Before We Meet
A few questions before we meet
I'll send you a short questionnaire about your horse. Your answers help me understand their history, any concerns you may have and their individual needs, so I can prepare for our first session.
Please complete and return the questionnaire promptly, ideally before the day of your appointment. This gives me time to review the information and contact you if I need any further details.
The more I know about your horse beforehand, the better prepared I can be to make their treatment a positive experience.
Your Horse's Treatment Session
A little preparation makes a big difference.
Every horse is different, and every session is adapted to their needs. Here's what to expect, how to prepare and a few things worth knowing before I arrive.
Allow 1.5 hours. Sensitive horses or those needing extra time may take longer.
Getting Ready
Before your appointment
A few simple things help me assess your horse properly and give them the best opportunity to settle into their treatment.
Clean & dry
Please make sure your horse is dry and reasonably free from mud. When your horse is muddy i can not glide over their body with my hands or tools
Choose a quiet time
Avoid feed time, turnout changes or times when stablemates are leaving. A calmer environment can make a real difference.
Plan around riding
Avoid booking immediately before riding or an important event. We can discuss suitable activity following treatment.
Someone to handle
I'll usually need to see your horse walking, trotting, turning and backing up in hand, where safe and appropriate. Please have someone available to help.
Allow enough time
Please allow approximately an hour. Sensitive horses or those needing extra time may take longer.
Share their history
Please tell me about any injuries, veterinary treatment, medication, behavioural changes or concerns before the appointment.
Your Visit
What happens during a session?
Treatment isn't simply a matter of arriving and starting to massage. I take time to understand how your horse is moving, feeling and responding.
01
A conversation first
We'll discuss your horse's history, workload, behaviour and any changes you've noticed.
02
Movement observation
Where appropriate, I'll observe your horse moving in hand to look for changes in movement, posture or willingness to perform certain actions. This isn't a veterinary lameness diagnosis.
03
Hands-on assessment
I'll assess the soft tissues through palpation, looking for areas of muscular tension, sensitivity or guarding.
04
Individual treatment
I'll select suitable techniques based on the assessment and your horse's response. These may include sports massage, myofascial techniques, PhysioKey or therapeutic ultrasound where appropriate.
05
​Aftercare & recommendations
I'll select suitable techniques based on the assessment and your horse's response. These may include sports massage, myofascial techniques, PhysioKey or therapeutic ultrasound where appropriate.
Your Horse Comes First
What if your horse doesn't want to be treated?
That's absolutely fine. Horses have good days and difficult days, just like us.
A change in routine, a busy yard, the weather or simply feeling uncomfortable can affect how willing a horse is to accept treatment.
I won't force a horse to stand still or push through a treatment when they're clearly telling me they aren't comfortable. Sometimes that means changing my approach, allowing more time or deciding that another day would be better.
A successful appointment isn't measured by how much massage I manage to do.
It's about making appropriate decisions for the horse in front of me.
Health & Safety
When might treatment need to be postponed?
Your horse's wellbeing always comes first. Certain conditions mean treatment should be postponed, adapted or carried out only after veterinary advice.
Fever or infection
Including signs of contagious illness or unexplained nasal discharge.
Suspected fracture or new injury
New lameness, unexplained swelling or suspected injury should be assessed by your vet.
Recent surgery or ongoing treatment
Veterinary guidance may be required before bodywork can proceed.
Colic or acute illness
A horse showing signs of colic or sudden illness needs veterinary attention, not massage.
Open wounds or skin problems
Affected areas may need to be avoided, or treatment postponed depending on the condition.
Existing medical conditions
Conditions such as PPID (Cushing's disease) don't automatically prevent massage, but must be disclosed so treatment can be assessed appropriately.
Not sure whether your horse can be treated?
Please contact me before your appointment. If veterinary permission or assessment is required, I'll explain what is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few other things worth knowing
Can I stay with my horse?
Yes. Having a familiar person nearby can help many horses feel more comfortable. I'll let you know when I need assistance or a little space to concentrate.
What if my horse is nervous or reactive?
Please tell me in advance. I have a particular interest in sensitive and anxious horses and allow time to adapt my approach.
Will my horse need more than one session?
That depends on their individual needs. I generally recommend a three-session programme for new clients, but one-off appointments are also available.
Do I need veterinary permission?
Sometimes. It depends on your horse's health, the reason for treatment and any ongoing veterinary care.
Your Horses Treament
Let's make your horse's appointment a positive experience.
If you're unsure about anything before booking, please get in touch. I'm always happy to discuss your horse's individual needs.
Based in Letchworth Garden City
Covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and surrounding areas. North West London and further afield by arrangement.