Horses are not a one size fits all and my approach is to work with individuals in a calm, intuitive and patient way for a stress-free bodywork session, to help release tension in the body and mind. After all the focus should be on the horse, it is their bodywork session, and they guide the way.
I have a Diploma in Equine Massage and Myofascial Release and really enjoy additional study. This also forms part of my annual Continued Performance Development (CPD), to remain accreditated with the associations I have membership with. My CPD hours of study have taken me through all sorts of incredible learning experiences from Craniosacral, K-Taping, Equine Diaphragms, Visceral Releasing (with amazing Equine Osteopaths!), Saddle and Bridle Fit, Rehabilitation, Posture and Stability, Nutrition and Gut Health, and much more.
‘Equine Massage’ is therefore a broad umbrella term that I use for what I actually do as an Equine Bodyworker. I also incorporate the effective palpation and correct assessment of soft tissue imbalances with a knowing touch and this touch that finds the tension, will determine the session. I listen to what the horses’ body is telling me and what techniques to apply with no force and no bracing. Bodywork and massage techniques will tap into the muscular and nervous systems which will help a reset in the body.
I feel passionate about sharing knowledge and seeking a different way forward for our equine friends, whatever that might mean to each individual horse and owner.
I believe that guiding and supporting the owner to be an advocate for their horses, in whatever way that might be; whether it is tack fit, behaviour, diet or surroundings and how they are kept, is a whole horse approach to health and wellness both physically and mentally. I have close links with other equine professionals that can, and do, support in other areas of expertise to ensure a holistic approach, a sharing of knowledge and which supports sign posting owners in the right direction.
Education for all things ‘Equine Health and Wellbeing’ is essential. Prior to the lockdown I had begun to set up talks which ground to a halt, until last year when I restarted organising & hosting ‘Dorset’ based talks, presentations and workshops to the local equestrian community, covering ‘Behavioural Issues’, ‘Biting and Bridle fit’, ‘Equine Self Selection of herbs and oils’, ‘Diet and Nutrition – Gut health’, all of which were well supported.
This year I have organised a couple of brilliant workshops on looking at how ‘We connect with our horses on a deeper level’ by Georgie. The more we understand our horses the deeper the connection will be. Following these workshops, an opportunity arose where both Georgie and I could collaborate together. I am pleased to have created ‘Forest Edge Therapy’ which offers a venue with horses that I have worked closely with for several years. It also brings together Georgie’s work on understanding ourselves better as we are part of our horse’s well-being journey, as inevitably they are part of ours.
Forest Edge Therapy 
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