E.L Animal Sports Massage & Rehabilitation

06/09/2025

Did you know? Backing up is now scientifically proven to build strength & mobility in your horse thanks to a new study by Eldridge et al., (2025)

This brand new study confirms what many equine therapists already suspected: Backwards walking is more than just a control exercise -> it’s a powerful conditioning and rehab tool

✨Key Benfits✨
✅ Activates hindquarter “power” muscles:
- backing up significantly increases activity in the gluteus medius and bicep femoris, building strength and stability

✅ Improves joint mobility:
- greater stifle and hock flexion during the stride helps with range of motion (ideal in rehab and prevention of joint stiffness)

✅ Shifts muscle demands:
- reduced activity in hip flexors means backing up uniquely targets hindlimb mechanics compared to walking forward

✅ Boosts proprioception & core stability:
- challenging balance and coordination while engaging postural muscles, supporting topline development

💡Why this matters:
- a stronger, more stable hind end and better joint mobility means improved ability to carry rider weight, lift through the back and build that all important topline

➡️ top tip - add this exercise to your horses routine. Start with a 2-3 steps backwards and progress from there keeping posture correct, and remember quality over quantity.

28/08/2025

✨September Availability✨

Have you had a busy summer with your horse? Worried about the effects of the hard ground? Now is the perfect time to get them checked and treated 🙌🏻

Plenty of spaces still available for September but these will soon fill up!

Don’t miss out, message me now to book 📲

18/08/2025

Another string to my bow ⭐️

Always expanding my knowledge and improving my service

I’ll be posting a lot more content related to rehab and performance on my other instagram page: .l.equinestrengthco so be sure to give that a follow for advice, top tips and useful exercises 😊

17/08/2025

11/08/2025

✨I’m back✨

After a lovely two week break, I’m now back to it with limited appointments remaining for August. I will also be taking bookings for September onwards 🙌🏻

Drop me a message to book or to discuss further 📲

25/07/2025

Out of office mode on ✅

I am now off for two weeks and will be out of the country so replies will be very slow until my return on the 11th of August 😊

13/07/2025

Professional care. Proven results.
Grateful for the feedback and continued trust 🙌🏻
📲Enquiries welcome

10/07/2025

Managing horses in hot weather👇🏼

Top tips to keep your horse healthy and safe in these hot conditions:

✅ Avoid the heat - ride early or late
✅ Avoid travelling - if you need to then do so early or late, avoid heavy traffic and take plenty of water and even a fan.
✅ Warm up sensibly - short bouts and plenty of rest and cooling periods
✅ If horses are turned out make sure they have access to plenty of clean water and shade
✅ Cold hose - whole body for at least 10 minutes do not scrape off excess water
✅ If using fly rugs soak in cold water before putting on your horse

⚠️ watch for signs of heat stress: lethargy, excessive sweating, laboured breathing, or unsteadiness
⚠️older horses, dark coated, and health-compromised horses are at greater risk

The key is to cool fast using plenty of water and call your vet if heat stress is suspected

Your horse will be fine if you miss a ride due to hot weather!

03/07/2025

✨July Availability ✨

Limited slots available for this month 😅

Drop me a message to arrange a treatment to make sure you horse or dog can feel great this summer 🫶🏻

26/06/2025

While horses may look mature by 2 or 3 years old, their skeleton tells a different story. The spine—yes, where you sit —is one of the last areas to fully mature, often not until 6 or even 7 years of age. And joints like the hocks? Also slower to finish developing.

Starting a horse too young or too hard can increase the risk of long-term issues like arthritis, joint damage, and other career-ending problems. It’s not just about the bones either, soft tissues also need time to develop.

✨ Giving your horse the time it needs to develop isn’t holding them back—it’s setting them up for a healthier, sounder future under saddle.

19/06/2025

The hot summer weather is here!☀️ Are you and your horses ready?🐴

We’ve rounded up some essential tips to help you keep your horse or pony healthy, happy, and comfortable during the warmer months.

🥵 From managing hydration to staying cool, these simple steps can make a big difference.

Visit our website for further advice on keeping your horse cool and happy 👉 http://bit.ly/4jYbm3B

12/06/2025

"It’s just a halt…” or is it?👀🐴

A correct square halt does more than look tidy – it builds strength, balance, and long-term soundness in your horse. From everyday groundwork to competition arenas, square halts are one of the simplest, most powerful tools you can use to improve your horse’s posture and performance.

In this post, we break down:
✅ What a square halt actually is
✅ Why it matters for your horse’s health
✅ What can go wrong if ignored
✅ How to teach & check for a correct square halt

Next time your horse stops—look closer. Are they building better balance or reinforcing a habit of unevenness?

Save this post to refer back to when training! 🐴💪