I'm a McTimoney Animal and Equine Massage therapist working in Essex and surrounding counties. My passion for horses lead me to studying for a BSc in Equine Science at Writtle College from 2005-08. During this time I also studied for my BHS stages one and two. I followed this up with an Equine Massage Course through Equine Energy. I then went on to study for an MSc in Animal Spinal Manipulation th
rough the McTimoney College. I am now a fully insured practitioner with McTimoney being widely recognised by most major insurance companies as a complimentary therapy. I am qualified to treat all animals, with a specialism in horses and dogs although my main target market is the equestrian industry. I have ridden since age seven and owned my own horses for the last 8 years, both the horses I own now I have backed and bought on myself. Kali, a 9 year old TBx I have owned since she was 3. Sadly three month in to her ridden career Kali went lame and was consequently diagnosed with arthritis in both her hocks. After treatment and then 2 years rest Kali came back in to work and spent 2 happy years ticking over, and helping to teach my friends to ride. With good management including very regular McTimoney treatments you wouldn't have beleived her hocks were as bad the majority of the time! She was unfortunately diagnosed with bilateral navicular disease in her front feet and a DDFT tear earlier this year. She has been off for 4 months now and living the life of luxury in the field. She is coming home soon with the hope to bring her back in to light work. All with the help of McTimoney to prevent compensatory muscular discomfort and development. My other horse is Darcy, a 5 year old Dutch WB by Orlando. She stands at about 17.2hh at the moment. Hoping she won't grow any more! I bought Darcy when she was 15 months old and only 15hh! I have backed and bought her on all myself with the help of friends and my valued instructor Chrissie Rhodes-Dennis, supplehorse.co.uk. I'm looking forward to many years of fun with my Darcy Dino, with showjumping and BE being our main aims. That is if she stops injuring herself! McTimoney is also recognised by BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association) as one of its Musculo-Skeletal Paraprofessionals. Prior to treatment it is required by law that permission is gained from your veterinary surgeon. This is to comply with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. If your horse shows any of the following signs it maybe time to have their back checked. This list isn't exhaustive and just lists a few of the main signs -
Change in behaviour, ridden on on the ground
Reduction in performance
Stopping at fences
Struggling to canter on one canter lead
Toe dragging
Unexplained behavioural issues such as napping, rearing and bucking
Sensitivity when touching back
Dislike of being tacked up
Reluctance to track up
Favouring being ridden on one rein
Resistance to bend, maybe on way more than the other or both ways
Please see my website www.mctimoneyanimalessex.co.uk for more information
