Equine Massage Treatments
New guidance from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2020, found in Chapter 19 (www.rcvs.org.uk/unqualified) of the supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct, sets out the existing rules for musculoskeletal treatment of illness, disease or pathology, and clarifies that healthy animals do not need a veterinary referral for maintenance care.
The guidance stresses that musculoskeletal therapists are part of the vet-led team, and that any animal, including healthy ones, should be registered with a veterinary surgeon and referred to a vet at the first sign of any symptoms that may suggest underlying health issues.
Types of Massage Treatments
There are different types of equine massage treatments from rehabilitation if your horse is recovering from injury or surgery, to relaxation if your horse is stressed or on box rest or just deserves a treat, or sports if your horse is competing.
I also offer pre and post competition massages and maintenance massage treatments which are best done monthly to get the full benefit. The type of treatment your horse will receive will depend on your horses circumstances and your preference. Every horse is different and therefore has different needs.
Vet consent is no longer required as long as your horse is healthy and not currently under vet supervision for any illness or injury. If your horse is under vet supervision, consent is required before all initial appointments in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. This is often just a phone call to your vet to request consent, or if they prefer, I have a form you can download, complete online and email over to them.
Please ensure your horse is clean and dry before their appointment and that a safe environment is provided to perform the massage treatment.
Initial Appointment Information
An initial appointment will last approximately an hour and a half. I will undertake a static and dynamic assessment of your horse and ask about their history, recent work and any issues. The static assessment is a visual assessment where I observe your horse standing in their 'preferred posture' and I will be looking at their conformation, looking for signs of tension and any muscle atrophy. The dynamic assessment is where I will ask you to walk and (if safe to do so) trot up your horse while I observe their movement, muscle symmetry and footfall.
I will then palpate your horse, this is just a gentle running of my hands over your horse to get them used to the idea of bodywork and to feel for any soreness, tension and possible stress points. I will be observing your horses reaction as I do this as this can be a good guide to areas of discomfort
Following palpation, I will complete the massage treatment (as long as no contraindications have arisen), pointing out any areas of tension and informing you of any findings as I go along.
Follow Up Appointment Information
A follow up appointment will last approximately one hour. I will ask how your horse has been since I last saw them, if there has been any changes or anything you want to mention to me before I start their treatment.
I will do another static assessment of your horse and see if there are any noticeable differences since last time I observed them. I will start with palpation again, gently moving my hands over your horse to feel for any tension or stress points and then I will move on to the massage treatment.
Signs of release and relaxation while your horse is having their treatment can include blinking, licking and chewing, yawning, looking sleepy, lowering the head and big sighs. These are all signs your horse is benefiting from their treatment.
Prices
Initial massage treatment: £48
Follow up massage treatment: £44
Discounts available for more than one horse booked per yard. Contact me for details.
Loyalty Schemes
🐴 Refer a friend and get £5 off your next appointment. Your friend will also get £5 off their initial appointment so you both get to save! T&C's apply.
Get in touch
Contact Nicki for a friendly chat and to see how she could help your horse.