FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many sessions will my horse need?

Every horse is an individual case. While some require just 1 session every 3 - 6 months, other horses require monthly Bodywork to maintain their performance, balance, posture, fluid movement through their joints, and impulsion, to name a few.

If your horse has a chronic or acute issue needing to be addressed, a treatment plan will be discussed after the first session performed for that specific issue, this is likely to be a weekly or fortnightly session for a period of time.

What should I do after my horse's session?

Click here to read the Post Bodywork Recommendations page on this website.

How long does an Osteopathic Bodywork session last?

The first session lasts an extra +/- 20 minutes due to the Dynamic Assessment of your horse, discussing the horse's Case History, and working slower with your horse to build trust.

Average sized horses = typically 60 - 75 minutes.
Large sized horses = typically 75 - 90 minutes.
Small horses, small ponies, & foals = typically 50 - 60 minutes.

Can my horse come up lame after a session?

Although it's rare, it is possible for a horse to come up lame/unsound after a bodywork session.

Don't be alarmed, this horse's body has become accustomed to living within it's compensations, and now that we have removed those compensations the horse has to adjust to it's body as it finds alignment again.

Often if a horse has pain or discomfort they will brace their muscles and create a block through the fascial lines to reduce the severity of that pain site, so when the musculoskeletal structure is relaxed and adjusted to bring the horse back to it's base alignment, that lameness may come to the surface.
The body then takes a few days to adjust to it's renewed balance and works through it's own adjustments.

If a lameness is significant for more than 3 days a Veterinarian may be referred for deeper investigation within the skeleton, the soft tissue, and/or the hooves, with Imaging such as X-Rays, Ultrasound or MRI.

How can I prepare my horse/dog for their session?

1. Your horse needs to be dry, so if there is rain forecast for that day ensure your horse is inside before the rain starts, or is in the stable an hour before I arrive to dry off. Or has a full rain sheet on with neck piece.

2. I prefer your horse with some natural dirt and oils on him, so it's best not to wash your horse before his session. A washed horse is too silky for my hands to find the level of grip needed to have an effect on the muscle and get deeper into the tissue where needed, and typically my hand will just slide across the horse's coat, which is not desirable.

3. It would be great if your horse is trained to be calm when being tied up, and is respectful when picking up hooves and preferably doesn't kick or bite. However, horses are horses, and some show discomfort / pain in very expressive ways, so this is also something I work around and your horse will improve these behaviour patterns after a few sessions.

Do you offer Rehab Exercise & Training Programs?

I currently do not offer comprehensive Rehabilitation Training Programs, however I do, at times, suggest some specific key exercises that will aid in your horse's recovery.
If your horse has had surgery or a serious condition or injury it's important that you clear any Rehabilitation Training with your horse's Veterinarian.

Can you check, fit, and adjust saddles?

I am able to check the fit of your saddle on your horse to determine whether it is a cause for any discomfort in your horse.
I am not qualified to adjust your saddle, but if I find that your saddle is a poor fit for your horse or is causing your horse pain or affecting your horse's movement I will refer you to a Saddle Fitter and Adjustor.

Do I (the owner) need to be present during the session?

No, it is not necessary to be present during your horse's session, although you are always welcome to be there if you prefer. If you have cameras set up at your yard, that's also a good way to watch but not affect the energy.

Often a horse is more present with the Bodyworker and willing to connect their energy to the healing process when it's owner is not next to him, which means the bodywork session is generally more effective with your horse if the owner is not present, or is nearby (maybe mucking out stables) by not directly next to the horse.

The owners energy can sometimes interfere with the energy of the session, and that's no fault of the owner, it's just how energy works sometimes, for example if a horse and owner are very connected, the horse may not relax fully into the healing process, as the horse will feel every little movement and thought that it's owner makes, the horse may also look for treats if the owner is near. But I reiterate, this is something the bodyworker can work around and the session will still bring immense benefits to your horse even if you would love to be there.

NB: If your horse is particularly difficult to handle, or is not safe being tied up then it is necessary for the owner or an elected handler to be with the horse during it's session.

Do you give a Report for my horse's session?

Reports can be generated at an extra cost if you need or want one for your or your Veterinarian's records, please see the Equine Services page by clicking here to add this to your order.

If your horse is under Veterinarian care for a specific issue, concern, or injury, and Osteopathic Bodywork is part of the horse's treatment plan then a Report will be created and given to you to send to your Veterinarian, so please ensure you add a Report to your Order when booking your Appointment.