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EPONA Equine Massage Therapy

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United Kingdom
Salisbury
EPONA Equine Massage Therapy

Epona is dedicated to the well being of horses through massage therapy. Cert. ESMT.

IAAT Adapting techniques to suit all from Draft, driving, AQH, OTTB, Endurance and those requiring competition support + our happy hacking heart horses💜 Balens insured Full body Massage including the following ~ full dynamic assessment, full body palpation, full treatment including any of the modalities needed such as red light therapy, kinesiology taping, Myofascial release and soon coming onboard ultrasound treatment £45 for new clients, any following full body Massage £40 thereafter 1.5 to 2hrs treatment

red light therapy stand alone treatment £25

kinesiology taping stand alone treatment £25

pre competition massage 30mins £25

post competition recovery massage 30 mins £25

free travel within 20 miles

OFFERS
Red light)K tape book 10 get 12 (2 Free)
Multiple bookings from same livery yard gets £5 off a treatment (minutes 2 max 5)
Book 6 sessions across the year and only pay for 5

��Horse Owners Clinic held at your own yard max 6 clients £75 per person 3 HR hands on session covering
�dynamic assessment the how to
�learn how to palpate spotting any tension areas
�learn key massage techniques
� learn safe stretches and mobilisation techniques
� handy reference guide to keep

06/02/2026

Massage 'who' is it good for??? No. 4

Driving horses and Ponies

Driving a horse, particularly in harness, places a specific load on muscles, primarily focusing on the hindquarters for propulsion and the back and core for support. Unlike riding, driving develops the medial thigh muscles in the horse, which can then be used to power the horse under saddle. A driving horse could lack muscle across the withers and back, which needs to be developed gradually through a mixture of riding and/or lungeing or long lining when training and starting under harness.
Muscles Used in Driving⁉️⁉️
Hindquarters💪
The hindlegs are the powerhouse of the horse, with the gluteal muscles providing forward propulsion and strength. These muscles, including the gluteal superficialis, gluteal medius, and gluteal profundus, are crucial for hip extension and abduction.
Back and Core💪
The horse uses isometric muscle contraction in the abdominal muscles, deep back muscles, and iliopsaos muscles to support the back when pulling weight and when performing movements requiring collection and engagement in harness.
Hamstrings💪
These muscles are part of the extensor chain and work isometrically to support joints in a flexed position and carry a greater percentage of the weight required for the pull.

Having worked with a couple of driving equines. I always pay attention to the shoulder and pectoral muscles as well. It's essential that horses responsible for pulling are still lifting through their core and not pulling 'downhill' so to speak. Stretches can really support ✅️ forelimb retraction and protraction stretches can really help the shoulder (supraspinatus, infraspinatus), bracciocephalicus, lomgissimus and Lattimuss dorsi. Sternum rock or lift with gentle pressure on the sternum to encourage a lift of chest and arch to back can also really help strengthen and improve posture and core stability. This mobilisation can also improve spinal mobility and engage the core.

Driving is an amazing experience and I'd encourage anyone to take a taster day at one of the many driving clubs. It's unique, requires a huge degree of confidence and control, incredible voice aids .. add in the scurry speed and its as adrenalin fueled as you'd get. Highly recommend to any rider to try. The driving community are as you'd expect, passionate, hold a wealth of knowledge and are always only to happy to share ~ never had one of my questions not answered. I had a taster day a few years back and it was awesome, highly recommended, such a unique perspective.

01/02/2026

Watching a fascinating lecture on does rugging horses affect measured stride length ~ fascinating study and to understand how this research was put together, raising lines of inquiry around performance impact, rug design, horse owners choices, welfare, impact on thoracic sling, does cut and tailoring benefit the horse and do they allow greater freedom of movement. Thank you to Melissa Troup BHSI MSc McTimoney Animal Chiropractor for your amazing study and lecture and International Association of Animal Therapists for offering this as part of your CPD for therapists.

1 great discussion point raised for consideration...could you move the same way in 2 pairs of jeans as opposed to one? what would wearing those 2 jeans mean for you long term??? 👖👖👖👖👖👖👖👖👖that puts the study into context.

This has left me thinking about liners as well and overall rug fit 🤔🤔

Horse owners in the main want the very best for their equines and it's great to consider and reflect and start those conversations.

I'm a one rug girl but with a liner and am always checking fit for any tightness, and giving as much time without as I can. My personal focus is only rug when I absolutely need it on my unclipped, out 247 boy. The clipped and stabled have a different welfare requirement and we all need to manage the horse that is in front of us. Great question 1 or layered??? And has your mind changed? The study cited is statistically sound and worthy of consideration for sure 👍

01/02/2026

What about the Benefits of Heat?

Heat can help to:

Support healthy muscles and soft tissue.
Warm up muscles or joints before exercise.
Maintain lymphatic function.
Increase metabolic and nerve activity.
Therefore, using heat is ideal for:

Older horses.
Warm horses up prior to exercise or stretching.
Horses in work and/or competing.
Young horses who are learning new things.
Horses undergoing retraining and recruiting new muscles.
Those returning to work after a period of rest.
For any horse or pony to enjoy.

Seeing huge supportive results using the Epiony heat pad to compliment hands on work both pre and post therapy.

31/01/2026

🐎Massage 'who' is it good for? no.3🐎

Dressage 'dancing with horse's'

During dressage movements horses require
muscular endurance, training is the build up of strength to allow what a horse can do naturally ( watch them play at grass) with greater control, precision and collection or extension this coupled with a need for sustained control and power all with a rider creates such athletes. Let's look at one of those key ' dance moves' in a bit more detail ............

The side pass in horses involves a complex interplay of muscles, primarily in the core, hindquarters, and shoulders, to facilitate sideways movement. Muscles in the abdomen and back (like the abdominals and sacro-lumbar muscles) help rotate and tilt the pelvis, while muscles in the hindquarters (like the gluteals and muscles of the inner thigh) enable the legs to adduct (move inward) and cross over. The pectoral muscles in the chest engage to bring the shoulders across, and the rider's aids (legs, seat, and reins) influence these muscle contractions.

All lateral Movements like shoulder-in, travers, and half-pass require additional strength and endurance in the muscles of the hindquarters to maintain straightness and balance.

Other Considerations 💪🏼💪🏼
Balance and Collection:
Dressage emphasizes balance and collection, which requires the horse to engage its hindquarters and lift its back.

Muscular Tone and Flexibility:
The goal of dressage training is for the horse's muscles to have good tone and be flexible, allowing for smooth and controlled movements. Strength through the core, with lift at the shoulder creating lightness with the powerhouse behind, rider strength and tone plays a huge part in the overall balance.

Muscle Fiber Types:
Horses utilize both fast-twitch (white fibers) and slow-twitch (red fibers) muscles during dressage, with different muscle types activated depending on the movement and speed.

Training and Stress:
Dressage training can cause stress if not following a correctly well thought out schedule (as with all disciplines) but with proper training, environment, care and handling, horses learn to adapt to the demands of the sport. The balanced training regime coupled with a variety of disciplines/activities/surfaces/terrain and down time allow muscles to recover and relax all contributing to the slow build of strength and agility.

👍🏼Massage can help prepare them for such activity by increasing blood flow, warming up muscles, and reducing tension, leading to improved performance and reduced risk of injury. Equine massage therapy uses various techniques to manipulate soft tissue, enhancing flexibility, range of motion, and muscle tone.

👍🏼Equine massage post-competition is a valuable tool for aiding muscle recovery, reducing stiffness, and identifying potential injuries. It helps to remove toxins like lactic acid, increase blood flow, and promote relaxation. This can lead to faster recovery, reduced risk of injury, and improved overall well-being for the horse.

30/01/2026

Advancing Equine Suppleness

30/01/2026

Catching up on CPD from the monthly CPD from Wolds Equine Sports Massage Approved Courses - as always though provoking, accessible, detailed and keeps you fresh and thinking forward - really looking forard to some new lectures from IAAT which Ive lined up ready - Kinesiology Taping for Oedema and Lymphedema, An Introduction to Thermography with Elaine Hall and How do rugs affect horses' stride length?

Ill share the key headlines as I deleve in - what better way to chill on a rainy evening

30/01/2026

Preparing for your Equine Massage .......

Tell your massage therapist everything (about your horse 🐎)

We really need to plan and prepare ahead of time

✅ Any history or trauma
✅ Environmental situation
✅ Current workload, we will probably also ask what the last 2 weeks looks like
✅ Regular maintenance schedules ...trimming, saddle fit, vet visits, bridle fitting etc
✅ Changes in behaviour
✅ Upcoming events (this way we can advise on timings)
✅ Any injuries
✅ Schooling issues
✅ What concerns you as an owner
✅ Feeding schedules so we can book around those (no horse can settle when bucket time comes around and believe me I've tried)
✅ Your horses quirks, needs, feelings etc you know them best

The more we know the better we can help, advise and support

🐴 Team around the Horse 🐴

Our regular clients know that we always check in. I am committed to follow up, I connect with my clients after sessions, in-between sessions to check in. Bodies change and feedback is essential to our work.

Schedule an appointment today. Here to help

29/01/2026

✨ A new season for The Horsemanship Event of The Year - Horsemanship Showcase 25th - 27th September 2026 ✨

As we celebrate 10 incredible years together on a journey of horsemanship, it feels like the perfect time for a little change!

You asked for warmer weather, more time outdoors, more exhibitors, more food options - think BBQ vibes, maybe sunshine, and certainly fewer layers — and we listened.

Same heart. Same community. Incredible Horsemanship, education and inspiration Bury Farm Equestrian Village

❤️ Valentine’s Treat - Enjoy 15% off tickets until Valentine’s Day — because what’s better than planning something you love? Use CODE: HS15%VALENTINES

https://horsemanshipshowcase.com/

📅 New dates: 25th–27th September 2026
Bury Farm Equestrian Village UK

28/01/2026

🎓 Research reading and Findings 🎓

Fascinating research article, there is a significant amount of research dedicated to the impact of human massage especially for athletes. The article below was a really interesting read and the credit for this work is cited below. This is not my research but shared as part of my self study and CPD reading on the impact of Equine Massage Therapy on performance. This reading is part of my case study hands on work looking at anecdotal impacts via observation and client Feedback with case study equines. As always a huge thanks to my case study horses and clients, thank you for your trust and dedication 💜

'Evaluating the Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy: A Review of the Evidence and Current Practices
Mike Scott LMT, CSF
Lee Ann Swenson MSc, BSc 2009'

Extract
'In terms of equine research, one of the pivotal studies on range of motion was performed by the Jack Meagher Institute, under a grant from the American Massage Therapy Association. This grant itself is notable, because it was the first that this foundation provided for nonhuman subjects. The concept of such study in nonhuman subjects is the reverse of usual research progression, because treatments are most often first tested in animals for safety and preliminary efficacy. In this case, an advantage of performing nonhuman research provided an opportunity for an objective assessment of the effects of therapeutic massage without typical human preconceived biases or placebo effects. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the effects of massage on range of motion by assessing stride length, a practical measure of range of motion in the horse.
This controlled study included eight horses of the same breed, at a similar weight, size, and age.17 The horses underwent treadmill locomotion evaluation to record stride lengths before and after massage. Before massage therapy, the stride length and frequency at the walk and trot were measured to determine a baseline range of motion. In this assessment, the horses were placed on a treadmill at a walk (8 miles per hour) and at a trot (12 miles per hour) for 100 strides, then cooled down for 75 minutes. In addition, ultrasound images recorded the targeted muscles to measure the cross-sectional diameter of the muscle bellies and muscle tendon junctions to assess physiologic effects of massage. The specific muscles targeted with massage therapy were major muscles involved in the planned work: the supraspinatus, triceps brachii (long, lateral and medial heads), biceps femoris, and superficial gluteal muscles.After baseline readings, the horses were massaged for 20 minutes using direct pressure, cross-fiber friction, and compression on the targeted muscles. The measurements were then repeated after massage to assess changes in range of motion.
Immediately after massage, the ultrasound was repeated on the marked muscles and muscle tendon junctions. The horses were put back on the treadmill, and stride lengths were remeasured. The results documented an increase in range of motion, demonstrated by increased stride length. After massage, the stride length at the walk increased by 3.6% (4.8 inches); the stride length at the trot increased by 1.2% (1.7 inches) after massage. This increased range of motion resulted in a decreased stride frequency documented at a constant velocity.These findings imply a positive effect of sports massage on athletic performance in the horse, and further research should be performed to confirm and elaborate on these potential benefits'.

This clinical study is fascinating.

The reason for coupling research and my own anecdotal evidence is that there are wider benefits observationally noted and reported by clients.

The National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) notes physiologic effects of massage therapy that impact not only the muscular system but also numerous other body systems, including the skeletal system, digestive system, and nervous system.

Look out for further posts as I delve deeper into system impact of Equine Massage Therapy 🎓🎓🎓👩‍🏫👩‍🏫

26/01/2026

Massage 'who' is it good for? No.2
🐎Jumping 🐎

Show jumping places significant loads on a horse's muscles, particularly during the jumping phase when they need to lift and propel their body over obstacles. Key muscles involved include those in the forehand, back, and hindquarters, as well as the muscles that extend the forelimbs and flex the hindlimbs.
🤔What are the key muscle groups?

➡️Forehand Elevation:
The gluteal muscles are crucial for lifting the forehand, (a key part of the jumping action). The head, neck, and nuchal ligament also play a role in this process, with the horse often lowering its head to lift its back.

➡️Back and Spine:
The back muscles (erector spinae and quadratus lumborum) provide stability and support for the spine during the jump, allowing for coordinated movement between the upper, abdominal, and lower body muscle groups.

➡️Forelimb Extension:
Muscles that extend the elbow, shoulder, and fetlock joints, like the triceps, are essential for pushing off the ground during takeoff. The muscles that rotate the shoulder blade forward also contribute to this process.

➡️Hindlimb Flexion:
Muscles that flex the hip, such as the iliopsoas group, are important for pulling the hind legs under the body and creating impulsion for the jump. The tensor fascia latae, along with the quadriceps, also play a role in hip flexion and limb advancement.

➡️Impact and Landing:
The muscles and tendons in the front legs, including the superficial digital flexor and deep digital flexor, are responsible for absorbing impact during landing.

➡️Abdominal Muscles:
These muscles help with maintaining balance and stability, aiding in breathing and supporting the abdominal organs. They also contribute to the flexion and lateral flexion of the spine.

So much at work. Fitness, strength and flexability are key for the mechanical process of jumping, add in the rider and tack weight. We are asking a huge amount. Caring for these athletes is essential.

👍👍Here’s how you can help:

✅ Include proper warm-up and cool-down routines
✅ Allow rest days and active recovery
✅ Keep an eye on hydration and nutrition
✅ Use massage, stretching and mobilizations and walking

⭐️ Performance horses or those actively competing or conditioning for competition benefit greatly from incorporating high quality equine massage therapy into their horse’s routine. Massage therapy has been shown to improve recovery and performance in sport horses of all levels. I've been reading relevant research papers reviewing the study and outcomes in the published research. 🤓👩‍🏫 Look out for my research reading post 🎓🎓🎓
Evaluating the Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy: A Review of the Evidence and Current Practices
Mike Scott LMT, CSF
Lee Ann Swenson MSc, BSc

Helping your horse recover well today means better performance — and a happier athlete tomorrow 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

25/01/2026

On the road this weekend
met these guys ...just a wandering in the New Forest.

Don't panic!!! Not the great escapees ~ if your unfamiliar with where I am the New Forest is home to semi feral ponies 🐴, donkies 🫏, cows 🐮and pigs 🐷 covering 'over 140,000 acres (approximately 566 square kilometers or 219 square miles) across Hampshire and into Wiltshire in Southern England. It is recognized as the largest contiguous area of unenclosed pasture land, heathland, and forest in lowland Britain' ~ courtesy of Google!

You just have to sit and wait, letting them go where they need too, in their own time and in their own way. It's a special pace of life 💜 a gorgeous herd of 8 Donkies 🫏 💜

24/01/2026

Massage 'who' is it good for?

Whilst not a discipline I had to start the series with a nod to our elderly companions who have left their discipline behind yet we still owe them so much having carried us through. They may be now non ridden, winding down, doing same but less ....they are valuable, have worth, deserve to enjoy life 💜

Massage offers significant benefits for elderly horses, including improved circulation, pain management, increased flexibility, and reduced muscle tension. It can also aid in muscle recovery and promote a calm demeanor in anxious horses. Regular massage can help maintain overall health, comfort, and well-being in senior horses.

🐎Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation:
Massage can help relieve muscle tension, stiffness, and soreness, particularly common in older horses with conditions like arthritis.
🐎Improved Circulation:
Massage promotes blood flow, which can help nourish muscles, provide oxygen, and assist in healing.
🐎Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion:
Regular massage can help maintain and improve flexibility, making it easier for older horses to move comfortably.

Regular touch on your elderly horse can have huge benefits just by knowing the body.

🐎Aids in Identifying Problems:
Massage can help identify areas of pain, tension, or discomfort that may need further attention.

Learning how they feel, how they move allows you to spot signs, adapt work, environment, dietary needs and when to seek your team's support or advice vet, dentist, farrier/trimmer, therapist, saddle fitter or biting specialist

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