FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

While equine sports massage has many benefits for the competition horse or pony, it has just as many benefits for leisure horses,  those recovering from injury and elderly horses.

Please make sure your horse is dry and that the coat is free of any mud. Please do not apply any coat shine

While I can visit a healthy horse as part of its wellness regime, please do inform me if your horse is receiving any veterinary treatment or has been seen by your vet recently.  If so I will need to obtain consent from your veterinary practice before visiting your horse. 

It is usually best for your horse to have a massage in a stable.  I find horses are more relaxed and get the maximum benefit out of the visit if they are in their own stable.

It is usually best to book your horse in for a visit at a time when the environment is as quiet as possible. For example not at turnout time.

While it is fine to give your horse or pony access to hay and water, please do not to give hard feed for at least one hour before or after massage therapy.

Yes, but it is advisable to ride several hours before a visit to allow your horse to be dry and to have cooled down

It is best to let your horse relax following the massage and wait until the following day to ride. It is fine to turn your horse out after the visit.

This really varies from horse to horse depending on how they present physically and what activities they do. I will recommend what is most beneficial for your horse or pony as an individual.

Only your vet can diagnose and treat lameness.  Massage can however be beneficial during the rehabilitation process following your vets recommendation.  

When you book your appointment I will ask some initial information regarding your horse or pony's history. On the visit day I will complete further notes and will look at both confirmation and your horse in walk and trot. Following this I will tailor an individualized massage specific to your horse or pony's needs.

There are times I may then advise referral to an equine chiropractor or saddler. I will discuss this fully with you on the day.

You can pay by bank transfer or cash. I ask payment by bank transfer is made within 48 hours of the visit date. 

This is not a problem.  But please do let me know as soon as possible, so there will be no fee to you and I can rearrange my bookings. 

If I arrive to see your horse or pony and they are unable to receive their massage, a cancellation fee may apply.