Capriole Equine Sports & Rehabilitation Massage

02/01/2026

Photo dump from 🇿🇦 continues

29/12/2025

Did you know that the Boerperd is a South African breed of horse? 🇿🇦

They're quite amazing! Whilst small in stature and really quite fine, they're incredibly strong and able to cross tough mountainous terrains for long distances!

And like all horses, they really do appreciate body work! 🫶🏽

16/12/2025

What a privilege to get to work on Khotso Lodge & Horse Trails horses! We chatted through so much including saddle fit, topline strengthening exercises, posture and so much more.

Looking forward to returning in the future and continuing work with such a super bunch of people and horses 🤗

26/11/2025

HOW DOES RIDER PAIN AFFECT THEIR HORSE?

Whilst I sit here with a fairly gnarly lower left back pain, it made me think whether we really think that much about how rider pain might have an impact on their horse's way of going?

Historically, and quite naturally of course, if a horse shows signs of pain they are immediately rested and consultation with equine professionals is carried out to manage the horse appropriately. Where in contrast, when riders have pain we seem to just carry on.

Horses will develop a locomotive strategy for asymmetry of the rider, or a saddle that doesn't fit in order to alleviate any discomfort. Horses like predictability.

Let's try articulate this better:-
Picture the scene, we have a rider who has slipped off the last step of the muck heap and now has lower back pain. No major issue, just soft tissue but they're moving in a hollow way, shortening through one side. They get on their horse and they have the same adaptation as they have walking in a straight line. How does that affect the horse?

Research has found that when riders have an acute injury it took approximately 6 weeks for the horse to alter their gait in response to the asymmetries that had been induced by the injury of the rider.

So it's something to be really mindful of - if you have an injury: regroup, repair and recover, check your functional movement patterns again and then resume riding 🐴💗
*hobbles off to book my own body work treatment...


📷 North East Equine Photography

23/11/2025

Treat them with kindness and respect, and you'll find that they're the gentlest animal you've ever met ✨️

20/11/2025

Those beautifully soft post treatment and balance pad feels 💗

Why Horses Benefit and Show Enjoyment during Balance Pad Work:

✅️Muscle Activation: Standing on an unstable, cushioned surface forces them to engage their deep core and postural muscles continuously to maintain balance. This subtle workout strengthens muscles that are otherwise hard to target, which can lead to better overall stability and posture.

✅️Proprioception and Body Awareness: The pads challenge the horse's proprioception (their sense of where their body and limbs are in space). This increased awareness helps them become more coordinated and confident in their movements, especially on varied terrain, which can reduce the risk of injury.

✅️Mental Relaxation: The process requires focus, which often helps horses redirect nervous energy and concentrate on their foot placement. Many will observe visible signs of relaxation, such as licking, chewing, or deep sighs, during or after a session. This calming effect contributes significantly to a regulated nervous system.

✅️Pain and Tension Release: By promoting micro-movements and activating specific muscles, the pads can help release tension in the back, legs, and joints. This can be particularly beneficial for older horses or those in rehabilitation (under veterinary guidance), improving their comfort and mobility.

✅️Autonomy and Engagement: Often, horses are introduced to the pads in a way that allows them to step on or off at will. This element of choice and self-regulation lets the horse explore different sensations and find what is most comfortable or therapeutic for them on any given day, enhancing the positive experience.

✨️In essence, the pads provide a gentle, effective way to improve physical condition and mental well-being, which is why many horses respond so positively to their use.

🦄 Lovely Fern being a perfect example

20/10/2025

Strangles is much more prevalent in Northumberland than alot of us realise. Always stay vigilant and keep an eye on your horse's temperature, aswell as looking out for lethargy, loss of appetite, nasal discharge and coughing! Swollen glands aren't always the first tell tale sign of strangles!

Owners have been reminded of the need to be vigilant and take action after a “significant” increase in strangles cases. Read more below

16/09/2025

Just over 3 years of what was supposed to have only been 3 months, has now turned into what will be a lifetime of pocket rocket adventures with my sweet, sassy and vibrant madam who enjoys a coffee and cake stop as much as any high maintenance girl does 👸🏽

09/09/2025

MUSCLE HEALTH

🤔 What people think good muscle health does:

🤔 Makes our horse stronger...

✅️ What good muscle health actually does:

🐴 Improves Performance:
Strong muscles enhance a horse's capabilities, whether in speed, strength, or endurance for various equestrian disciplines.

🐴 Injury Prevention:
Muscles support the skeletal structure and joints, distributing forces more evenly and reducing the risk of injury.

🐴 Enhanced Stamina and Speed:
Muscle development increases a horse's stamina and ability to sustain effort, making them more effective athletes.

🐴 Metabolic Health:
Muscle tissue is the body's metabolic engine, playing a role in efficient glucose and fat metabolism and energy production.

🐴 Immune Support:
A strong muscular system contributes to overall health, including a more resilient immune system and better recovery from exertion.

🐴 Overall Vitality and Lifespan:
Good muscle health contributes to a horse's general vitality, a strong topline, and a longer, healthier life. Great for supporting our golden oldies ✨️

📲 Get in touch to find out how I can assist you in helping you improve your horse's muscle health.


📸 North East Equine Photography