again. If a friend uses me through your recommendation, you will get a second massage half price.

Go go go!

26/05/2025

Foxy loving his myofascial release

**MYOFASCIA**I love myofasical work with horses. It is so rewarding and often bring about the most amazing results, as ...
26/05/2025

**MYOFASCIA**

I love myofasical work with horses. It is so rewarding and often bring about the most amazing results, as well as really helping anxious or flighty horses. But what is it? It does seem like very “woowoo” work, as it does appear that the therapist is just putting their hands on your horse, looking like the second coming and then asking you to cross their palms with silver, but fascia is SO important, and completely underestimated

So what is it? Well, it surrounds the entire internal network of the horse. From tail tip to nose. Just take a second to let that sink in. It is even classed as it’s own organ, that is how important it is. This tissue varies in strength and depth, and goes from the very thick and strong, e.g. surrounding the deep digital flexor, to the delicate and gossamer thin, as it penetrates to surround bone, muscles and the internal organs. It allows fluid motion and for the muscles to glide over each other, supports the muscles and keeps the internal organs in the correct place. It is such a highly complex organ, which leaves it susceptible to damage dysfunction, it can get stuck and so it’s structure and function is affected. An “stuckage” can come through, injury, overuse or underuse, stress, or pressure – maybe from an ill fitting saddle – another post about saddles and the importance of getting them checked soon! – and in consequence to this, the fascia can thicken and toughen, causes pain, fatigue and change in the horses way of going. Fascia distributes the power and strength of the muscles and stabilises the jjoints and spinal column. So a horse with a healthy fascia net, is more likely to perform well and more willingly
While there is still a long way to go with the research in to fascia, we have now learnt to recognise when and where it is when it gets stuck. For example, a Prix St George dressage horse that works long and hard in collection, may show signs of fascial over stress in the hindquarters, this can be observed as wrinkles running over the gluteals and hamstrings.
For me, I find I work a lot on feel, I can locate the area of fascial stuckness, but then I have to tap into the horse and work and my own instincts. This can take 5 minutes, this can take 20, it varies from horse to horse, but the results are mind blowing.
I was lucky enough to be asked by Vicky to come and treat her lovely Arab endurance horse who was showing signs of myofascia distress along his superficial ventral line. We wweren’t sure of the cause, but after a routine massage, I got to work on releasing it. Foxy was so responsive, after only 5 minutes, his whole demeanour had relaxed, and we were getting some super releases from him. I plan to go back again soon, as it is tiring for both horse and therapist, but I am looking forward to making some really positive strides forwards with him.

19/05/2025

Starting to feel like Eminem, guess who's back...(did I just reveal my millennial age there? Oops...)

For those who know me, hello again, and thank you for taking the time to read my waffles, for the newbies, the curious and the intrigued, hello and welcome. I decided that I need to give myself a kick up the derriere and start again. So, here I am starting over and explaining myself and my reasons.
I’m Emily, general accident prone female with a penchant for making a fool of myself. After leaving school at 18 to pursue an career as a professional rider, a life implosion at 22 saw that come crashing down around my ears. I tried to follow – what I was told – was a more stable (pun totally intended) career, but after spending several years drifting and being a general moody cow, I realised that life is too short, and I wanted to have a career in horses, whatever shape that took.
So, I enrolled into am Equine Massage course, with the best trainers around, and one which is regarded to be the best. April 23, a bright eyed and bushy tailed Emily steps out as a fully qualified therapist. Now, I won’t bore you – in this post, anyway – about the grafting that is needed to set up business, but, it was hard. I continued to train my big girl (Dory, the 18hh donkey warmblood) and work a part time job to keep the bills paid. At the end of August, me and the Dory Donk were walking home from a hot, sweaty, but brilliant training session. Don’t ask me what happened, because I have no memory of it, but, one minute I was using the Dorys height to scrump some figs, the next thing I remember clearly is projectile vomiting in A&E *tip, gets you seen very quickly on busy Friday evening*. Cutting the details, I had a frontal lobe brain haemorrhage as I must have headbutted the tarmac. Amazingly, Dory and I walked out with all bones intact, as my poor girl slipped down onto me and slid for a bit trying to get up.
This diagnoses resulted in, to be honest, one of the worst times of my life. I lost my driving license and so, my new business as I couldn’t drive to my clients, I lost my part time job (whole other kettle of fish there). I lost the trust that I had with my horse, as although I was back riding in 4 weeks – try stopping a horsey girl NHS...- we had both suffered a serious confidence knock and Dory was suffering from PTSD. So, not being the most confident and being a chronic self doubter, being a bit of a loner in an all girls school does do that to you, I spent 7 months sitting at home, cut off, not able to get out, and generally turning mole hills into mountains.
Seven months is now up, people. I am now emerging from what has felt like cave, I am chaining my driving license to my body and I am ready to step back out into the massage world. I have had a long break, but, with the support of my governing body, ESMA, who are the most wonderfully helpful and kind people, I am getting back into it.
My plan is to start gradually again, try me out! If you like me and like what I do, great, lets help your horse be the best, if you don’t, and I accept that in the horsey world, you can often clash personalities, fine, it was lovely to meet you and we can part ways
I am thinking that I will start posting blog type posts, to explain most of the minutiae of my life, work, and everything. It may be interesting, or it may be your new go to for sending you to sleep at night. So, stay alert for the next post, drop me a message if you want to chat, or give me a bell if you’d like to try a massage session with your horse
Emily
Even Stride Equine Massage

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Exeter

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