Equine Massage and Cryotherapy

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

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.

This is a great explanation
19/03/2025

This is a great explanation

Tails tell a story

I thought I would add a little more in

Often tails are forgotten when we look at the horse we may pull them, or use them as an access point for other parts of the horse but often tails and how they sit in line with the rest of the body can indicate other things which may be happening

Anatomy

The tailbones are called the COCCYGEAL and on average there are 15-18 bones which begin at the end of the sacral bone, the first two are located internally and often the little triangle above the tail will indicate where these are or by moving the tail up and down you can usually feel where the sacrum begins as this is not as mobile as the tailbones
The tail can move up and down and side to side, it has muscles which can help with posture (slow twitch) and movement (fast twitch).
Even though there is no spinal cord here it still contains many nerves and also many soft tissue connections which reach further forward along the horse
Tails are great for communication we can tell alot by the tails movement and not just when riding, fly swatting and balance
If we look at the connection between the big ligaments that are effective between the tail and sacroiliac joints then we often find restriction in either will have an effect on the other and also a more global effect

A tail should feel like there is some resistance then relax when we work on it a bit like goldilocks and the three bears it should not feel to rigid nor to relaxed it should be just right 😁

I think of the tail as a rudder of the ship its used for balance, can indicate how your horse is feeling and we often only think of diagonals with a compensation pattern a straight line from right to left or vice versa when often when we look its usually a zig zag pattern as the horse tries to find a more normal pattern throughout the body sort of trying to right itself at each junction and more often than not if we have a tail off to one side the zig zag pattern of compensation will end up with the head favouring the same side that the tail is sat

Tail off to one side

Often this usually happens way before your therapist comes to work with your horse and its already a deep established pattern throughout your horses body, remember the tail and sacrum are interlinked so usually I come across this if the horse has had some strain around the pelvic area, maybe the horse had a slip or a fall as a youngster and that is why it is so hard to correct it as its usually been a long standing issue and a pattern is ingrained into the body, it's now the horses normal crooked tails are still not well documented as to the whys
So it's important if you see your youngster slip in the field to get it checked, often the bony landmarks hit the ground and you can see its all connected and mostly what I see is the Tuber Coxae that is most affected is the nearside and most tails I see are always favouring to the left side

Tail rigid and stiff

Again for me this may be an indicator that the horse is trying not to move things too much in this area think of the rudder of the ship if it is stuck in one position often intricate movements are hard, the horse is usually ok in straight lines but may struggle with schooling moves, again do not just think of the tail as a single entity you have to think of the connections and muscles in the tail can have connections further up the back

Clamped down tail

This is usually the polar opposite of the rigid tail but again is the horse trying to keep the area as still as possible often the engine is switched off in these horses so they often struggle to power their hind end as the easiest way I explain it to clients is pull your knickers up your bum and then try to run, it's not so easy

Different breeds will have different tail carriages, and different personalities will have different tail carriages as well but we must remember the tail is an indicator of the mobility of your horses spine, and the health of the soft tissue, a non-moving tail is trying to protect an area and like I say we come in much later so there may be no pain but a restriction and it's important we do the work in small parts to allow the horse to adjust and reset

We also have to think of the huge fascial sheets across the horse and the effects of fascial restrictions and patterns throughout the body remember we have to work on the whole horse even if we think it’s a hind end or front end or middle part of the horse for the connections of the tail go much further than the tail bones, think of the top of the tail in a little fascial pop sock

We often only think of steering is a front-end issue but if the rudder fails then the steering will never be right the tail should be able to move with the body counterbalancing the body and we have to work with what we have in front of us, often the owners have done all the vet checks and we are just trying to bring more balance to the body without it having to work so hard

A little trivia
18/03/2025

A little trivia

The horse trailer, or “horse box” as it was commonly known in England, was invented in 1771! A horse drawn carriage was adapted to pull the famed racehorse turned stud Eclipse, who had a history of bad hooves. His owner wanted a way to save his energy and hooves for his sire duties. The practice did not become common until 1836, when the owner of a racehorse named Elis wanted to give him a competitive edge. The travel to the racetrack was far and the odds were against Elis winning. Elis easily won the race and his secret trick of transporting the racehorse quickly became popular. Another common use was to transport injured horses for veterinary care. During World War 1, horse ambulances were constructed to transport injured horses from the front lines to base units for care. Once vehicles became motorized in the early 1900s, it became even easier to move horses long distances with little discomfort. The horse trailer as it’s known today was developed in the 1950s. The demand to transport horses increased throughout the 1960s and 1970s as trail riding became more popular. Horse trailers were expanded to accommodate multiple horses at once. The horse trailer industry has grown to a multi billion dollar industry in the 21st century!

06/03/2025

Rex tells me he’s a hard working Kelpie. He says it’s hard work making sure the horses stay in their paddocks and that the white chook is under surveillance. 😂😂😂

So when the cryotherapy unit comes out, he thinks he’s earnt the right to have a treatment for his tired and aching muscles. 😂😂

A Rare Opportunity for Dressage Riders! 🏇✨Step into the world of true Classical Dressage with Nadine Francois, one of th...
06/03/2025

A Rare Opportunity for Dressage Riders! 🏇✨

Step into the world of true Classical Dressage with Nadine Francois, one of the few top students of the legendary Nuno Oliveira.

This March, Nadine is bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to the Central Coast for an exclusive clinic like no other!

With a deep understanding of horse and rider biomechanics, Nadine blends precision, tact, and classical principles to help you refine your training, no matter your level.

Whether you're working on ridden exercises or in-hand work, her passion and eye for detail will transform your connection with your horse.

Limited spots available, overnight horse accommodation available

Dates: 23rd - 26th March, 2026
Location: Wyee
Cost: $170 per lesson inc arena hire.

Further info about Nadine
https://www.equinemassage.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Nadine-Francois-Bio.pdf

https://www.equinemassage.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nadine-April-23-NZ.pdf

https://www.equinemassage.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/HP-article.pdf

https://www.equinemassage.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Nadine-Dream-Lesson-Aug-09-HP-Mag.pdf

22/02/2025
20/02/2025

Finally someone showing a correct stretch. 👏👏👏. I cringe every time I see someone doing a foreleg stretch holding onto the hoof and hyper flexing the knee.

🔥 Give Your Competition Horse the Edge with Cryotherapy! ❄️🐎Peak performance demands peak recovery! Cryotherapy is a gam...
19/02/2025

🔥 Give Your Competition Horse the Edge with Cryotherapy! ❄️🐎

Peak performance demands peak recovery! Cryotherapy is a game-changer for competition horses, helping to:

✅ Reduce inflammation & soreness after intense training
✅ Speed up recovery to keep your horse feeling fresh
✅ Prevent injuries by supporting muscle & joint health
✅ Enhance circulation for faster healing & overall well-being

Whether your horse is in peak condition or coming back into work, cryotherapy is the ultimate tool to keep them performing at their best!

📩 Book a session today and feel the difference!

A Rare Opportunity for Dressage Riders! 🏇✨Step into the world of true Classical Dressage with Nadine Francois, one of th...
18/02/2025

A Rare Opportunity for Dressage Riders! 🏇✨

Step into the world of true Classical Dressage with Nadine Francois, one of the few top students of the legendary Nuno Oliveira.

This March, she’s bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to the Central Coast for an exclusive clinic like no other!

With a deep understanding of horse and rider biomechanics, Nadine blends precision, tact, and classical principles to help you refine your training, no matter your level. Whether you're working on ridden exercises or in-hand work, her passion and eye for detail will transform your connection with your horse.

Limited spots available, overnight horse accommodation available

Dates: 24-26th March, 2026
Location: Wyee

18/02/2025

Wanna hear a secret about why riding is so hard?

First, an experiment. Gather a few of your friends who also ride. Maybe drink some wine and eat cheese and laugh about how much blood, sweat, tears, and dollars have been shed over 1200 lb accident factories.

And then drop a pen in the floor and have each person pick it up. Make it deliberate. What muscles are used? What technique? Was the core engaged? Is the core the abs in front, the wrap around back, or some lost point in the depths of wine and cheese? Were the hips flexible? Did the lower leg contract to hide asymmetries? Was the pen set gently back on the counter, dropped just before connection, or heavily deposited back to its original position?

I guarantee that each person’s body will have a unique way of getting the job done.

And that, my friends, is why riding is so f$& hard. Someone’s half halt is a tilt of their hips vs a lifting their chest vs a pull like hell and hope for the best.

Someone’s “light” leg aid is the next person’s strangling.

And someone’s working trot is someone else’s careening around full tilt.

So keep being frustrated, confused, asking questions, and letting the horse teach you. Because we all pick up pens differently.

Credit: Cassidy Oeltjen

I’ll never get to ride in the snowy river, so I’ll do my best to help Marc have Trib fighting fit for the 5 day riding t...
17/02/2025

I’ll never get to ride in the snowy river, so I’ll do my best to help Marc have Trib fighting fit for the 5 day riding to start the Man From Smowy River Festival. 💗💗

The Power of Teamwork in Equine Bodywork 🤝🐴When it comes to horse care, teamwork is everything! As an Equine Bodyworker,...
13/02/2025

The Power of Teamwork in Equine Bodywork 🤝🐴

When it comes to horse care, teamwork is everything!

As an Equine Bodyworker, working alongside vets, trainers, and other professionals ensures the best possible outcomes for every horse. I've been fortunate to work with Dr Ilona Hudson of Move Unleashed for over 15 years. Over this time, I’ve regularly massaged her horses, and she’s provided invaluable support for mine—including assessing my young horse Mickey after he flipped over a gate and more recently checking in to ensure he's still moving well.

Dr. Ilona is a highly skilled veterinarian who works exclusively in performance horse assessment and treatment, combining chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture, biomechanics and injury rehabilitation to keep horses feeling and performing at their best. Together, we work as a team on her Small Tour FEI horse, Roquette, where my monthly massages complement her veterinary care, ensuring Roquette stays supple, strong, and competition-ready.

Collaboration is key—we share insights, bounce ideas off each other, and continue learning together. It’s crucial to listen to what other professionals are seeing and feeling with each horse. And as an Equine Bodyworker, I always respect that diagnosing is a vet’s role—I’m here to support the horse’s wellbeing in the best way I can.

When your horse has a solid team behind them, they can truly perform at their best! 🐎💙

🐴 Experience Matters – Keep Your Horse Performing at Their Best! 🐴With over 20 years of experience, Natalie Smith of Equ...
01/02/2025

🐴 Experience Matters – Keep Your Horse Performing at Their Best! 🐴

With over 20 years of experience, Natalie Smith of Equine Massage & Cryotherapy understands what it takes to keep horses feeling and performing at their peak.

Using a qualified and experienced bodyworker not only enhances performance but also helps prevent injuries, support recovery, and improve mobility—ensuring your horse stays strong, sound, and competition-ready.

Give your horse the expert care they deserve. Book your session today! 🐴❄️✨

31/01/2025

These two pictured horses with more or less similar conformation are reaching very differently with their hind legs. Both horses are in a trot, on different diagonals but that doesn't matter. The top horse's hind footfall will land behind the forehand footfall on the same side. The bottom horse's hind footfall with land in or ahead of the forehand footfall.

The bottom horse is reaching further under itself with the hind than the top horse. The bottom horse is more balanced because keeping the hind footfalls landing in or a head of the forehand footfalls means that there is one center of balance under the horse's belly in a trot stride.

The top horse is not reaching under with their hind and the footfall will not reach far enough ahead to land in the forehand footfalls. There is a gap between the hind and forehand footfall, meaning the center of balance under the belly is not shared but separated. This creates a front-hind-front-hind-front-hind, back and forth balance point under the belly in the trot.

The reach indicates that the top horse is pulling the trot stride forward with the shoulders while the bottom horse is pushing the trot stride forward from the hind. Pushing from the hind is better. As they say, we want to ride a horse "back to front" to achieve lightness and optimum balance with suspension. We do not want a horse pulling its hind around as if it is a little red wagon.

I use a garden rake to smooth a section of arena footing 6 feet (2 meters) wide and three trot stride long. We then trot a horse through the smooth footing lane so we can see the footfalls and the reach, or lack thereof. To correct a lazy hind that is not reaching, we must do the work of engagement.

This means engaging the hind muscles to increase hind reach in order to achieve a truly centered balance point under the belly. Collection work is not cranking down the reins to cork up the energy of the forehand so the hind energy can catch up. That would be false "collection" that creates a false frame of balance, something we see a lot of today. Instead, we need to carefully and deftly hold the forehand together while, with a deep seat and leg, we encourage our horse's push from its hind.

It is good to always observe footfalls and reach. For me it is the first step in evaluating a horse's movement.

🐴 Experience Matters – Keep Your Horse Performing at Their Best! 🐴With over 20 years of experience, Natalie Smith of Equ...
29/01/2025

🐴 Experience Matters – Keep Your Horse Performing at Their Best! 🐴

With over 20 years of experience, Natalie Smith of Equine Massage & Cryotherapy understands what it takes to keep horses feeling and performing at their peak.

Using a qualified and experienced bodyworker not only enhances performance but also helps prevent injuries, support recovery, and improve mobility—ensuring your horse stays strong, sound, and competition-ready.

Give your horse the expert care they deserve. Book your session today! 🐴❄️✨

Good morning, I never get sick of mornings with views like this 💗
19/01/2025

Good morning, I never get sick of mornings with views like this 💗

Kickstart the 2025 Competition Season! As you bring your horse back into work after the Christmas break, give them the u...
15/01/2025

Kickstart the 2025 Competition Season!

As you bring your horse back into work after the Christmas break, give them the ultimate advantage with the perfect combination of Cryotherapy and Massage.

Together, these therapies provide the optimum experience to:

✔️ Reduce muscle soreness
✔️ Speed up recovery
✔️ Improve flexibility and performance

📎 Check out the attachment to learn how this powerful duo can support your horse’s return to work and set them up to perform at their absolute best this season!

Don’t wait—message me to book the ultimate session for your horse and help them shine in 2025! 💙✨

Address

Tuggerah, NSW
2259

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+61411113045

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Equine Massage and Cryotherapy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Equine Massage and Cryotherapy:

Videos

Share

Category

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.