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Equine Massage and Cryotherapy

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Tuggerah, NSW
Equine Massage and Cryotherapy

Equine Massage services in the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Hawkesbury and Northern Beaches It also aids with rehabilitation following injury.

31/12/2024

🐴 Curious About Cryotherapy & Bodywork? ❄️

Discover how these powerful therapies can help your horse feel and perform at their best! From relieving muscle tension to speeding up recovery, the benefits are endless.

📎 Check out the attachments to learn more and see how cryotherapy and bodywork could make a difference for your horse today!

Have questions? Drop them in the comments or send me a message—I’m here to help! 💙✨

30/12/2024

🐴 Why Does Your Horse Yawn or Lick During Bodywork? 💤👅

Ever noticed your horse yawning, licking, or chewing during a bodywork session? These behaviours are their way of showing release!

When tension is relieved in the muscles and fascia, your horse’s nervous system signals it's safe to relax. Yawning and licking are natural signs that they’re letting go of stress, improving circulation, and finding comfort.

Bodywork isn’t just physical—it’s a reset for their whole body and mind. Give your horse the gift of true relaxation! 🐾✨

📞 Message Natalie to book a session and see these amazing responses for yourself!

29/12/2024

💡 Did You Know? 💡

Your horse's muscles play a huge role in guiding their movement and posture! 🐴💪

Muscles don’t just create movement; they tell the bones what to do by pulling and stabilizing them. When muscles are tense, overworked, or imbalanced, they can affect your horse's skeletal alignment, leading to discomfort, reduced performance, or even injury.

That’s where bodywork comes in! By releasing tension and restoring balance, we help your horse move freely, comfortably, and at their best.

Give your horse the care they need—because healthy muscles mean a happy, healthy horse! 💕

📞 Message Natalie today to learn more or book a session!

27/12/2024

Why is Bodywork essential for your horse, a short read for the holidays. :-)

23/12/2024

What can I say 🤷‍♀️

❤❤...!!
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Reading books daily brings many benefits, improving both intellectually and emotionally. Here are 10 reasons why you should read books every day:
1. Expand your knowledge: Reading exposes you to new information and deepens your understanding of various topics such as culture, history, science, art, and everyday life.
2. Enhance critical thinking and analysis: Regular reading improves your ability to reason, analyze, and solve problems logically and creatively.
3. Improve writing and communication skills: Exposure to a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures helps you refine your expression and writing abilities.
4. Reduce stress and anxiety: Reading helps reduce stress by transporting you into different worlds, allowing your mind to relax and unwind.
5. Develop focus and patience: Reading requires concentration and patience to follow complex narratives or concepts, improving these skills over time.
6. Boost imagination and creativity: Reading, especially fiction, stimulates your imagination and enhances creativity by helping you visualize scenes, characters, and scenarios.
7. Improve memory: Reading encourages you to remember details about characters, plots, and information, which strengthens your memory retention.
8. Develop critical thinking: Many books, particularly those on science, philosophy, or politics, challenge you to think deeply and develop your critical reasoning abilities.
9. Inspire and motivate: Self-help books, biographies of successful individuals, or inspiring stories can provide motivation and guidance for your own life.
10. Increase empathy and social skills: Reading about other people’s lives and emotions helps you understand and empathize with them, which enhances your ability to connect with others socially.
Reading daily is a positive habit that benefits your mental health and fosters personal growth.

18/12/2024

🎄CHRISTMAS MESSAGE🎄

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! 🎅🐴

Thank you for your friendship, support, and for trusting me with the care of your incredible horses throughout 2024. It’s been an honour to help them feel and perform at their best, and I’m so grateful to be part of your journey.

Please note, I’ll be taking a short break from 23rd December to 8th January, but I’ll be ready to hit the ground running in the new year.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and of course, plenty of horse cuddles! 💙✨

Natalie
🩷🎅🎄

15/12/2024

🎄 Struggling for Gift Ideas? 🎁

Why not give the horse lover in your life something truly special – a Gift Voucher from Equine Massage! 🐴✨

Help improve their equine partner’s Performance, Recovery, and Overall Well-Being with the benefits of Massage and Cryotherapy.

💳 Vouchers available in any value – tailored to suit your needs!

📩 Message Natalie today to make their Christmas extra memorable! 🎅❤️

12/12/2024

11/12/2024

🎄 Struggling for Christmas Gift ideas? 🎁

Why not give the horse lover in your life something truly special – a Gift Voucher from Equine Massage! 🐴✨

Help improve their equine partner’s Performance, Recovery, and Overall Well-Being with the benefits of massage and cryotherapy.

💳 Vouchers available in any value – tailored to suit your needs!

📩 Message Natalie today to make their Christmas extra memorable! 🎅❤️

08/12/2024

I always enjoy this view on my way to work off a Monday.

05/12/2024

This is an interesting and informative read on gag bits.

Most people don’t use them, but it’s always good to have some knowledge of how they and other equipment work in the right hands.

Another nerdy bit post. This one is about ring gag bits used almost exclusively in polo. A ring gag is different from many bits today that are called gag bits. I'm writing this to elaborate on a post about how the horse-are-pets people want to ban what they believe are "torture" equipment like draw reins and gag bits.

These ring gags are very specialized training tools that require education and experience to be used correctly. Their misuse is what has the horses-are pets crowd wanting to ban them when education is the solution.

The #1 image is a horse pulling on their tied lead rope and reacting intensely to poll pressure. Poll pressure will cause this extreme reaction unless a horse is trained out of this instinctual reaction. The #2 image shows a ring gag in a horse's mouth with some rein pressure. The yellowish rope is called a gag-round that is attached to the reins. You can see how when rein pressure is applied the ring rotates. As the ring rotates, the rein pressure goes up to the bridle's crown piece and applies the rein pressure there.

The mouthpiece seen in image #2 stays in the same place in the mouth as the ring rotates in a sort of "clutch" action that allows the mouthpiece to stay where it is without much increased mouth pressure even when rein pressure is increased. The mouthpiece slides freely on the ring until the ring's rotation reaches the place on the ring where the round goes through the ring. At that point, when the mouthpiece reaches the round, the ring engages the mouthpiece and then increased pressure is put on the mouthpiece from the reins.

This simple ring mechanism first isolates the poll pressure from the mouth pressure and as the reins are pulled harder, the mouthpiece pressure is added into the poll pressure at a specific point in the ring's rotation.

Why do we want to isolate the poll pressure at first? Because this isolated poll pressure can tap into the impulse we see in image #1 but to a much lesser degree. This action on the poll is a quick warning or alert of things to come, sort of a wakeup call.

When the mouthpiece action gets added into the poll pressure, a rider "has a hold of the head" and a rider must use this hold very briefly because the poll pressure is an unusual pressure or warning, and eventually the added ring gag's mouthpiece action acts like any other bit except the poll pressure is used in sequence and combination with it. If a rider hangs on a ring gag without release, a horse can get used to it and the impact of this type bit is diminished. Therefore, using ring gags requires specific and delicate on-and-off contact, which suits the stop, turn and go nature of polo.

Image #3 is a ring gag with a small ring. This means that the "clutch" action of the ring engages the mouthpiece sooner than a ring gag with a larger ring. This bit has a double snaffle offset mouthpiece called a Barry gag after its inventor. In my view, the combination of its small ring and the intense mouthpiece make this a pretty intense bit requiring very soft hands.

By comparison, the #4 ring gag with its larger ring and simple mouthpiece is a more typical ring gag. The rotation of the larger ring provides more poll pressure and slower mouthpiece engagement as well as less intense mouth action than the Barry gag mouthpiece. The #4 is a very common polo ring gag.

The #3, #4 and #5 images show the different sizes of rings used in ring gags. A smaller ring, like #3, has less rotation and thus it provides less poll pressure and quicker mouthpiece engagement. #5 is the opposite. The rotating large ring can multiply the poll pressure while it delays the engagement of the mouthpiece. And like with the three bears, #4 is usually just right for the average horse.

Bits #6 and #7 have medium size rings and very different mouth pieces. The #6, with the Barry double offset snaffle mouthpiece, is the one of the most intense mouths of all ring gags. The #7 with the link snaffle mouthpiece might be one of the least intense ring gag mouth pieces.

Hopefully this will explain the possible variations in ring gags, a somewhat obscure specialized bit type. These bits can be challenging to understand and difficult to predict how they will affect a particular horse. In fact, in about one out of ten prospects, when the horse feels the poll pressure from a ring gag, they will duck their head down, not lift it up as seen in image #1. This is because they have been trained to release against poll pressure.

From these pictures you can imagine the countless possible variations of the combinations of ring sizes and mouthpiece types available with ring gags. Therefore, selecting a ring gag bit for prospects requires a lot of experience and a pile of ring gags to pick from. The process of selecting a ring gag is part experience and part trial and error. Some horses do not go well in a ring gag and polo players then tend to use pelham bits.

I want to thank my friend Jim Groesbeck Horsemanship for his comment on my other post about how the horse-are-pets people think gags and draw reins are the work of the devil. It inspired this post. I hope this explanation explains ring gags better.

Link to former post that included ring gag info & comments -
www.facebook.com/BobWoodHorsesForLife/posts/pfbid02jopGj4arRj377d6wp4hDzj7BS6bt3i7zNqkYLs9naxQDa3fCY15FjFA3CfK5rmral

24/11/2024

🌟 Client Testimonial Highlight 🌟

I'm so grateful to hear how cryotherapy has made a difference for horses dealing with laminitis. Knowing I've been able to help these amazing animals find comfort and relief means the world to me. 💙

A huge thank you to my wonderful clients for trusting me with the care of their beloved horses — I'm honored to be a part of their journey. 🐴❄️

If your horse is struggling, I'm here to help! Reach out to learn more about how cryotherapy can support your horsey. 💪✨

19/11/2024

🌟 Perform. Recover. Thrive. Wellness for Champions. 🌟

With over 20 years of experience as an equine bodyworker, Natalie is here to help your horse achieve their best. Through equine massage and cryotherapy, her gentle hands assist in:
✔️ Relieving muscle tension and soreness
✔️ Improving circulation and flexibility
✔️ Speeding up recovery after intense work
✔️ Enhancing overall performance and well-being
✔️ In addition to muscle release Cryotherapy helps to reduce inflamation, speed up healing and enhance wellness.

Trust the expert care your equine athlete deserves. 🐴❄️✨

📞 Call 0411 113 045 today to book a session and see the difference experience makes!

17/11/2024

Loving this!! Happy horses and owners. ❤❤❤ Coco is really enjoying her combined Cryotherapy and Massage sessions.

13/11/2024

I love reading this kind of feedback. I thank each and everyone of my clients who appreciate the effort I put into assisting their horses to feel and be the best they possibly can be. It's even better when they share their thoughts in a public post. ❤❤❤

04/11/2024

💗💗

Address

Tuggerah, NSW
2259

Opening Hours

Monday	6am - 5pm
Tuesday	6am - 5pm
Wednesday	6am - 5pm
Thursday	6am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61411113045

Website

http://www.equinemassage.com.au/

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🌟 Perform. Recover. Thrive. Wellness for Champions. 🌟 With over 20 years of experience as an equine bodyworker, Natalie is here to help your horse achieve their best. Through equine massage and cryotherapy, her gentle hands assist in: ✔️ Relieving muscle tension and soreness ✔️ Improving circulation and flexibility ✔️ Speeding up recovery after intense work ✔️ Enhancing overall performance and well-being ✔️ In addition to muscle release Cryotherapy helps to reduce inflamation, speed up healing and enhance wellness. Trust the expert care your equine athlete deserves. 🐴❄️✨ 📞 Call 0411 113 045 today to book a session and see the difference experience makes! #EquineMassage #CryotherapyForHorses #PeakPerformance #EquineCare

Are you looking to optimize the performance and well-being of your equine athletes? Look no further than Equine Massage and our amazing Cryotherapy services. By incorporating these cutting-edge treatments into your horse's routine, you can: - Enhance Recovery: Cryotherapy and Massage assist in reducing inflammation and promote faster recovery times, allowing your horses to bounce back quickly after training or competition. - Improve Flexibility And Range Of Motion: Massage breaks up adhesion's and scar tissue, improving flexibility and range of motion for better performance in competition. - Prevent Injuries: By keeping muscles and joints healthy and supple, Cryotherapy and Massage can help prevent common performance-related injuries, ensuring your horses stay in peak physical condition. Give your equine athletes the care they deserve and gain a competitive edge with our Cryotherapy and Massage services. Your horses will thank you for it with peak performance and optimal health. Contact Natalie today to schedule an appointment and elevate your horse's performance to the next level! #EquineAthletes #Cryotherapy #EquineMassage #PerformanceEnhancement #EquineCryotherapy

Even fancy Dressage ponies appreciate their Cryo/Masage sessions. Help your horses to release tension, relax fatigued muscles. #dressagehorse #horsemassage #EquineMassageTherapy #EquineMassage #HorseTherapy #equinehealth

Witness the amazing benefits of Cryotherapy for healing wounds. #showjumping #dressagehorse #ponyclub #horsemassage #endurance #EquinePerformance #EquineFitness #EquineMassageTherapy #EquineWellness #EquineMassage #HorseTherapy #equinehealth #EquineTherapy #EquineHealing #HorseHealth #BetterPerformance #FasterRecovery #equinerehabtherapy #happyhorses #horseinjurieshappen #horseinjuries #cryotherapy #equinebodyworker #horsecryotherapy #equinecryotherapy #equinemassageandbodywork

Being a young horse means you are more prone to doing silly things to yourself. Mickey somehow decided to try jumping the 5'4 gate in his paddock. I have no idea what caused him to do this, but the result of the failed attempt was very obvious. Firstly, he was on the wrong side of the paddock fences, the gate was bent and his hair was left on the gate. Thankfully, the introduction of massage and cryotherapy within 24 hours of the even assisted his body to process the failed attempt at jumping and he was as good as new within a few days.

A lot of us have had that sudden drop to the stomach when they see their horse is not in the paddock they had last left them in.🤯😳 Well, I had this experience on Friday. My new 3yr old Trakehner who I have only had a month was in the lane way and not his paddock. I saw him from the house, raced down not knowing what I would find. My little boy (well not so little at 16.1hds) was definitely not where I had left him that morning. A quick inspection showed bark off his legs, uneven shoulders and knees and on trot out a very lame horse. Not much I could do at that point in time, so 5ml of bute, the traditional hose and back to the paddock. A walk of the paddock exposed what I suspected. He had flipped over the 5'4ft gate. The perfect gate was now bent and the evidence of chestnut fur welded to the fence. Saturday the bodyworker in me got to work. Mickey has had a massage, which he loves since he arrived, but hadn't been introduced to Cryotherapy. Well, now was the time. With the help of a friend as the handler, I introduced him to a hood. I use a hood the first few times, so that they don't become upset at the noise. The hood muffles the sound, so they hear a slight noise and then feel this amazing relaxing cool. First step, was Mickey's poll which as expected was extremely tight and felt like rock. He loved the cold dome on his poll and pushed into it with a look of bliss on his face. I then shifted to the spray for his leg wounds and for any inflammation in his legs. Finally I changed to the nozzle and targeted his poor little tight shoulders. I'm very proud of Mickey, he hasn't had a lot of handling, but accepted the Cryotherapy like he'd had it before. Lots of releases with licks, chews and yawns. I then followed the Cryo with a massage. A massage following Cryo is absolutely amazing. I am able to get so much deeper and the muscles are much more pliable. It's the ultimate in bodywork. The result of an hours work, was a

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Our Story

Equine Massage, Equine Body Work or Equine Massage Therapy is a hand’s on muscular therapy, which uses specific strokes and stretches to assist in obtaining maximum performance and physical conditioning with less chance of injury or pain. It assists in preparing the horse for competition by protecting and restoring muscles before and after events or activities. It also aids with rehabilitation following injury. Your horse doesn’t have to be an athlete to benefit from massage, the aged horse benefits from having regular muscle work to relieve the aches and pain of old age. Who is Equine Massage? My name is Natalie Smith, I have been a qualified Equine Body Worker (EBW) since 2004. I am based on the Central Coast NSW with clients in the Hawkesbury, Hills District and Northern Beaches of Sydney, through the Central Coast up into the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens area.

My interest in horse massage began shortly after purchasing my Trakehner Mare in 1998. I found she was tight through the shoulders and very girthy. A friend suggested “Massage”. At this time equine massage was virtually un-heard of and thus began my path to greater understanding.

After suffering Chronic Fatigue in early 2001, my interest in Alternative Therapies developed in an endeavour to get myself back to a normal life.

During 2002 I was searching for an Equine Massage Course so I could learn more about massaging horses. It was then that I was approached and asked to consider co-ordinating the Equinology Inc courses for NSW. Needless to say I jumped at the chance and the knowledge I gained during this time is immense. I am a founding member of the Autralian Branch of IEBWA (International Equine Body Workers Association) and am still an Executive Committee member some 13 years later.