Laura Stickley Holistic Equine Massage Practitioner

13/03/2026

There is a lot of thought given when picking the right essential oil to compliment the treatment.
Leo took it very seriously 😍

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk

10/03/2026

The beautiful Barney waiting to go out after his treatment this morning.

I have been treating Barney for a while now although I hadn't seen him through the winter. When I last saw Barney there was a conversation between myself and his owner about getting him checked over by the vet.

Each time I visited Barney his back was sore and we didn't seem to be moving forward in the sense of long term comfort, so it was time to investigate further.

Since my last visit Barney has been seen by the vet and had his SI injected, this has really helped with the reactiveness through his back.

Today Barney had tension through his neck and was particularly reactive on the near side and through his hyoid. This tension was treated with massage, craniosacral therapy and therapeutic ultrasound.

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk

06/03/2026

The multifidus muscle is a deep stabilising muscle which runs along both sides of the horse's spine, stretching from the poll to the tail.

It is crucial for controlling motion of the spinal vertebrae, as well as supporting the horse's core strength.

If the multifidus muscle is well developed it offers stability and strength to the vertebrae reducing the chances of spinal malfunction.

If the multifidus muscle is poorly/under developed it can impair the spinal vertebrae, increasing the possibility of craniosacral problems and myofascial restrictions.

To help with multifidus muscle fitness we can introduce mobilisation exercises such as carrot/baited stretches as well as working over ground poles.

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk
www.centaurequinemassagetraining.co.uk

04/03/2026

After 4 months off due to the weather and water mains works happening directly outside the yard making it difficult to get out, today was the day I decided to start Doug's gentle return to work whilst I waited for a hay delivery.

Douglas, however, had other ideas and it wasn't a gentle return to work as I planned. It was a crazy 10 minutes of doing the wall of death around me. He did slow down eventual and did some lovely long and low walking to catch his breath.... maybe he should read the following:

Bringing horses back into work slowly isn’t optional — it’s essential. 🐎

After time off, fitness drops faster than many realise. While the heart and lungs recover quickly, tendons, ligaments, and muscles take much longer to rebuild. Rushing the process greatly increases the risk of injury, soreness, and long-term soundness issues.

A gradual return to work:
✔️ Protects tendons and joints
✔️ Builds correct muscle and topline
✔️ Improves stamina safely
✔️ Helps fresh horses settle mentally
✔️ Allows early detection of problems

The general rule of thumb: increase workload by only 5–10% per week and prioritise plenty of walking before adding trot and canter.
Slow now = sound later.
It is always worth the time and patience. 🐴✨

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk

remedialmassage

03/03/2026

Due to a change in circumstances I have 2 appointments available on Thursday 5th March in Worcestershire.

Sessions reduced to £45 each, pop me a message if you would like to book your horse or pony in.

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk

02/03/2026

Diamond definitely got the memo that spring has sprung.

Time to stop wearing fleece jumpers to the yard.

01/03/2026

Did you know your horse’s muscular system makes up approximately 50% of their body weight?

Key muscle groups each play a unique role:
🐴 Gluteals — propulsion and power
🐴 Longissimus dorsi — back support and collection
🐴 Abdominals — core stability and engagement
🐴 Brachiocephalicus — forward reach of the forelimb
🐴 Hamstrings — flexion and extension of the hind limb

Training that builds strength evenly across these areas improves performance, reduces injury risk, and enhances overall well-being.

Strong muscles aren’t just about athleticism—they’re the foundation of comfort and longevity.

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk

26/02/2026

Did I regret my choice?
Possibly
Did Diamond enjoy her 24 hours of nakedness?
Absolutely.

25/02/2026

When "Go and enjoy the sun on your back" becomes a full body mud pack.

23/02/2026

This time of year seems to be when Diamond starts to struggle in her body a little. This year is no different and she is possibly struggling a little more, probably due to the very wet winter. Today she was open to a little bit of bodywork before she went out into the field.

We started with some gentle energy work to help relax her. Following lots of releases Diamond wandered off to process. Once she was ready she came back to me and I offered massage to her shoulders as this is her problem area when the ground is wet and deep. She wasn't sure on the massage so I went back to energy work over her shoulders also which she accepted and soaked up.

Diamond went out to the field with a much happier look on her face and more freedom in her movement.

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk

20/02/2026

12/02/2026

Has anyone seen or been offered these halters and ropes/lines?

My friends yard has been targeted a number of times in the last week or so and these have been taken.

Some of the missing items have large sentimental value so it would be great to get them back where they belong.

Please share this post so as many people as possible see and we have more of a chance of finding the missing items.