J.M Equine Massage Therapy Services

Equine Massage Therapy

Equine massage is a therapeutic practice involving the skilled manipulation of a horse's soft tissues – muscles, tendons, ligaments, lymphatic system and fascia. Its primary purpose is to alleviate tension, reduce soreness, improve circulation, and enhance flexibility. By addressing muscular restrictions, equine massage helps to restore natural movement, improve performance, aid in recovery from injury, and promote overall physical and psychological well-being in horses.

First Consultation/Assessment Session

Have you observed a decline in your horse's usual performance, or perhaps new behavioural patterns under saddle such as reluctance to go forward, bucking, or resistance? Is your horse showing disinterest in being caught or groomed? These subtle cues can often signal underlying muscular and fascial restrictions, leading to discomfort, pain, and even compensatory movement patterns. In some instances, severe soft tissue tension can even mimic lameness as the horse adjusts its biomechanics to alleviate strain on affected areas.

An Initial Consultation allows Jane to comprehensively evaluate your horse, identifying areas of restriction and developing a bespoke therapeutic plan to restore their comfort. A targeted massage session can then be provided during this initial appointment.

Preventative & Wellness Sessions

Even if your horse presents with no specific lameness or tension during their first assessment, or if they have completed a corrective course and are now in peak condition, regular wellness treatments are highly beneficial. These routine sessions are vital for sustaining comfort, maintaining peak performance, and proactively preventing overuse injuries.

Advantages of Regular Preventative & Wellness Treatments Include:

• Elimination of lactic acid, reducing fatigue and soreness

• Releasing muscle spasms or developing trigger points

• Enhancing muscle tone and resilience

• Improving muscle flexibility, suppleness, and elasticity

• Decreasing the risk of muscle strains

• Minimising the likelihood of repetitive strain injuries

• Reducing general stiffness and promoting fluid movement

• Improving and potentially reversing muscle atrophy

• Stimulating rapid cell renewal and tissue repair

• Expediting recovery after strenuous activity

• Increasing joint range of motion and preserving joint flexibility

• Helping to alleviate discomfort in sore or aching joints

• Calming the nervous system, fostering relaxation

• Assisting in proprioception (body awareness)

• Improving coordination and balance

• Addressing asymmetry and supporting even muscle development

• Promoting mental and physical relaxation for the horse

• Contributing to a healthier coat and skin condition

Rehabilitative & Corrective Treatment

Should specific musculoskeletal challenges be identified during the initial assessment – such as persistent asymmetry, back soreness, general stiffness, or conditions following an incident like a fall – Jane might recommend a structured series of rehabilitative massage sessions over several weeks. During this intensive period, collaboration with other equine health professionals, including farriers, saddle fitters, or chiropractors, may be advised to ensure a holistic recovery approach.

Please note: Equine massage complements, but does not replace, veterinary care. Always consult your vet for acute lameness or health concerns.

Benefits of a Course of Rehabilitative Treatments Include:

• Accelerated healing and recovery from injury

• Flushing out metabolic waste like lactic acid from muscles

• Promoting joint mobility

• Reducing and relaxing deep-seated muscle tension

• Releasing stubborn trigger points, which often require multiple sessions for full resolution and can be primary drivers of other issues

• Increasing overall range of motion and suppleness

• Correcting asymmetry and fostering more balanced muscle development

• Preventing muscle shortening that can occur after injury

• Minimising restrictive scar tissue formation within muscles

• Counteracting muscle atrophy (wasting) post-injury or during periods of reduced activity

Important Information Prior to Your Horse's Treatment

At JM Equine Massage Therapy, your horse's well-being is our top priority. Please read the following information regarding veterinary consent and what to expect from your appointment.

Veterinary Consent Policy

For Horses Under Veterinary Care (Rehabilitation): By law, veterinary permission is required before any hands-on therapy is administered to a horse currently under veterinary care, or for treatments that are part of a rehabilitation program.

• Your Role: We will ask you to confirm with your horse’s vet that they are happy for the treatment to proceed. A signature from you on the day of treatment, acknowledging this permission, will be required.

• Our Support: Jane is happy to contact your vet directly on your behalf to obtain consent. She can also discuss any proposed treatment plans with your vet and provide them with a completed treatment form afterwards, if requested.

For Healthy Horses (Maintenance & Optimising Performance): Veterinary consent is not required for horses in good health receiving treatment to maintain well-being or optimise performance. However:

• Jane will ask for confirmation of the veterinary practice your horse is registered with.

• In line with her duty of care, Jane is obliged to notify your vet if any significant pathologies or concerns are identified during assessment and treatment.

Understanding Your Appointment

Appointment durations and procedures will vary slightly between initial and follow-up sessions. Many owners are unsure what to expect – here’s what’s involved:

Initial Assessment (Approx. 1 hour)

Your horse's first session will begin with a comprehensive discussion of their background history, including any specific concerns you may have. Following this, Jane will conduct a thorough physical assessment, including:

• Conformation Analysis: Assessment of your horse's structure.

• Locomotion Evaluation: Observing your horse in walk, trot, turning, and rein back. Lunging may also be assessed if appropriate.

• Tack Appraisal: For working horses, tack may also be checked for fit and suitability.

Detailed notes will be taken throughout the assessment, and a copy will be provided to you at the end of the appointment

Follow-Up Treatments (Up to 1 hour)

Subsequent treatments will focus on continued progress and address any new or ongoing concerns, typically lasting up to one hour.

Preparation for Your Appointment

• Location: All treatments and assessments take place at your horse’s own yard, unless agreed otherwise.

• Horse Preparation: Please ensure your horse is clean and dry prior to the appointment.

• Treatment Area: Jane will treat your horse in the stable, tied on the yard, or wherever your horse is most comfortable and safe.

• Time: Please allow approximately 1 hour for an Initial Assessment and also Treatments. While this is a general guide, treatment time is individual to each horse and may occasionally take longer.

Post-Treatment Advice

Following treatment, Jane will typically recommend that your horse is turned out or walked in-hand for 10-15 minutes, followed by 24 hours of rest before resuming usual ridden work (if applicable). This can be adjusted based on the specific treatment received, and sessions can be tailored to avoid requiring time off work if preferred.

You will also receive advice on specific exercises you can perform with your horse to support and maximise the long-term effectiveness of the treatment.

A typical session might be around 60 minutes, including assessment, massage, and post-session advice.

The initial assessment and all subsequent sessions a £50 per horse or pony. Payable by cash or Bank transfer at the time of appointment.

Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. I am a small business and it impacts myself & my other clients.

Pricing & Booking Information

Bulk bookings (paid in advance) may receive 25% off—subject to availability and Jane's discretion.

Multi horse visits may also receive a discount.

Jane covers up to 2 hours from BS40 6EN

Nearby clients are grouped to reduce travel costs