Michelle Wood Equine Therapy

A BIT ABOUT ME

I have been around horses and riding for over 45 years. I have previously worked as a freelance rider, groom and instructor and have handled and ridden everything from riding school horses/ponies, hunters, show jumpers, event horses, advanced dressage horses, stallions and happy hackers. I have worked on a number of commercial yards over the years and looked after private clients while doing freelance work. I have a keen interest re-training of ex-racehorses, how horses move and what impacts on performance, which lead me to train in sports massage. 

I am BHS qualified to Stage 2, hold a Certificate in Equine Sports Massage which I gained with Andrea Pole at Equine Massage Training UK, a Level 5 Certificate in Equine Biomechanics, a Certificate in Equine Exercise and Rehabilitation Therapy, and a Level 1 Certificate in Saddle Fitting.

Aside from the massage I also offer schooling, I will come out and school your horse for fitness/keep in regular exercise/correct issues.

I have had horses of my own for most of my adult life, previously ex-racehorses which I competed on regularly for a number of years. I own two horses now, both Welsh Section D's. One is a retired companion and the other is my riding horse who I hack, take part in clinics and compete at Riding Club level.

WHAT IS ESM? AND WHY USE IT?

Equine Sports Massage (ESM) is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues, muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments and uses various techniques that are designed to relieve muscle related issues. This is carried out by manually working on the horse's body using techniques such as Petrissage, Effleurage and Friction. Massage therapists work to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal control in animals as a result of musculoskeletal conditions or as part of a maintenance, fitness or general health programme.In competitive or working animals, massage may be used as an intrinsic part of the development of the animal athlete, helping to minimise the risk of injury and optimise performance and potential. Some of the benefits of ESM are, increased range of movement, improvement to stamina, performance and gait quality, assists circulation, helps improve behaviour, helps improve general well being, helps rehabilitate after injury/illness and is great for helping to relieve stress.

Equines can be traced back roughly 50-60 million years to a small creature that resembled a fox, today's equines look very different. Horses, for many years were used to pull farm machinery and tow barges etc, with all the power coming from the front end. They are designed primarily to go in straight lines, with the majority of the skeleton being fixed and rigid. As time has gone on the horse's role has shifted and they have become more of a ridden animal. However, the design of the horse has stayed the same. As these animals are not designed to jump large obstacles or perform intricate manoeuvres and tight circles, and they often break down muscularly and skeletally. As in humans, the horses body will do its best to maintain and repair its self but can only do this to a certain extent, once all resources have been exhausted the horse will break down.This is where ESM can be of benefit, addressing the issues early on and thus helping to prevent further, more serious problems.

There are many things that can cause muscular and skeletal problems:
  • over/unlevel girthing
  • poorly/incorrectly fitted tack
  • incorrect riding 
  • use of training aids
  • over training - especially in young horses,
  • poor/inappropriate nutrition 
  • lack of fitness

Horses and ponies that are in pain or discomfort may display any of the following:
  • preference to one rein
  • lateral stiffness
  • reluctant to canter on one lead
  • high head carriage/ hollow back
  • bucking / rearing
  • head shaking
  • dislikes being groomed
  • uneven stride length
  • holding the head to one side / lack of bend and flexion at the poll
  • carrying the tail to one side
  • cold backed
  • girthing issues
  • reluctance to be caught
  • aggressive behaviour






SERVICES

PLEASURE MASSAGE

For any horse old, young and in between who may enjoy a hands on relaxing massage for no other reason except enjoyment.

MAINTENANCE MASSAGE

Essential for any horse that is working regularly e.g. competing, riding school, hunting, racing, hacking. This will ensure the horse is ready and able to do the job it is intended for. Better to prevent than have to cure.

REHABILITATION MASSAGE

Suitable for horses recovering from illness or injury, horses on box rest, stale horses, stressed horses and horses with behavioural issues.

SCHOOLING SERVICES

I offer schooling services and can attend to ride and keep your horse fit, re-school, help with schooling/behaviour issues etc.

PRICES

MASSAGE

Initial assessment to last approx. 1.5 hours and includes:    £50

Owner and horse information

Static and dynamic evaluation

Lunge evaluation (if required)

Ridden evaluation (if required)

Bridle, bit and saddle check

Gait analysis and conformation review

Introductory massage and hands on assessment


Follow up sessions lasting approx 45 mins £40

Full body massage

Stretches 

Aftercare plan


Discount for 3 or more horses booked at the same establishment. Please contact me for details.

*Please note* Prior to my visit you will be required to read and sign a consent form and waiver declaration, which will be sent to you before hand. Please see my terms and conditions for further information.

RIDING TUITION/SCHOOLING SERVICES

Per hour £25


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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In accordance with the Veterinary Act 1966 treatment cannot take place without veterinary consideration. It is recommended that you advise your vet that complimentary therapy will be taking place.

Equine sports massage practitioners are not licensed veterinarians and are not a substitute for veterinary treatment. As massage practitioners we are not qualified to diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication.

As Equine Sports Massage Practitioners we are not ‘vet led’, and it is not a requirement that a referral come from a veterinary practice. However, it is a requirement that your horse is registered with a veterinary practice.

The owner of the horse must read and sign a consent/waiver and disclaimer form, stating that they understand the conditions outlined on the form, and that veterinary consideration has been sought prior to the appointment.

Treatment is entirely at owners own risk.

Treatment may not take place if the horse shows any signs of serious injury, illness, disease or infection and I have the right to refuse treatment of an animal.

Animals must be clean and dry on the day of treatment.

Treatment will only take place in a safe and suitable environment.

If the treatment is a donated prize, and follow up treatments are required, a full assessment will need to be carried out prior to any further treatments, the assessment and any further treatments will be subject to the usual payment charged.

Prize donations are a one-off treatment only, an initial assessment cannot/will not be undertaken, I the owner/agent agree that the horse is fit and healthy, and free from injury and disease, and understand that the massage practitioner will not be held responsible if this turns out not to be true.

Ad-Hoc treatments cannot/will not be subject to an initial assessment, I the owner/agent agree that the horse is free of injury/illness/disease, and will not hold the massage practitioner above responsible if this turns out to not be true.

Cancellation of an appointment must take place 48 hours before the treatment, failing to do this will result in the owner being liable for the full session fee.

I am fully insured by Balens, and registered with IAAT. 

A hard copy disclaimer/waiver will be signed at the first appointment. 


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