Sophie Elfleet Equine Body Worker

01/09/2025

I echo these thoughts although I haven't yet had the privilege to go to a grading. I am lucky enough to have worked with a couple 2 year olds but no younger and often their bodywork is overlooked as the common belief is that it's just not needed until they are ridden, which is simply not true!
Really important post to read, inform yourself.

Breeders of Foals & Youngstock

I had the absolute pleasure of observing at this years
Sports Horse evaluation.

It was a privilege to join such a knowledgeable group of respected ladies who are at the top of their game when it comes to assessing and grading young sport horses from foals to three year olds.

My reflections are in no way a criticism of the vet or the assesors but rather as an osteopathic perspective on what I saw. And my frustration with some breeders.

Posture seemed to be overlooked during the conformation & way of going phase. Not just in this setting but in all gradings & even panel show judges assessments.

I saw multiple youngsters showing

high/low hooves

Weak thoracics

Impingements

Medial/lateral and lateral/medial imbalances

Toeing out/In

All can be resolved or reduced with an osteopathic approach

Yet, during the veterinary examinations, I did not hear a single recommendation for bodywork. Instead, the focus was almost entirely on remedial farriery or shoeing.

Some horses were scored low on conformation & way of going yet with early intervention to improve posture and movement, those same horses would have presented very differently and likely achieved higher marks with some of them getting elite status.

When I spoke with one exhibitor about their quality two year old that could have got elite and suggested the benefits of osteopathic support, they believed it wasn’t needed until the horse was backed and ridden!!

Why don’t breeders know that many foals suffer trauma during birth. Just like human babies. That trauma can create postural restrictions which, left unaddressed, may develop into long term compensations and limitations.

By supporting correct alignment and expansion early, osteopathy helps young horses develop into freer moving, more balanced, and more athletic individuals.

Surely breeders would want to safeguard the long term athleticism, soundness, and value of their horses?

Yet again I came away feeling really disappointed & frustrated because It seems im just a little fish in a huge pond where my voice isnt heard.

05/07/2025

So proud of this girl ❤️
I feel very lucky to do the work I do

13/06/2025

This is what it's all about ❤️
This little mare has given so much in such a short space of time. A little patience, lots of listening and some good dodging moves 😂 and she's made huge progress and really begun to trust me. The smallest things can really make all the difference. Very proud of her 🤩

Absolutely adore my mare 🥰

Week 4, 4th session with Sophie Elfleet Equine Body Worker and the improvement is absolutely amazing, from her first report 'aggressive behaviour issues', Sophie having to have one hand on the hear collar ready to catch her in time to her now being happily tied and having her full body works today with a much happier mare, still a little way to go but the improvement in just 4 weeks is absolutely amazing, so pleased Sophie didn't give up on her in that first session ❤️

11/06/2025

13/05/2025

A short hiatus to visit the beautiful city of Porto with my best friend and allow myself some R and R.
Happy to be back to it tomorrow, even though I'm not actually back in the country until 1am tomorrow morning! Oops 😅

21/04/2025

What to expect from a session.

Over the last few months I have had an influx of new followers and clients so I thought it might be helpful to outline what to expect from a bodywork session with myself. Also a huge thank you for the support! 🥰

The bare bones of my session structure is as follows -
> introductions and initial feel over
> walk and trot up - dynamic/movement observations
> session proper
> summary and recommendations
> report and invoice sent via email

Sessions with myself typically last between 45 minutes and 1 and a half, but this can vary depending on the individual's needs. I charge £50 per session.
I have a holistic approach and will ask a number of questions not just about known or potential physical issues but also (and not restricted to) diet, routine and mental state. How your horse is feeling and how they react will also affect a session, what a session looks like will vary. I will tailor a session to the individual; sometimes working over very localised areas or work all over using a variety of techniques.
I will discuss the session with you after I have finished and you will always get a report emailed to you with a session summary, labelled diagrams and recommendations.

I must stress bodywork is a process. On the very rare occasion there can be huge changes seen and felt after just one session but this should not be expected. Integrating bodywork into your general management, much like hoof care for example, is how you will make real change and see lasting progress.
What I can promise is that every session, no matter how different, will make positive changes for your horse and I will always do my best by your horse.

17/03/2025

12/03/2025

Break the cycle

Last week I spoke about the pain compensation cycle but we need to know how to break it.
This chain reaction is set off in the body when there is pain or an injury occurs. Once the horse enters this cycle it can be difficult to break. Horses are masters of masking issues and often we don’t even realise our horses are within this cycle.
There can be obvious signs such as reactivity, swelling, lameness, stiffness or behavioural changes. But there are often much less obvious signs; Is your horse spooky, misbehaving or switched off? Do they dislike being groomed or bridled? Have separation issues or can be bolshy and strong? This could mean your horse is stuck in this cycle and trying to find a way to cope.
Pain isn't a bad thing. Pain is the body’s way of signalling there is an issue. However, when pain is ignored, unfortunately it doesn't just go away. Left to become a chronic problem it will slowly erode the body until they can no longer cope or there is a catastrophic event.
But this cycle can be broken and positive changes can set the body back on course to balance and healthy regulation. A bodywork session is just one example of how to break the cycle.
The benefits bodywork has globally on the body and emotional wellbeing can be a powerful place to start and be the catalyst to break this pain compensation cycle. Bodywork is also a powerful tool for prevention. Stop the cycle before it can even start with regular bodywork and gain all the benefits. As they say “prevention is better than cure”.

If you would like to book a session or have any questions please contact me via message or whatsapp 07958449567.

09/03/2025

Happy Sunday from this cute pair!
Enjoy having naked ponies and making the most of the sun while it's here.
Good old british fales spring to remind us we are nearly there! Bring on the longer days of summer. 🌞