Equine Sports Massage

15/03/2022

22/01/2022

In OT school I had a professor thrill us (😉) with the phrase “proximal stability equals distal mobility” very often.

I had no idea how much value that phrase would really hold in my work, and I don’t even treat humans anymore. 😆

👉🏻Proximal - situated nearer to the center of the body

👈🏻Distal - situated away from the center of the body

If you’re not stable at your core, you don’t have much control over the movements far away from your core.

🏄‍♀️ If I’m on a surfboard, I’ll give you a terrible high five.

🖐🏻If I’m on concrete I’ll give you a fantastic high five.

The translation from what I see in horses is this:
Spine and core stability equals correct leg and foot placement.

If the spine is out of balance, both the nervous system and the soft tissue suffer.

The nerves exit the spinal cord and go to work for the rest of the body. If there’s a problem at the exit ramp, the rest of the nerve won’t be working correctly either.

The soft tissue gets tangled and torqued just by trying to protect its own spine. The tensegrity is compromised for the sake of protection.

Foot placement is the last of your horse’s priorities if they’re trying to stabilize their spine (that you’re sitting on) and core.

They might stumble or trip, they seem like they’re not listening.

🏄‍♀️ If you’re asking your horse to give you a high five while they’re on a surfboard, good luck.

I can accidentally land a high five every now and then from a surfboard too. But mainly I’m just trying to stay upright.

All correct movement comes from a balanced spine, supported by a strong core.

✍🏻 Proximal stability equals distal mobility.

12/10/2021

There are multiple ways to consider horses' hoof and body issues - it's so true that everything affects everything.

I like the use of simple straightforward images and language to communicate the essence of an issue. It's easier to remember and easier to recognize when looking at a horse in front of you.

The start of dealing with a problem is to see that there *is a problem. :-)

We can go into details (there are plenty!) and argue the toss over the technicalities and individual variations later!

-- Jane

12/09/2021

Equine Sports Massage

🙌 Massage therapy aims to relieve areas of tension and discomfort in order to help your horse feel and perform well. Some benefits are ↙️
💫 Improves range of motion
Resulting in increased stride length
💫 Enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage
💫 Improve flexibility and tissue elasticity
💫 Stimulate muscle development and aids reducing muscle atrophy
💫 Releases natural endorphins for a relaxing effect 🦄

Based in Harrogate covering surrounding areas, group discounts available.

Any queries just message or call happy to help in any way!
☎️ 07557993815

26/10/2020

Fact for a rainy day ☔️NUCHAL LIGAMENT

The Nuchal ligament runs down over the topline of a horse eventually becoming the supraspinous ligament.
The Nuchal ligament it is a very important elastic structure that supports the horses head and neck. The lamellar part attaches to the spinous processes of C2-C6.
However depending on the breed this is not always the case. Studies have shown that some Thoroughbreds are missing some of their lamellar ligaments, in particular the C6 which is either not present or incredibly weak. Also some studies have shown to be weak at C2.
Therefore some breeds especially the thoroughbred can find it very difficult to hold themselves on the bit or collect up and this can be because their Nuchal and lamellar ligament cannot support them enough.
Nothing can be done to help this, it’s present at birth, but muscle problems can occur when the horse has resisted a lot when trying to be put ‘on the bit’ or excessively lunged with aids.

21/09/2020

Polite cancellation reminder

Many of my clients know I am very easy going when it comes to rearranging appointments, life gets in the way after all but after quite a trying week I feel the need to be a little stricter. Never in 4 years have I had to enforce a cancellation policy 😔 I have turned people away this month as my diary is full and many of you know I have limited availability to start with.

All appointments cancelled within 24hours will incur a cost of 50% if not rebooked.

No shows will be charged at full cost.

Repeat cancellations will not be offered another appointment I.e when you’ve rearranged for the 3rd time in a row.

Payment can be either cash or bank transfer but must be made prior to or during the appointment.

06/08/2020

Appointment availability for the rest of August.

🗓 8th August available to pre existing clients.
🗓10th August available for pre existing clients.
🗓22nd August between Harrogate and Huddersfield late afternoon appointment only
🗓24th Harrogate and surrounding areas afternoon-evening appointments
🗓31st available
September onwards please message 😊

Locally there may be some evening appointments available 6pm onwards so always worth getting in touch if that works for you.

Veterinary permission must be obtained before I visit. Please allow at least a few days for me to obtain this as vets are very busy and understandably sometimes take a few days to send forms back.
🧼 Please also make sure horses are clean and dry before my arrival as I cannot work on wet or muddy horses ☺️
Thank you