When might I need to call you?
Signs that indicate your horse might be in need of relief are times that you notice them:
Having a preference to a particular rein
Stiffness
Reluctant to canter on the correct lead
High head carriage/ hollow back
Dislike being groomed or girthed.
Uneven stride length ( please consult vet first) *
Holding head to one side/ lack of bend or flexion of poll.
Carrying tail to one side
These are not the only problems and you will know your horse's discomfort better than anyone else.
*According to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (Online) Updated 2 August 2018 The following applies:
The Veterinary Surgeons (Exemptions) Order 2015 (which revokes the Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962) allows the treatment of an animal by physiotherapy.
"Physiotherapy" is interpreted as including all kinds of manipulative therapy including massage, osteopathy and chiropractic. Consent may be verbal or written and will depend on the individual Veterinary Surgeon.
Equine massage is never intended to replace the care of your veterinarian. It is not within a massage therapists scope of practice to diagnose or treat illness or injury. There are many instances in which equine massage may be an inappropriate modality for a horse in need of other facets of care, and a massage therapist should never work on a horse in need of veterinarian attention, without prior referral/veterinary permission. Horse owners should consult their vet before enlisting any horse in an equine massage regimen, and know that as therapists we welcome the opportunity to confer with veterinarians about the horse's condition at any time. The best care for all horses is the result of open communication between all members of his medical team!
Frequency
We may need to see your horse more frequently to begin with if specific problems present themselves on palpation. These regular visits will ensure the maintenance of the soft tissue and integrity of the structures.
Some horses will only need regular 4-8 week treatments for a maintenance massage, while others will benefit from more regular visits until a better balance is established.
Why does my horse need you?
Prevent:
Prevention is better than cure.
As a massage practitioner Natalie will maintain and balance the body, optimising the body's ability to adjust naturally.
Rehabilitate:
Massage aids recovery by reducing swelling within soft tissues. Massage aids all the horse's systems to work together more effectively. (If under vet currently or recently I would like their permission to treat (*) )
Identify:
To pinpoint problem areas and the compensatory structures that are affected by the pain/discomfort.
"Take care of your horse and they will take care of you"