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As an Equine Sports & Rehabilitation Massage Therapist, I spend a lot of time looking at horses from the outside – watching how they stand, how they move, where they hold tension and, importantly, how they respond to touch. But what is actually happening underneath the skin? I recently visited the Horses Inside Out – Inside the Horse Anatomy Exhibition, created by equine anatomy and biomechanics specialist Gillian Higgins. For me, continuing to learn is a really important par

What happens when a horse is too anxious and guarded to properly accept massage? This was one of the challenges I faced when I first met Sid. Sid is a highly sensitive horse with a difficult past. Although he is now in a loving home, those previous experiences haven't simply disappeared. He can be wary of people, sensitive to touch and very subtle in the way he communicates when something is becoming too much. His owner's wish was simple: "I'd like Sid to be able to relax and

When we watch a horse galloping across a field or effortlessly clearing a jump, it’s easy to admire the beauty of the movement without considering what’s happening beneath the skin. Hidden under the sleek coat is an incredible network of muscles working together to create every step, stretch, and turn. The equine muscular system is a remarkable piece of natural engineering. A horse has over 700 muscles, making up nearly half of its body weight. These muscles provide strength,

Have you ever wondered how your horse can react to the slightest movement of your hand, hear a distant sound before you do, or instantly move away from a perceived threat? The answer lies within one of the most complex systems in the body: the nervous system. The equine nervous system acts as the horse’s command centre, controlling everything from movement and balance to behaviour and awareness. Without it, the muscles, bones, and organs would be unable to function together e

A horse’s skeleton is far more than a collection of bones. It is the framework that supports the entire body, protects vital organs, and allows the incredible athletic ability that horses are known for. The average adult horse has approximately 205 bones, although this number can vary slightly between breeds and individuals. Together, these bones form a sophisticated structure designed to combine strength, flexibility, and efficiency. One of the most fascinating aspects of th

Equine massage has become an increasingly popular therapy among horse owners, trainers, and equestrian professionals. Once considered a luxury treatment, massage therapy is now widely recognised as an effective way to support a horse’s physical wellbeing, improve performance, and aid recovery from exercise. Whether your horse is a competitive athlete or a beloved companion, regular massage can offer a range of valuable benefits. Equine massage involves the manipulation of sof