Think of going to the spa for a massage, we want some where quiet, comfortable, relaxing and free from distractions.
For most horses this is somewhere familiar, with a friend nearby. My ideal environment is a yard, sheltered from the elements, with a comfortable surface to stand on and no food the horse is going to try and get to (water is fine). If possible, I prefer not to work on concrete, working on a surface with some give increases blood flow in the horse's feet and legs, making it easier for them to relax and release.
I totally understand not everyone has this “ideal” set up, and that's fine, we can work with what you have! Most important is that your horse is as relaxed as they can be. If that means working on them out in their paddock that’s what we’ll do.
In summer months please provide shade - I can’t be standing in the full sun all day. Spraying your horse with insect replant and keeping it on hand will help to stop annoying and distracting flies. It also helps if the work area is clean and we can clean away any manure as soon as possible. In winter it is fine to have a blanket over your horse to keep them warm during treatment.
While treating your horse I usually prefer for the owner to stand back so the horse can just focus on the bodywork, if we have a yard then I mostly work on the horse loose. If I do ask you to hold the horse please try not to interact with them, just let them focus.
What should my horse do before and after bodywork?
It is best for me to work on a "cold" horse, if you want to ride that day, please ride at least two hours before the treatment so your horse has time to fully cool down, a fired up nervous system will not respond to bodywork as effectively.
Afterwards, your horse should have at least the one day off (if it has been a particularly big session for them, more days may be required, especially the first session), to give their body time to process, and adjust to the changes. Riding your horse too soon may make the session less effective, if the horse goes straight back to old patterns. Once your horse has had a few sessions their body “knows” the work and you can ride the next day if needed, but try to make it a light ride.
How often should my horse have bodywork?
Initially it is good to give your horse 2-3 sessions a few weeks apart, positive changes are usually made in the first sessions, but changing the horses postural and tension patterns can take time.
How often is up to you. For performance horses and horses that work hard, regular bodywork should be part of your horses training program. For pleasure horses getting a few sessions in initially and then when ever you feel they need it works well.
Bodywork is also great as part of rehab programs, rehab from injury, hoof problems, poorly fitting gear or adverse training.