AMF Equine Massage

24/10/2021

Very jolly pony this morning

21/06/2021

So sorry for not posting for ages, Update on this little lady, I've known her since she was a foal, she has been out of racing for about 7 weeks, she come out with a knee injury , we started off with three weeks box rest , three weeks walking in hand ( twice a day) and then on to turn out , she is doing really well I'm pleased to say , we have session on sure foot pads , regular massages and stretching, I've placed a couple of horse licks in her field one being turmeric with added vits and mins and the other garlic , so it's her choice what she would like , I've noticed she prefers turmeric one. I'm in no hurry to bring her back in to work so everything will be gradually..

15/05/2021

Good Morning.

Stretching feels so good, I've started some of my sessions working with the owners , we are always so busy that we hardly take 10 minuets for ourselves.

06/05/2021

Equine massage therapy will benifit your horse

04/05/2021

Had a great weekend busy massaging horses, even managed to squeeze in an half hour riding lesson, not ridden in two years due to knee injury and not had a lesson in five, so important to have an instructor on the floor putting you in correct position/ balance..

30/04/2021

Good morning beautiful people.
It's Friday
Whatever your doing, have a great weekend ❤

29/04/2021

Here's an interesting diagram we found comparing the bones in the lower equine limb to the bones in the human hand

25/04/2021

Had a really good day, started with a walk round Silbury Hill, on to equine Reiki class , treated three horses and was amazed how they all relaxed and one showed me where she wanted her treatment by lowering her head so I could work on C1 .
All horses today were amazing. So was Wendy training and teaching us how energy works. Thank you Wendy, really enjoy you CPD days .
Finished the day with a walk to West Kennet Long Barrow down to Swallow Springs and back round Silbury.

Feeling good.

23/04/2021

Good morning lovely people.
This morning I am reading up and preparing for my course this weekend on Equine Raiki.

I now incorporate energy work into my massage routine, ( like shiatsu ) .

20/04/2021

I offer a range of services to help your horse improve their balance, suppleness and general well-being. Treatments are tailored to your horses individual needs and always with the best interest to your horses or pony in mind.
Services include Equine Massage, Joint Mobilisation (Active & Passive), Phototherapy, Ultrasound and Pole Work.
I'll demonstrate some massage moves for you to use on your horse to help keep your horse ticking over between visits.

BHS qualified to help you with your theory exams up to and including stage Two.

Dates available May 1st, 2nd , 10th, 14th,15th,19th 21st,23rd,25th,26th and 31st

Please PM me for more info.
Thank you

20/04/2021

Good afternoon.
Due to a cancellation I have a spot for 10am if anyone would like to book me.

Fully insured, member of IAAT ( International Association of Animal Therapists)

Massages will be tailored to your horses need.

Please PM me.
Thank you

19/04/2021

Good morning lovely people ❤.
Have a good week

17/04/2021

16/04/2021

Started the session with Sure Foot pads, this is the third time I had introduced them to Donny and wow , Claire and I were surprised how much Donny enjoyed standing on them, we saw so many releases. I enjoy using Sure Foot as we give the horse a choice, it's up to them if they want to stand on them.
When I first started treating Donny he was , let's say he didn't want to show his vulnerability and, now he is so happy just to relax and release. I always leave owners with techniques to keep their horse ticking over and one particular technique has proven to be very successful even so the physio was impressed with Donnys response.

Some horses, like people just need time, understanding and patience.

15/04/2021

Lets see one of your favourite spring photos, be it past or present

14/04/2021

The importance of massage and grooming.
To start it helps create a bond and build trust between you and your horse.
This young lady I couldn't get near her with a brush, so I begin with light strokes using the back of my hand, starting at her shoulder muscle ( Deltoid) and working my way from there, stopped where she started getting uncomfortable and going back to a place she was happy for me to touch, till eventually I could place my hand anywhere, then I introduced a brush, always ending on a good note.

13/04/2021

I have just purchased a book on kissing spines, As a massage therapist I do not have all the answers, learning is endless,what I learn today may change the way I look at or treat a horse tomorrow..

13/04/2021

For Only £14.99

04/03/2021

The Partnership
I first started working at Deepwood Stud (a Thoroughbred stud farm) in September 2016. Deepwood Stud is owned by Edward and Christabel. Edward is a strong businessman and when he was at home always popped down to the yard offering to lend a hand. His wife Christabel managed the yard and has a very positive outlook on life. She loved to laugh and joke and was happy to share her years of knowledge and experience. When I first started working there, my job was the usual yard duties and assisting in backing and breaking the young horses.
In the wintertime, the horses who have been working (racing) from the beginning of the year come back for their annual break. This is when I first encountered Marmelo. Marmelo’s groom, Tom, brought him back on a damp December afternoon.
Marmelo was owned by Edward and Christabel. Edward made the decision that Marmelo should not go out in the paddock, as he was too valuable and may have injured himself.
The following morning, I was asked to pop Marmelo on the walker and return him to his stable. My heart sank, as I knew that this horse does not know his value to us - he just knows the he’s a horse.
However as soon as Edward left for work, Christabel came down to the yard and asked me to put Marmelos turnout rug on. With that, she opened the field gate and said “blast it, let him go enjoy himself, that’s why he’s here”.
Christabel is a great lady to work for and with and has great horse knowledge and experience. Marmelo stayed out for about an hour and a half – not only was this good for his mind, but also his health. Movement can help prevent any impaction colic that he may have experienced during the travel and transition to the yard.
Towards the end of December, my friend Kylie happened to be spending a few days with me before returning to NZ. Marmelo was a kind and qentle horse and so I asked Kylie to take care of him, as he was so calm and easy to handle. After a few weeks back home, it became apparent that Marmelo was bored. Every morning I’d go to see to Marmelo, and he would have walked round and round in his box. I made Christabel aware of this, and she tried to ease his boredom by putting in a boredom ball and hanging a swede from the ceiling. Unfortunately nothing helped, so it was agreed that Marmelo should return back to his training in Summerdown.
Marmelo was trained by Hughie Morrison in Summerdown. Marmelo didn’t race the first year he was there, but was prepared for racing and exercised regularly. It is scientifically proven that starting a Thoroughbred at a young age with steady and consistent work can strengthen their bones and ligaments. In addition, any new or strenuous exercise can leave tiny micro tears in the muscles, so by allowing time for the muscles to readapt and strengthen, we are building the horse up, not down. To keep pushing or suddenly shock any horse in new work can easily break them down, but with consistent build up, we can help horses to become strong athletes.
Hughie would always be halfway up the gallops, checking on his riders and horses. He would always ask the riders how the horse felt and how they were going , and adjust their training accordingly. In addition, the horses would be massaged weekly and have regular back checks – to ensure that the horses were in the best condition and had the best chance possible. One thing I always enjoyed at Summerdown was the atmosphere, it had a nice calm feeling and everyone on the yard was always laughing and joking. Most importantly, the horses were happy in their work - having a good atmosphere on a working yard is paramount to the way horses behave.
In 2016, Marmelo won his first race, the Normandy Stud Stakes. He quickly progressed successfully, setting course records at York and Chantily in 2017/18.
At the training yard, everyone went for morning break at around 10am. When I was there, I noticed many occasions when Tom, Maremelos groom and rider, would just spend time with Marmelo. Tom was a very experienced groom who had worked at Summerdown for many years. You see the horse had the ability, which was proven on the racetrack, but watching Tom with Marmelo was like seeing the perfect partnership. I honestly believe that Tom gave Marmelo heart as well as confidence.
Marmellos training wasn’t just daily trackwork and gallops. Their training also included long hacks around Berks and on the beach. This provided variety so that the horse is not bored and helps to keep his mind sharp. Not only did Tom look after Marmelo, Tom would have had to look after himself, it takes a fit and well-balanced rider to exercise a horse for top level competition. If the rider is not balanced, the horse would have to compensate, which could cause imbalances in the horse and cause the horse to readjust and compensate, slowing their gallop. I knew by talking with Tom that he would go on long bike rides (not easy round the Berks hills) and play golf (golf is a skilled game but also relaxing for the mind).
In October 2018 Marmelo was flown to Australia to run in the Melbourne Cup. Despite the long trip, Marmelo came 2nd in the Melbourne Cup, beaten by Cross Counter who won by a length. I was surprised to hear that Marmelos jockey weighed in a kilo over his assigned weight. Could this have been through sweat on tack? However for Marmello’s owners, trainer and groom it was a dream to have come this far.
In 2019, Marmelo was entered again to the Melbourne Cup. However, new restrictions were introduced this year one and a half weeks prior to accepting nominations. This involved a new CT scanner which was used to check all potential nominees for possible inconsistencies in their bone and soft tissues. This scan identified tiny fissures in the bone in his leg and deemed him unfit to race. This was strange as none of the leading vets in Newmarket, NY (USA) and Australia found any evidence to support this finding after the Melbourne cup check. The vets agreed that the scans were normal for a horse of Marmelos age and said there is no reason for him not to race. However, the committee of racing Victoria decided that he could not race. Once this decision was made, no other race course would accept Marmelo, so his career was cut short prematurely.
It had always been the plan to put Marmelo to stud, having raced 22 races and been in the frame 21 times, broken 2 track records and 5 group wins. There was very little time to find a suitable stud, so we looked at Ireland, UK and France before deciding on France, where most of his wins took place.
I wondered how Marmelo would do without Tom. It turns out that Marmelo is happy in his new life and Tom has settled in with his partner.

04/03/2021

The Partnership
I first started working at Deepwood Stud (a Thoroughbred stud farm) in September 2016. Deepwood Stud is owned by Edward and Christabel. Edward is a strong businessman and when he was at home always popped down to the yard offering to lend a hand. His wife Christabel managed the yard and has a very positive outlook on life. She loved to laugh and joke and was happy to share her years of knowledge and experience. When I first started working there, my job was the usual yard duties and assisting in backing and breaking the young horses.
In the wintertime, the horses who have been working (racing) from the beginning of the year come back for their annual break. This is when I first encountered Marmelo. Marmelo’s groom, Tom, brought him back on a damp December afternoon.
Marmelo was owned by Edward and Christabel. Edward made the decision that Marmelo should not go out in the paddock, as he was too valuable and may have injured himself.
The following morning, I was asked to pop Marmelo on the walker and return him to his stable. My heart sank, as I knew that this horse does not know his value to us - he just knows the he’s a horse.
However as soon as Edward left for work, Christabel came down to the yard and asked me to put Marmelos turnout rug on. With that, she opened the field gate and said “blast it, let him go enjoy himself, that’s why he’s here”.
Christabel is a great lady to work for and with and has great horse knowledge and experience. Marmelo stayed out for about an hour and a half – not only was this good for his mind, but also his health. Movement can help prevent any impaction colic that he may have experienced during the travel and transition to the yard.
Towards the end of December, my friend Kylie happened to be spending a few days with me before returning to NZ. Marmelo was a kind and qentle horse and so I asked Kylie to take care of him, as he was so calm and easy to handle. After a few weeks back home, it became apparent that Marmelo was bored. Every morning I’d go to see to Marmelo, and he would have walked round and round in his box. I made Christabel aware of this, and she tried to ease his boredom by putting in a boredom ball and hanging a swede from the ceiling. Unfortunately nothing helped, so it was agreed that Marmelo should return back to his training in Summerdown.
Marmelo was trained by Hughie Morrison in Summerdown. Marmelo didn’t race the first year he was there, but was prepared for racing and exercised regularly. It is scientifically proven that starting a Thoroughbred at a young age with steady and consistent work can strengthen their bones and ligaments. In addition, any new or strenuous exercise can leave tiny micro tears in the muscles, so by allowing time for the muscles to readapt and strengthen, we are building the horse up, not down. To keep pushing or suddenly shock any horse in new work can easily break them down, but with consistent build up, we can help horses to become strong athletes.
Hughie would always be halfway up the gallops, checking on his riders and horses. He would always ask the riders how the horse felt and how they were going , and adjust their training accordingly. In addition, the horses would be massaged weekly and have regular back checks – to ensure that the horses were in the best condition and had the best chance possible. One thing I always enjoyed at Summerdown was the atmosphere, it had a nice calm feeling and everyone on the yard was always laughing and joking. Most importantly, the horses were happy in their work - having a good atmosphere on a working yard is paramount to the way horses behave.
In 2016, Marmelo won his first race, the Normandy Stud Stakes. He quickly progressed successfully, setting course records at York and Chantily in 2017/18.
At the training yard, everyone went for morning break at around 10am. When I was there, I noticed many occasions when Tom, Maremelos groom and rider, would just spend time with Marmelo. Tom was a very experienced groom who had worked at Summerdown for many years. You see the horse had the ability, which was proven on the racetrack, but watching Tom with Marmelo was like seeing the perfect partnership. I honestly believe that Tom gave Marmelo heart as well as confidence.
Marmellos training wasn’t just daily trackwork and gallops. Their training also included long hacks around Berks and on the beach. This provided variety so that the horse is not bored and helps to keep his mind sharp. Not only did Tom look after Marmelo, Tom would have had to look after himself, it takes a fit and well-balanced rider to exercise a horse for top level competition. If the rider is not balanced, the horse would have to compensate, which could cause imbalances in the horse and cause the horse to readjust and compensate, slowing their gallop. I knew by talking with Tom that he would go on long bike rides (not easy round the Berks hills) and play golf (golf is a skilled game but also relaxing for the mind).
In October 2018 Marmelo was flown to Australia to run in the Melbourne Cup. Despite the long trip, Marmelo came 2nd in the Melbourne Cup, beaten by Cross Counter who won by a length. I was surprised to hear that Marmelos jockey weighed in a kilo over his assigned weight. Could this have been through sweat on tack? However for Marmello’s owners, trainer and groom it was a dream to have come this far.
In 2019, Marmelo was entered again to the Melbourne Cup. However, new restrictions were introduced this year one and a half weeks prior to accepting nominations. This involved a new CT scanner which was used to check all potential nominees for possible inconsistencies in their bone and soft tissues. This scan identified tiny fissures in the bone in his leg and deemed him unfit to race. This was strange as none of the leading vets in Newmarket, NY (USA) and Australia found any evidence to support this finding after the Melbourne cup check. The vets agreed that the scans were normal for a horse of Marmelos age and said there is no reason for him not to race. However, the committee of racing Victoria decided that he could not race. Once this decision was made, no other race course would accept Marmelo, so his career was cut short prematurely.
It had always been the plan to put Marmelo to stud, having raced 22 races and been in the frame 21 times, broken 2 track records and 5 group wins. There was very little time to find a suitable stud, so we looked at Ireland, UK and France before deciding on France, where most of his wins took place.
I wondered how Marmelo would do without Tom. It turns out that Marmelo is happy in his new life and Tom has settled in with his partner.

Vidéo de présentation de MARMELO, disponible à la Ferme de Jalogny (71) en 2021.

24/01/2021

Autonomic Nervous System The importance of soft touch and relaxation
The autonomic nervous system (ANS),it’s helps regulate the organs, peristalsis (digestive organ functions), breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. The ANS is composed of two parts; the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is our flight, fight,or in our case get up and go. its activated when the horse is in movement or afraid, when activated the muscles contract ready for action, some cases their heart rate will increase, breathing becomes more rapid, if there a little uncertain in a new situation or escaping a dangerous situation. however chronic stress or long term stressful situations the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin are released into the system, this can lead to behaviour changes, colic, gastric ulcerations and more, take into consideration psychological stress from a previous experience or from bad rough training, ill-fitting tack, or incorrect use of training aids, all of these can trigger the SNS.
The parasympathetic nervous system is rest and digest, comes into play when the horse has stopped exercising or danger has passed, a feeling being calm and safe. This is where the horse is relaxed, and also a good state for learning. Gentle handling and a calm voice encourage desired behaviours by enabling the horse to react with their PNS. With experience, starting slow and steady, clear communication, trust and confidence starts to build, or buying a second horse sometimes you have to go back to basics in retraining – are all factors which affect our control of our SNS
As a massage therapist, I find working the bladder meridian to be most beneficial, by applying soft touch if we just wait on a spot for 20 seconds oxytocin the feel good hormone is released, ( through you may not think much is happening) keep your eye on your horse and watch their response, also using soothing strokes taps into the PNS, it allows the horse to get used to touch, and the horse can become more relaxed, bit like as if you were meditating , you connect with the skin. In the skin, there are thousands of tiny micro fibres, which sends messages to the brain telling the brain all is good, muscles start to relax and the feel good hormone is released, you will start to see licking, chewing, soft eyes and a resting of the hindleg. I always encourage my clients to use the techniques that I show them, this helps to keep their horse ticking over between treatments and also allows for good bonding between horse and owner. Sometimes it is beneficial to do something with your horse other than rush around ride or lunge. Just relax, and spend time with your horse, this will help to build trust. On that note, if you can go sit quietly for 5 minutes or longer, close your eyes and just place hand either side of your thighs lightly and see if you feel any benefits.
Thanks

16/01/2021

beautiful boy, enjoying playing in the snow with his friend.

29/12/2020

This is so well said. I had to borrow it.
Thank you Mary for allowing me to share your post.

Your not failing Your horse
As a new year approaches, many horse owners will be looking forward to making plans for the coming year (well if we are still allowed out out 😁). Wether it be hacking, competitions, etc

But for some horseowners the future is uncertain and a bit scary as they embark on a different path when their horse has not been right, and finally they get a reason why.

Guilt
Most owners feel guilty because they didn't know often people expect horses to explode when ridden etc but alot don't, the reactions can be so subtle with alot of problems so often the horse can feel a little off but next day fine.
Horses are adept at hiding stuff you are not at fault, and often if you have bought the horse with the problem the way the horse moves is completely normal to you as you don't have a before to compare

Fear
The fear of not getting it right, will your horse recover and let's be honest if you bought your horse to ride the fear of not being able to live your dreams is very real

Failure
In rehab if you have a setback you automatically think you are back at the beginning and all the hard work has gone out the window

Loneliness
It's hard when everyone else is out riding and you are taking your horse for a five minute walk, when you feel people roll their eyes as you talk about your horses problems yet again 😣

As a therapist all these feelings are normal and there will come a time when you will look back with pride at what you have achieved

We all feel guilty that we didn't spot something, as a therapist we constantly worry about this but this is why having a good working relationship with vets is paramount they have the tools to see what we can't

No one is failing, I am in awe of my clients who dutifully follow the rehab plans for however long it takes and you may see a step back I only see progress

And no one should feel alone, join like minded groups they have great advice, speak to your therapist
You got this 😊

24/12/2020

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the barn,
All the creatures were sleeping, all safe, snug and warm.
The feed pails were hung by the stall doors with care,
In the hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The ponies were nestled all warm in their beds,
While visions of carrot cakes danced through their heads.
The Arabs, the Thoroughbreds and even the Apps,
The jumpers and hunters were all taking naps.
When out in the paddock there arose such a clatter,
I awoke in my stall to see what was the matter.
I moved to the window, quick as I should,
To see where the noise came from, if I could.
The sight I beheld as I gazed out that night,
Was a beautiful horse, all whiter than white.
He wore a red blanket, so nice to behold,
His hooves how they sparkled, all glittery-gold.
With swift certain motions to our barn he came,
And silvery moonlight danced from his mane.
More rapid than racers, his hoofbeats they came,
And he neighed and he snorted, and called us by name.
He was our Christmas, a ghost-horse of white,
Who has come to all horses since that one special night.
To remind us of horses who served man so well,
Especialy those with whom a baby did dwell.
For those special horses who shared stable and stall,
To give comfort and warmth to the Savior of us all.
Now thinking of them, he entered the door,
To distribute among us, his gifts and more.
Down the aisle he came, his hoofbeats so light,
And he stopped by each stall in our stable that night.
Gifts he did give to all in our barn,
More heart or more courage, or to be free from harm.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And he filled all the feed pails, then turned with a jerk.
On gold hooves so bright,
And giving a nod, he went into the night
And I heard him neigh as he went out of sight,
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NI-I-I-I-GHT!
(author unknown)

06/12/2020

This retired pony enjoying his massage also worked the bladder meridian line. The bladder meridian runs along the top line and down the back of the hock, , by working this line it helps the horse get used to our touch, and is very good for allowing the horse to relax, when the horse is relaxed, you then can watch for any slight change in body language, which gives me a good idea where there is tension, I do this by applying very light pressure , why , so many horse learn to block this goes back to their natural instincts, ie the weaker one get pushed out the heard and when they block, there hiding any pain and not allowing themselves to release any tension, the bladder meridian also helps build trust between me and the horse.

14/11/2020

I love the way the horse decides what they need, she kicked one slant away so I offered the firm and she was happy to just stand and gently stretch her near front .

06/11/2020

This is brilliant, I can say how interesting I find equine Iridolog.
Please watch

30/10/2020

🙏🙏🙏

27/10/2020

Picture of the Hyoid

27/10/2020

Buzz
Hi everyone, I’d like to share this story with you.
In June, I did a course by Dr Sue Dyson on “How to Recognize the 24 Signs of Pain in the Ridden Horse”. During this course, I asked a friend of mine, Kylie, to send me a video of her horse Buzz being ridden. Buzz is an off the track TB, age 10 height 15.2hh and has been off the track for 1 year now.
I picked up on a few behavioural things watching him being ridden. His head was tilted to one side, his tail was being carried slightly to the left and his mouth was always open or opening and closing.
I questioned why is his mouth open and what was going on with his tongue?. Buzz didn’t look comfortable, so I asked the usual questions about teeth, saddle and bit: When did Buzz have his teeth last looked at? - Kylie confirmed that Buzz was up to date with everything. Saddle - why the saddle? If the saddle doesn’t fit it will influence the horses carriage. This in turn could translate into poor or unwilling contact. However, the saddle was a good fit. I could see that Kylie rode with light hands, so we moved onto the bit. I suggested that we could change the bit. Don’t get me wrong, the answer may not be in the mouth, but Kylie thought that may work and was worth a try. We also talked through some points to be worked on, including the Hyoid apparatus, the TMJ and poll release. Kylie is a TTouch practitioner therefore has a good understanding of the equine anatomy, so was able to work on these areas herself.
The Hyoid apparatus is a collection of five small bones that hangs in the horses mouth. These bones are very delicate, and also attach to the horses tongue (Lingual Process) and the jaw, (Tympanohyoid). This leads to C1-C2 in the horses spine, which attach to the sternum, linking to shoulders and all the way to the sacrum. Therefore, though these linkages, the horses tongue can quite easily throw the whole horse out of balance. Please just try this yourself; Place your tongue in different parts of your mouth and move your arms or legs. I find that when I push my tongue right to the back of my mouth and then try moving my arms I’m a little constricted. How does it make you feel?
The TMJ has direct contact to the scapula, ilium and pelvis. If you think of all the muscles involved, you can see how one area can affect the whole horse. If the horse is a little tight in the TMJ, it can affect on how a horse eats, with some horses quidding (where a horse loses or spits balls of semi-chewed food stuffs out of their mouth). By doing some very light work on the fascia in the TMJ we can qently start to loosen things up, affecting many different parts of the body.
Some of the muscles in the poll such as the re**us capitis, Brachiocephalicus and more have origins at the base of the skull and attachments to the shoulder of the horse. Therefore, seeing as Buzz had a slight head tilt, we thought it would be good to work at releasing some of these muscles.
Kylie said Buzz wasn’t good at jumping, when she tried him over small cross poles he wasn’t sure what to do and didn’t feel connected over his whole body, finding it difficult to follow through with his back legs. It was nice Kylie never got after him or used training aids. Instead she listened to her horse. However, four months later, with the bit changed and daily bodywork, Buzz is swinging along and happily jumping over a metre. His head doesn’t tilt, and he has begun moving through his whole body.

17/10/2020

09/10/2020

A bit more about the energy work I have started to do. On my CPD day we were asked to look at the horse, turn away and look again, go to where you felt most drawn , I was drawn to the neck between C3-C4 , without even touching the horse , he went from being fidgeting to relaxed within seconds, We also did some work
Along a few of the meridians, it interested me to learn that the meridian lines are very close to the fascia lines. We applied a very light touch, and the horses response to this treatment, was one of sheer relaxation.
I enjoyed the energy work so much I'll be looking at further courses in this field.