Hayes Equine Sports Massage

28/04/2026

22/04/2026

Massaging the fabulous Sydney today, such a sweetie.

I've left her with a back kinesiology taping on today, this will prolong the benefits of the manual therapies as well as provide its own benefits; increasing circulation and lymphatic drainage, supporting the muscles as well as reducing any discomfort to name a few. It is really common for horses to experience some level of back discomfort and there's a lot of reasons why. If you feel that your horse might have some back pain for example are they dipping away under pressure or when being groomed or you think they might be bracing their back? Then a bodywork session could definitely help.

20/04/2026

A great exercise that I incorporate into my own horse's routine.

The Wither Rock is a gentle and effective mobilising exercise for the whole body.

It is good for stimulating the core muscles, particularly the thoracic sling, strengthening the forelimb lateral stabiliser muscles that support the limbs when turning and moving sideways.

With your horse standing square.
💠 Stand facing the left shoulder, with your shoulders parallel to the horse’s spine.
💠 Do a personal postural check, ensure you have no tension in your shoulders or arms and take a couple of deep breaths.
💠 Place both hands cupping the top of the withers and take a moment to allow the horse to get used to your touch.
💠 Imagine the movement first and build up slowly from there.
💠 Gently push the withers away from you by about 1cm initially then allow the withers to return to the neutral position before pulling them back towards you by about 1cm then release again.
💠 Repeat this swaying movement in a natural rhythm. The side-to-side movement of the withers should be continuous and flowing. Don’t try to hold his weight in one position.
💠 Gradually increase the amount of sideways movement but only as the horse relaxes into the movement.

Build up from 20 sways remembering to repeat the same number of push-pull cycles from each side.

👀 As you are doing this exercise watch your horse, he may try to communicate that he wants more or when he would like you to stop.

Comment Rock and we'll give you access to our tutorial video on the Wither Rock

21/02/2026

It’s been great being back to work this week after breaking my arm.

I’ve been matching the horses and getting all the great benefits from kinesiology tapes, just a few include:

• Decreasing pain.
• Adding stability to the muscles and joints (I’ve definitely needed that this week), as well as;
• Reducing further injury.
• Improving lymph and blood circulation.
• Increasing proprioception and in turn promoting proper movement.

There are a variety of tapings in all shapes and sizes that can be used and applied and each one is applied with the specific needs of each horse in mind.

01/02/2026

Not the best start to 2026.

First, I broke my arm, then I had to try and poultice my horse's foot (he didn't want me to). Not easy but we got there.

Less than a week before I got hurt I hung this picture on my wall, tempting fate? Maybe, but who doesn't have a little misfortune now and again.

So what were the opportunities from the misfortunes? Figuring out how to poo pick and push a wheelbarrow with one hand for one - doesn't involve bailer twine but instead a lead rope. Also realising it's ok to go a bit slower and ask for help sometimes to name just a few.

Things don't always go to plan. Usually not with horses, but I invite you to look for an opportunity when things do go wrong.

Don't worry I won't start doing inspirational quotes every month, but let's look forward to a new (hopefully drier) month.

26/01/2026

A lovely review from the wonderful Katie Adamson Equine Services.

06/10/2025

What a great evening we had on Friday. I gave a talk and demo about Equine Bodywork and all the modalities I use and Amanda Martin-Smith of Chapel Farm Equine Assisted Learning gave a fabulous talk on Natural Horsemanship. We hope everyone enjoyed it.

23/09/2025

Every treatment is different.

Not just from horse to horse but even each session with the same horse. Their body could be different or their response could be.

Sometimes a horse could be fidgety or 'nibbly' and sometimes they can just go into the 'zone'. They are so peaceful and relaxed the whole atmosphere of the yard can change. It doesn't just have an impact on one horse but others too.

I was recently treating a regular client and she was so relaxed it affected the horse next to her which half way through just lay down and slept. Normal you might think but her owner was shocked. Apparently the companion next door only ever lies down when the horses are alone.

I could feel the absolute serenity of the moment and so could they.

This picture is from a previous session where the horse being massaged lay down before the session was over, she just wanted to rest. I know I've fallen asleep getting a massage before.

Really powerful how not just what we do with horses but our intent to help them and creating a calm space for them can have a big impact.

21/09/2025

FREE talk Friday 3rd October - still a few spaces left.

Helping Horses and their ability to Help Us.

Discover with Samantha the benefits and reasons why Equine Bodywork is so good for our horses, not just physically but also how it can help create balance emotionally.

Learn with Amanda how Natural Horsemanship techniques can develop a deeper connection with our horses to build a more rewarding relationship.

Please contact either Samantha or Amanda to reserve your place.
Hayes Equine Sports Massage or Chapel Farm Equine Assisted Learning Centre.

16/09/2025

My little pot of gold 💛 🪙

10/09/2025

Ray of sunshine on a rainy day 💛

08/09/2025

What a treat today, beautiful view and massaging a gentle giant.