Caroline Kaye Equine Bodywork

28/10/2022

25/10/2022

Between riding, yard duties and everyday life, it is easy to neglect your own care.
Over time, pain, discomfort and stiffness can become the norm.

This can apply to our 4 legged friends.

Cryotherapy has been proven to reduce inflammation and pain, increase circulation and accelerate healing. In total, resulting in optimal performance from both you and your horse.

Often after I've treated someone with cryotherapy, they say that they'd forgotten what it was like to be pain-free!

DM for further information.

21/10/2022

Autumn is a pretty crucial time of year for horses and very often over looked! The weather we have seen this year makes it even more important to consider the effects it can have on our horses.

There are three main things I have really noticed this year:

First we have had a prolonged period without rain and then heavy downpours. The grass had stopped growing and became parched in the heat we've had. However, in the last 2 weeks alone we have had a huge amount of rain, whilst maintaining warmer temperatures. The grass has grown like crazy, making it incredibly sweet and rich. This has an immediate effect on the horses digestive system and creates a build up of unwanted toxins in the system.

Second, this years competition seasons have run during these hotter temperatures. Like us, working in hotter conditions when we aren't fully acclimatised causes the muscles to work harder and fatigue quicker. Lactic acid builds up faster in the muscles making the horses feel stiffer and increasing recovery time.

Third, horses with underlying conditions will have noticed this the most. Those with ulcers struggled with the reduced forage, causing the Ph levels in the stomach to be unsettled. This has been further unsettled by the very sudden change in the grass.

Those with joint and bone issues such as arthritis and kissing spine haven't been able to catch a break. The extreme heat and the current much damper conditions will be causing the joints to become inflamed. I have a post on this where you can read more:

Arthritis
https://www.brightequinetherapy.co.uk/forum/forum/arthritis-degenerative-joint-disorder

Kissing spine
https://www.brightequinetherapy.co.uk/forum/forum/kissing-spine

*This is all a very simplified idea of what's been going on or I'd end up going on forever*

So how can bodywork help this?

🍁 reduce imflamations
🍁 aids lymphatic drainage
🍁 aids recovery
🍁 improved range of motion
🍁 increases circulation
🍁 releases natural pain relief endorphins
🍁 helps stabilise joints
🍁 help restore flow in the digestive system
🍁 improve neuromuscular efficiency
🍁 boost the immune system
🍁 acupressure helps balance physical and emotional issues by releasing natural chemicals in to the body

Autumn is the ideal time to get your horses seen. If anyone has any questions, would like me to go in to more detail, chat about their horses or would like to book in please get in touch. advice is always free 😊

18/10/2022

5 signs your horse needs a massage...

05/10/2022

Cryotherapy; not just for horses and people!

Most dogs are nonstop and can get sore too.

Cryotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular and effective way to help with pain and recovery.

Get in touch to find out more.

26/09/2022

We have lift off!
We had the loveliest of first rides together.
Rocky was so brave and so relaxed.
This is just the start 😊

24/09/2022

There is something really lovely about a treat in the early evening sun.

09/09/2022

****last minute availability****
Due to a rejig of my diary, I have space for an appointment next Wednesday afternoon.

Pm to book; massage, Cryotherapy, taping or a combination of treatments!
First come first served!

09/09/2022

Such a strong and brave lady, especially in the face of adversity. A true icon, Queen and horsewoman
You will sorely be missed. RIP

07/09/2022

I'm so lucky to call you mine 💝

osa

05/09/2022

Cryotherapy on a new clients leg after a suspect kick caused the leg to swell. After there had been no change from cold hosing, this treatment was recommended to her and there was a massive reduction in inflammation after just one session leaving a sound and happy horse (and owner!)

31/08/2022

Ru is one of my longest standing clients.

Today I used a mixture of traditional massage, my fascial edge tool and kinesiology taping to support to underlying structures, lifting the skin and fascia to give him some support and recovery time.

Ru is a big horse standing at 17.3hh and is being brought back into work following a long period of time off; regular treatments are helping keep him sound, supple and comfortable.

I'll see Ru again in 3 weeks before he heads off to a long weekend camp in the Midlands.

Some horses need regular treatments, some only need a one off to get them back on track. I pride myself on being open and honest with my clients about their needs and expectations.

I absolutely will do block bookings if required (as I do with Ru as his owner knew he would take a lot of work to get right) but I would never recommend further treatments unless they were necessary. Prevention is always better than cure and the sooner I can treat a horse, the less treatments they generally need.

The main aim of my business is the comfort and health of all the horses that I treat, whether that's a one off, regular treatment or just a maintenance MOT occasionally.

Any questions, please get in touch.

29/08/2022

Summer holidays are almost over so I'll soon be back to full time hours to fit all your lovely horses and ponies back in!

I am a fully qualified and insured Equine sports massage therapist and member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork, offering assessments, pre/post event treatment, massage, Cryotherapy kinesiology taping and more.

Not sure if I can help? Please feel free to get in touch for a chat to discuss your needs!

I still have a handful of September appointments still available and my diary for October and beyond is back open!

10% discount on all bookings made by 1st September to celebrate the start of a new school year!

28/08/2022

Introducing Rocky (aka Marlon) Kaye, the newest member of the team!

Marlon came to me quite sharp and nervy and its taken a few weeks of patience, understanding and love to get him relaxed enough to start work.
Marlon has now been moved closer to home and is settling in beautifully.
This last week he has stood nicely for farrier Danny to work on his feet and they are making progress.
He's also had his teeth done and been out for his first walk with his new fell pony friends!

It has been a crazy summer with lots of appointments - both human and horses - three adorable but full on children and welcoming Marlon to the family!

Roll on September for some normality to come back.

Watch this space for future exciting offers and updates!

17/08/2022

I had a lovely morning with Archie today. He really is quite something!
The hyoid release at the end of the session really helps to move around the tension often found at the TMJ. Tension here can create a very impactful line of stress throughout the whole body.
Such a simple technique gives such amazing results.
I could watch the yawns all day!

09/08/2022

Lovely Nellie's second session of bodywork. The change in her already is amazing. She was much more relaxed and accepting of my presence and quickly let her guard down. I was also really happy to hear that things had improved for both her and her rider,
has worked really hard to work out Nellie's issues and I'm really happy with her efforts to keep up the groundwork exercises and stretches to help support this unique mare.😊

29/07/2022

A peaceful afternoon, giving relaxation and tension release...🧘‍♀️

This is what it's all about for me.

26/07/2022

Starbuck's second treatment and Cryotherapy session and the difference in him, both physically and mentally, is huge!

It goes to show the importance of maintenance treatments and the effect it has on your horse's wellbeing.

Prevention is better than cure 😊

21/07/2022

18/07/2022

I got to treat these two lovely equines today. It was good fun; they are both such characters! Really enjoyed being with them...even in this sweltering heat!
☀️😎🐴

12/07/2022

Woody has recently been welcomed into a new home with and travelled a very long way!
Once settled, I was asked to have a look (and feel!) to see if there was any tension or discomfort that could cause issues if not dealt with...leading to my favourite saying again..."Prevention is better than cure".
Woody had a full, hands-on massage treatment and once he relaxed into it, he really let go and gave out some lovely releases. He did really well for his first one!

I can't wait to watch his and journey forwards ☺️

10/07/2022

Fantastic day at at Warwick Hall. Met some awesome horses and their humans.

It was incredible to get my hands and cryotherapy machine on so many brilliant athletes and help them recover after a hot days' eventing.

08/07/2022

Come down and say hi and I'll be happy to answer any questions about bodywork and cryotherapy...I'll have my trusty cryo machine and plenty of gas for demonstrations and treatments!

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

07/07/2022

Dwarfed by this beautiful Shire x mare!

It was Nelly's first session today following some issues when being worked. She was so lovely to work with and let out some fantastic releases (typically none caught on camera! 🤣)

I love working with owners who look beyond the often easy route of "it's just behaviour", as 9 times out of 10 there is an underlying cause. Pain and discomfort should always be considered first.

04/07/2022

Really useful article on the importance of pole work.
Fantastic for rehab as well as "normal schooling".

WALKING over ground and raised poles can be beneficial for horses in rehabilitation or as general strengthening work, research has highlighted. A team originally from the former Animal Health Trust found that using poles can help achieve many key rehab goals set out by veterinary and musculoskeletal...

29/06/2022

I massaged the one-eyed wonder that is Gizmo today. Due to his vision, Gizmo naturally has tightness and more difficulties on one side. Considering this, he tries really hard and is coming on nicely, especially under the knowledgeable and very understanding eye of Jenny.
Gizmo really relaxed today and I felt we connected more than we ever have before.

12/06/2022

I love giving hands-on massage treatment, the connection you can build just through touch is something really special. Silent conversations between my hands and the horse tell many stories ☺️

03/06/2022

Starbuck's first Cryotherapy session was a success! He coped very well considering it was a new experience.

Starbuck has muscular tension throughout due to a suspensory ligament weakness and had a combined cryo and massage treatment today. It was lovely watching him release with lots of licks and chews and yawning.

Cryotherapy and massage compliment each other beautifully and regular treatments prevent the need for larger interventions.

The device that I use has several different options for application, depending on your horse's needs....and temperament! If they aren't keen on the spray (or the noise!), there are other alternatives to make sure they can still benefit from the treatment.

I look forward to seeing him again soon and watching his progress.

02/06/2022

I love this kind of feedback! A great thing to return to after a holiday ☺️
I'm so pleased that Cruise is back doing what he does best x

23/05/2022

My family and I are off on our holidays (2 years late...thanks COVID!).

Looking forward to catching up with my lovely clients on my return!

Caroline xx

20/05/2022

Had a lovely morning treating client's horses and then got to spend some quality time (and treatment!) with my gorgeous boy. I feel so lucky to call this my job. 🐴🥰

11/05/2022

It's the little things that make a difference.

As an equine massage therapist, I treat the whole horse rather than just the "problem area" and I generally always find another issue.

Routine massage can locate and treat little 'niggles' which prevent them turning into something far more serious, time-consuming and expensive.

08/05/2022

Badminton 2022... awe-inspiring!

The horses were just incredible.
I was obsessed with their musculature, posture and absolute power.
The riders were also brilliant and so brave!

I am aching from walking around for the past 3 days so goodness knows how the horses feel! I would love to get my hands on them! A girl can dream!

Back to reality tomorrow and I really look forward to the coming week and catching up with my lovely equine clients 🙂🐴

03/05/2022

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2269240333225208&id=230625053753423

1hour xc lesson & a farm ride using the great facilities at Nord Vue for only £40, plus the chance to have amazing cryotherapy on your horses legs afterwards by at a discounted price, & also have the epic memories captured by the fantastic Becky Swallow Photography

02/05/2022

You know when you're uncomfortable.
You know when your body feels sore and tight.
You know when you've worked really hard and get the dreaded DOMS!

You know how lovely it is to have a massage, how much better you feel, looser, stress and pain free.

Your horse can't ask you for anything, but his body and behaviour can offer clues when he doesn't feel his best

Maintenance massage reduces the risk of little niggles erupting into serious problems.

Prevention is better than cure.

29/04/2022

Fantastic day yesterday down in Oxfordshire, learning all about Kinesiology taping with Jo Rose Therapies.

I have been taped myself when injured and I look forward to adding this to my toolbox for my equine clients.

Kinesiology taping assists healing and releases the fascia underneath the skin which has a significant effect on the underlying structures.
It can also help support the joints and allow it to heal whilst ligaments and tendons are damaged.

DM for more information 🙂

25/04/2022

I met the lovely Robin today. He was quite a complicated chap and was very defensive at first.
I like to think that he realised I was trying to help him and as the pictures show, Robin let me in and released a great deal of tension.
Its little snapshots like this that make me truly grateful for my job ♥️

23/04/2022

Let's talk legs...
Horses do not actually have muscles below their knees or hocks. Instead, the bones and joints are supported by dense, but less elasticated tendons and ligaments.
Injuries can occur due to: *repetitive strains from exercise
* over exertion
*not warming up/cooling down properly
OR something as simple as slipping in the field!

Once injury as occurred, it can take weeks or even months to recover.
Getting to know your horses legs is the first step and any concerns can be discussed with your vet.

Cryotherapy from the machine can have a very significant impact on the rehabilitation of damaged tendons/ligaments. With thermal shock occurring in as little as 30 seconds sometimes, it accelerates healing, increases circulation and reduces inflammation in a matter of moments!

Get in touch to see how I can support your horse.

19/04/2022

Some more of the baby bodywork... I just loved watching her release tension.
Teaching young ones that's its OK to release and how to be in touch with their own bodies 😍