Centaur Equine Massage Training

Centaur Equine Massage Training Accredited Holistic Equine Massage Diploma. Sports, Remedial, Healing and Rehabilitation massage.
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Can anyone guess what colour horses I treated today? 😂😂😂
21/04/2026

Can anyone guess what colour horses I treated today? 😂😂😂

Yesterday was a lovely day at Witney Pony Partners for 2 of our practitioner course students. We had some really fluffy ...
18/04/2026

Yesterday was a lovely day at Witney Pony Partners for 2 of our practitioner course students.

We had some really fluffy ponies to work with who, as well as receiving massages also got help with shedding their winter coats (massage at this time of year is always a hairy job) 🤣

TB, Red had a lovely session and gained so much from his treatment. He was also very accommodating and helped our students learn about a very gentle hyoid release.

Starla also enjoyed a session tailored especially towards her needs, this involved very gentle hands on work in between gentle grooming which helped keep her settled. When she had taken all she needed she laid down for a snooze.

To finish the day we assessed a horse's saddle to see how the fit would be affecting her muscles.

www.centaurequinemassagetraining.co.uk

When the therapist needs therapy!On Saturday Douglas took a tumble on the tarmac whilst we were out hacking. This in tur...
13/04/2026

When the therapist needs therapy!

On Saturday Douglas took a tumble on the tarmac whilst we were out hacking. This in turn activated a lot of my muscles very quickly as my body retracted and tried to stabilise during the very dramatic and unexpected movement.

Douglas somehow managed to get us both back up, which I am very grateful for, Doug walked the 1.6 hilly miles home happily with me on foot and will be seen by the vet as what happened is very unusual, he has never been a horse that stumbles.

Luckily I was already booked in for a treatment with this morning, so brilliant timing. A huge thank you to Kay for sorting me out and I'm sorry your therapy room looked like it had imploded by the end of the session.

I don't think I have ever experienced being covered in quite so much ultrasound gel 🤣 not even after having 2 babies.

All jokes aside, as equine massage therapists, and horse riders it is so important to keep on top of our own health so that we can do the best we possibly can for our horses.

Can't wait for the doms to set in tomorrow 😣

For a horse being worked in the correct outline, the poll should be the highest point of the horse and the flat of the h...
09/04/2026

For a horse being worked in the correct outline, the poll should be the highest point of the horse and the flat of the horse’s face should be slightly in front of or on the vertical.

Although it is common to see the neck bent at the 4th cervical vertebrae and the head behind the vertical; this is known as overbent or in extreme cases when created with excessive force, hyperflexion. A broken neckline is associated with the horse being trained using hyperflexion.

Incorrect head and neck carriages will create compensatory effects such as a hollow back action, stiff/abrupt movements, short strides and a lack of engagement, the latter being caused because the horse is unable to generate hindquarter energy through collection and propulsion.

Whilst these head and neck positions are commonly associated with dressage, they are frequently seen in many disciplines and at all levels; sometimes caused unintentionally by an inexperienced rider.

Horses being worked in an incorrect outline will develop muscular stress through their entire body with problems primarily arising in the muscular, ligament, fascial and skeletal structures of the topline.

www.centaurequinemassagetraining.co.uk



Image from: myhorseforum

08/04/2026

Massage therapy isn't just a luxury, it is a key part of performance and recovery care. It is impotant across every working discipline. From endurance and dressage to show jumping, eventing, happy hackers, and even our retired companions. It supports the body in ways that directly impact the horse's performance, recovery, and long-term health.

🐴 Massage improves muscle function and performance by increasing blood circulation, to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This helps horses perform more efficiently, whether they’re covering long distances like an endurance horse or maintaining precision in dressage.

🐴 Massage reduces muscle tension and stiffness caused but repetitive strain on certain muscle groups. Different disciplines will affect different muscle groups. Massage will help release tightness, preventing minor issues from developing further and causing significant discomfort.

🐴 Massage speeds up the horse's recovery. After hard work lactic acid can build up in the muscles causing soreness. It promotes lymphatic drainage and circulation, helping the horse recover faster between training sessions or competitions.

🐴 Massage helps prevent injury. By identifying and releasing areas of muscular tension early, massage reduces the risk of strains, tears, and compensatory injuries. This is particularly important for horses wirh a high-impact or repetitive work load.

🐴 Massage improves flexibility and range of motion. Greater flexibility improves stride length, joint mobility, and overall movement quality. This benefits everything from jumping technique to complex dressage movements to endurance efficiency.

🐴 Massage supports mental relaxation, massage has a calming effect on the horse's nervous system. A relaxed horse is more a focused and responsive horse, which is helpful in any discipline.

🐴 Massage helps with symmetry and posture, horses often develop uneven muscle tone depending on their training, favoured way of going and their riders dominant side. Massage helps rebalance the horse's body, improving posture and reducing uneven development.

No matter the discipline a horse is working in they need healthy muscles.

Who else leaves offerings for their local bird community after a good grooming session? I have 2 crows that nest in the ...
06/04/2026

Who else leaves offerings for their local bird community after a good grooming session?

I have 2 crows that nest in the trees around the yard, they have trained me very well and if I don't put the hair in the correct place the jump around the yard squawking at me.

🐣🐰 Happy Easter 🐰🐣
05/04/2026

🐣🐰 Happy Easter 🐰🐣

✨ Easter Weekend Offer✨Enrolment onto our Equine Massage Course is discounted until the end of the easter weekend.Learn ...
03/04/2026

✨ Easter Weekend Offer✨

Enrolment onto our Equine Massage Course is discounted until the end of the easter weekend.

Learn how to:

🐴Improve horse comfort, performance & recovery.
🐴Build practical, hands-on massage skills.
🐴 Begin a new career with horses or add a valuable qualification to your current equine career.

Whether you’re a horse owner, groom, rider, or looking to work professionally with horses, this course gives you the knowledge and confidence to make a real difference.

📍 Study at your own pace
📩 Enrol now and save

01/04/2026

Effleurage is a foundational massage technique in equine massage therapy. It involves long, slow, gliding strokes performed with the hands, following the direction of hair growth and muscle fibers.
🐎 What Is Effleurage? (
Effleurage is usually done with:
Flat hands or palms.
Light to moderate pressure.
Smooth, continuous movements across all muscle groups.
It’s used throughout a treatment and also at the beginning and end of a session.
🌿 Why Effleurage Is Important in Equine Massage?
- Warms Up the Muscles
Effleurage increases blood circulation to the muscles, gently raising tissue temperature. This prepares the horse’s body for deeper techniques like petrissage or trigger point work.
- Promotes Circulation & Lymphatic Flow.
The gliding strokes help:
Improve blood flow (oxygen + nutrients to tissues).
Support lymphatic drainage (removal of waste products and toxins).
This is especially helpful after exercise or competition.
- Encourages Relaxation
Effleurage has a calming effect on the horse’s nervous system. Many horses visibly relax—lowering their head, licking/chewing, or softening their eyes.
This makes it easier to:
Gain trust.
Reduce anxiety or tension.
Prepare sensitive horses for deeper work.
- Helps Assess the Horse’s Body
Therapists use effleurage to “scan” the horse:
Detect heat, swelling, or sensitivity.
Identify tight or sore areas.
Evaluate muscle tone and symmetry.
It’s essentially a diagnostic tool as well as a treatment.
- Reduces Muscle Tension & Stiffness
Even though it’s a gentle technique, effleurage helps:
Loosen superficial muscle tension.
Improve flexibility.
Prevent stiffness buildup.
- Aids Recovery
After work or injury, effleurage:
Supports recovery by improving circulation.
Helps flush metabolic waste (lactic acid).
Reduces mild swelling
🧠 In Simple Terms
Effleurage is like a “reset button” for the horse’s body—it:
Prepares muscles.
Relaxes the horse.
Improves circulation.
Helps the therapist understand what the horse needs.

www.centaurequinemassagetraining.co.uk


Long reining is one of the best ways to bring a horse back into work following a break.It let's you rebuild fitness, com...
01/04/2026

Long reining is one of the best ways to bring a horse back into work following a break.
It let's you rebuild fitness, communication, and confidence without the added weight of a rider.

Here’s why it's useful:

🐎 Rebuilds Fitness Safely
Following time off, a horse’s muscles, joints, and cardiovascular fitness need gradual reconditioning. Long reining:
Allows controlled, low-impact exercise.
Encourages steady work without overloading the back.
Helps reintroduce routine without rushing into ridden work.

🧠 Improves Focus & Mental Engagement
Horses coming back from a break can be fresh, distracted, or even anxious. Long reining:
Re-establishes voice commands and responsiveness.
Gives them a job without the pressure of a rider.
Helps settle excitable or nervous horses.

🏋️ Builds Core Strength & Topline
Because the horse works without a rider:
They can stretch and use their back more freely.
Long reining: Encourages correct posture and engagement from behind.
Helps rebuild topline muscles gradually.

🎯 Refines Communication & Training
It’s a great reset for basics:
Reinforces steering, transitions, and halt aids.
Improves responsiveness to light contact.
Helps correct bad habits that may have developed before the break.

👀 Lets You Observe Movement
From the ground, you get a clearer view:
Spot stiffness, unevenness, or lameness early.
Assess how your horse is moving and developing.
Adjust training accordingly before riding.

😌 Builds Confidence (Horse & Rider)
Helps rebuild trust and routine.
Gives you confidence before getting back in the saddle.

⚠️ Tips for Starting Again
Keep sessions short (15–25 minutes initially).
Work on large circles and straight lines.
Use a safe, enclosed space.
Gradually increase intensity over time.

www.centaurequinemassagetraining.co.uk

30/03/2026

When you have had a lovely day with the ponies then one makes a bid for freedom at home time 🤣 Not today Titch, not today!

Address

2 Water Croft
Worcester
WR40

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+447854099833

Website

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Bringing Horses And People Together Holistically

After training as an holistic equine massage practitioner and building up a sucessful equine massage business I decided that I would like to share my knowledge with others for the benefit of horses far and wide so Centaur Equine Massage Training was born.

Centaur Equine Massage Training is a registered learning provider. Our practitioner course in holistic equine massage therapy is externally accredited ensuring that our students are gaining quality course materials and tuition during their studies with us.

Upon graduation from our practitioner course students are invited to join the National Association of Registered Equine Massage Therapists. Here they will receive our ongoing support and access to further training if they would like to expand on the treatments which they offer.

As well as our practitioner course we regularly run massage workshops for horse owners. These workshops give horse owners the opportunity to learn how to connect and bond with their own horses through gentle massage applications.