Was asked by Wendy Price if I could do a lecture/demo on my treatment of horses and show some basic massage moves to people who where taking part in a course to understand more on keeping animals holistically. I thought this was a great opportunity to get the message out that there is a different way of treating horses. As the majority of my work now at the centre, after 4 years of continued care, is largely maintenance, I requested horses that I had never treated before so that the students would see first hand how I perform assessments, and then treat the areas required. Plus there is the hope there would be more to see and find!
First up was Rosie. A new to the stables, 8 year old ISH mare. I found her to be extremely sore through her chest, pectorals, and out of alignment in both sides of her C7 and poll. She was very tight through both hamstrings, much worse on the left side, and sore through her back with not much upward flexion. I see this type of soreness alot from horses that have been travelled for long periods of time without a rest. I found out that Rosie had indeed had a very long and difficult journey to the UK from Ireland. Rosie was a model subject, exhibiting all the correct behaviours that comes with release.
Next up was little Emmy, an 11 year old pony who had been well loved, but grown out of, and used to having a great time with her previous owner doing all the required pony club activities. She appeared to have been well cared for, so not too much to find on her, and relatively easy to help relax. She had the expected amount of soreness through her back because young jockey's sometimes are not the most balanced, tight down both hamstrings and tight in her shoulder.
The ladies in the group then got to have a go at some massage techniques on Rodney, who was more than happy to stand and oblige.
I thought the demo went well, certainly no nerves were felt anyway! I hope the ladies all came away from it with something. It was fun to meet you all and thanks for a lovely morning. Finally thanks very much Wendy for inviting me.
First up was Rosie. A new to the stables, 8 year old ISH mare. I found her to be extremely sore through her chest, pectorals, and out of alignment in both sides of her C7 and poll. She was very tight through both hamstrings, much worse on the left side, and sore through her back with not much upward flexion. I see this type of soreness alot from horses that have been travelled for long periods of time without a rest. I found out that Rosie had indeed had a very long and difficult journey to the UK from Ireland. Rosie was a model subject, exhibiting all the correct behaviours that comes with release.
Next up was little Emmy, an 11 year old pony who had been well loved, but grown out of, and used to having a great time with her previous owner doing all the required pony club activities. She appeared to have been well cared for, so not too much to find on her, and relatively easy to help relax. She had the expected amount of soreness through her back because young jockey's sometimes are not the most balanced, tight down both hamstrings and tight in her shoulder.
The ladies in the group then got to have a go at some massage techniques on Rodney, who was more than happy to stand and oblige.
I thought the demo went well, certainly no nerves were felt anyway! I hope the ladies all came away from it with something. It was fun to meet you all and thanks for a lovely morning. Finally thanks very much Wendy for inviting me.