Claire Pickersgill, Equine Massage Therapy

30/08/2021

This is so interesting…

Horses hold their breath while jumping… I think we can all relate 😅

25/06/2021

They’re just a bit bigger 🤣

Mind blowing....🙈🙈🙈

26/05/2021

Equine brains are built to experience emotion (the amygdalas) without evaluation (the prefrontal cortex).

This architecture creates an emotional but non-judgemental animal.
By nature (and intentional creation) equine brains have the capacity to heal human wounds.

Horses have one of the most expressive faces of all species using a combination of 17 distinct movements (that yields over 355 trillion possible combinations) to communicate and read each other.

Horses also read human facial expressions - not only in real life but also in photographs.

In a study done by Amy Smith et al in 2016, horses avoided photographs of angry human faces and displayed a rapid spike in heart rate upon seeing them.

Photographs of relaxed, smiling humans did not elicit any avoidance and did not alter heart rate.

Horse’s emotional intelligence is why there’s about 900 certified equine therapy centers in the US helping to treat PTSD, anxiety, disorders, substance abuse, trauma, grief, or just a bad day.

Everyone needs a horse in their life. 🖤

Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship
Janet L Jones

Research article:
Functionally relevant responses to human facial expressions of emotion in the domestic horse (Equus caballus)
Amy Victoria Smith , Leanne Proops , Kate Grounds , Jennifer Wathan and Karen McComb

10/05/2021

What do you think of this? My old horse always went ‘flat’ in spring and autumn for a couple of weeks, I always put that down to change in coat but never researched to see if that was just myth 🤷🏻‍♀️
https://www.facebook.com/1272911376/posts/10220273805776630/?d=n

30/04/2021

The growth of a hoof in the first year of life...

24/04/2021

Interesting graphics (from Naomi Taviani) seen on another page. What are your thoughts on this? FYI from what I understand it is referring to the growth plates, not considering that all bones can remodel due to additional factors

22/04/2021

I love this pic of King reading his notes during his latest massage session!
I always make notes for every visit so we have an accurate record to compare. When I first treated King he had several areas of discomfort and his owner Emma had reported he had been out of character when ridden. I suggested a saddle check and the saddler advised King needed a new saddle. He has responded well to his treatments and is now more comfortable and both he and owner Emma are loving his new saddle and enjoying schooling again.

22/04/2021

Somehow my old Equine Massage Page is linked to old login details so I’m starting a fresh one linked to my main FB account

I’m a fully qualified and insured Equine Massage Therapist with over 10 years experience. I’ve had a bit of time out recently due to a wrist injury but am now fully recovered and able to continue again. I look forward to working with you to help keep your beloved equines healthy and strong 😁