Each massage session is tailored to the individual horse’s age, temperament and condition.
The process.
Booking a session with Equilibria Gold is professional, friendly and stress-free. Here is what a typical first appointment looks like:
1. Pre-Booking Consultation & Consent
Before we meet, we will have a brief chat to rule out any contraindications to massage and arrange necessary veterinary consent where applicable. Once cleared, I will visit your horse at your yard at a mutually convenient time.2. Static & Physical Assessment
First of all I will watch your horse at rest to look for any slight cues their natural posture mighty give. Then I will evaluate your horse’s conformation and check for physical signs such as muscle atrophy, heat, swelling, or abrasions that might be causing tension, soreness, or performance issues.3. Dynamic Movement Assessment
Next, I will assess your horse in motion. Watching them walk and trot in hand helps me identify any subtle signs of lameness, imbalance, stiffness, or discomfort.4. Targeted Massage & Bodywork
Once the assessment is complete, if everything is okay to proceed, I will deliver a tailored massage treatment to address your horse's specific needs. This can include manual therapies such as massage, myofascial release, mobilisations, and stretches. If relevant, we can also discuss a tack inspection or rider assessment during future sessions.5. Advanced Modalities
During, or upon completion of the massage and bodywork I may determine that your horse would benefit from an advanced modality, such as Heat or Phototherapy. This can be applied to targeted areas and is fully included in the price of your equine massage and bodywork session.6. Exercise Perscription
I may prescribe specific ridden or groundwork exercises to further support the therapy given. These homework exercises can help achieve better muscle balance, mobility, strength, and flexibility, tailored entirely to your horse’s specific condition, age, and your individual goals.4. Report, Review and Consult
Once the session is complete, I will write up comprehensive notes from the consultation and send a copy to you for your reference. I will review our findings, advise on any recommended follow-up sessions, and, where applicable, liaise with your horse’s extended support team (such as your Vet, Dentist, Farrier, or Chiropractor) if I believe mutual collaboration would benefit your horse.
Scroll to the bottom of the page for my tips for post massage care.
Some of the massage techniques I use.
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Stroking.
A gentle rhythmical stroking using the whole palm or dorsal side of the hand. This does not interfere with circulation or lymphatic flow. Benefits of this type of massage treatment are to sooth and relax the horse in both body and mind. Stroking can also be carried out in a stimulating way to stimulate the body’s senses and circulatory systems.
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Effleurage.
A sweeping motion starting lightly and building as the tissue warms up. Always applied in a centripetal direction (towards the heart) or towards the lymph glands. Benefits of this type of horse massage treatment include warming up the muscles before more penetrative massage work, improving blood and lymphatic flow, speeds up the removal of waste products and supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscle tissue.
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Petrissage.
The manipulation of tissues by either picking them up or pressing them down onto the underlying tissues and structures, the benefits of which include better circulation and skin condition, improved muscle and joint health as well as having a direct effect on the nervous system, depending on how the massage is performed.
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Compression.
A sub-category of petrissage, compression massage techniques also apply pressure to superficial muscles which in turn press against deeper muscles which press against the bone (depending on the area you are working on). Compression massage techniques are useful to relieve congestion within tissues, relax tense or hyper-tone muscles and stimulate the autonomic (involuntary) muscle system.
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Tapotement.
Used on large muscle groups, this type of horse massage can also be referred to as percussion or pounding. Tapotement is particularly effective at releasing endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers) to enable deeper massage treatment on sore areas.
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Friction.
Pressure is applied in a transverse direction starting gently and building as required. This type of horse massage can help to reduce adhesions in muscle fibres and reduce scar tissue by stimulating the inflammation and repair process, releasing muscle spasms and increasing blood flow to the area.
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Jostling.
The rolling technique of jostling or shaking is used to loosen and release the nuchal ligament and trapezius muscle of the neck to relieve tension, help increase the length of the neck muscles and increase circulation.
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Passive Touch/Sweating.
Sometimes, less is more and the simple act of placing the palm over the area you wish to treat and leaving it until your hand begins to sweat can have a calming effect as well as warm-up muscle fibres for deeper work and relax muscle spasms.
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Stretches & Mobilisations.
Stretching for horses can comprise both active and passive stretches. Carrying out stretch and mobilisation exercises in a controlled manner can highlight imbalances, and stiffness, improve flexibility and range of motion.
What to do after your horse’s massage treatment.
Aftercare guidance varies depending on the type of session your horse received. For example, a pre-event massage is designed to prepare a horse for immediate exercise, whereas a remedial session targeting deep tension can involve deep-tissue manipulation, sometimes resulting in minor muscle soreness for 24–48 hours.
I will always give you specific, tailored advice at the end of our session. However, as a general rule of thumb for routine or maintenance massage, here are my top recovery tips to help your horse get the most out of their treatment:
Hydration & Forage: Massage stimulates the metabolic system and can significantly increase thirst and hunger. Ensure your horse has constant access to plenty of fresh water and a small haynet to nibble on if they aren't being turned straight out to grass.
Encourage Elimination: As the lymphatic system flushes out toxins, urine may temporarily be darker, carry a stronger odour, or increase in volume. It is ideal to move your horse to a suitable surface (like a deeply bedded stable) right after treatment to comfortably encourage this.
Temperature Monitoring: The deep relaxation of a massage can cause a slight drop in a horse's core body temperature. Keep a close eye on them and be prepared to add an extra rug if they feel chilly.
Rest & Relaxation: Your horse might look quite sleepy or drowsy afterward. It is usually best to let them rest quietly in their stable for at least an hour before any light exercise or turnout.
Managing Muscle Soreness: If we had to work extensively on a specific area of tight tissue, your horse may feel a bit stiff or sore. In these cases, I will let you know if a 24–48 hour period of total rest or a temporary change in their exercise routine is advisable.
Get in touch.
hannah@equine-therapy.co.uk
07815 601243
Based in Coalville, Leicestershire.
Offering Equine massage throughout the Midlands.