Jayne Connors - Equine Osteopath & Sports Massage

Home
United Kingdom
Oxford
Jayne Connors - Equine Osteopath & Sports Massage

Sports Massage Therapist (human & equine), equine osteopath and WINBACK therapist covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

08/09/2025

Some horses loosen up after a few minutes of work — but if your horse consistently takes a long time to warm up, it could be more than just “needing to get going.”

From a sports massage and osteopathy perspective, this might suggest:
- Muscular tension — tight muscles needing movement before they release
- Joint stiffness — restrictions making initial movement uncomfortable
- Compensation patterns — your horse adjusting their way of going until they feel freer

💆 Sports massage can help release muscular tension and improve circulation.
👐 Osteopathy can restore mobility in joints and rebalance the body.

Together, these approaches mean your horse is ready to work sooner — moving more freely, comfortably, and willingly from the start.

If your finding your horse takes a while to warm up - send us a message as we would love to help!

📍Covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

05/09/2025

Horses are masters of adapting. If one part of the body isn’t moving freely, they’ll find another way to keep going.

But compensation often leads to:
- Uneven muscle development
- Extra strain on joints or soft tissue
- Behavioural changes like resistance or reluctance

For example: a restriction in the hindquarters may cause the horse to overload the forelimbs, leading to shortened stride or even tripping.

This is why regular bodywork is so valuable. Osteopathy and massage don’t just look at the obvious problem — they consider the whole horse, helping to restore balance and prevent knock-on issues.

Because treating the “what you see” isn’t always enough — you also need to find the “why.”

03/09/2025

Understanding the horses body - Part 6: The Lumbar Spine - The Horse's Core Powerhouse!

The lumbar spine is at the very centre of your horse’s movement — it’s where the power of the hindquarters meets the balance of the forehand.

When this area becomes restricted, you might notice:
➡️ Hollowing under saddle
➡️ Sticky transitions
➡️ Reluctance to collect or engage behind

By restoring suppleness and mobility through osteopathy and sports massage, we can help the lumbar spine do its job properly — allowing energy to flow freely through the whole body.

✨ A healthy lumbar spine = smoother transitions, stronger collection, and a more balanced, comfortable horse.

01/09/2025

As the kids head back to school and the summer holidays wind down, many horses and ponies have had a busy season — long rides, pony club rallies, camps, and extra outings in the sunshine.

All that activity can leave them with:
- Tight or tired muscles
- Stiffness from extra work
- Little niggles that creep in after a busy summer schedule

🍂 Now is the perfect time to give them a reset before autumn and winter set in.

Equine osteopathy and sports massage can help restore comfort, improve mobility, and keep your horse or pony happy and willing in their work.

📍Covering - Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire

29/08/2025

What is Equine Osteopathy?

Equine osteopathy is a manual therapy that focuses on how the structure and function of the horse’s body are linked.

In simple terms: if something in the body isn’t moving as it should, it can affect performance, comfort, and even behaviour.

An osteopath uses their hands to:
- Assess mobility of joints, muscles, and soft tissues
- Identify areas of restriction or imbalance
- Apply gentle techniques to restore function and encourage the body’s natural ability to heal and rebalance

It’s not just about treating a single problem area — osteopathy looks at the whole horse. A stiffness in the hindquarters, for example, might show up as unevenness in the front end.

How can it help your horse?
✅ Improves mobility and flexibility
✅ Reduces discomfort or stiffness
✅ Supports performance and recovery
✅ Helps prevent future injuries by addressing compensations early

Whether your horse is in regular competition or enjoying hacking at the weekends, equine osteopathy is about keeping them comfortable, balanced, and performing at their best. 🐴

27/08/2025

Understanding the Horse’s Body – Part 5: The Thoracic Spine and Ribcage - Where Movement Meets Breathing!

Your horse’s ribcage and thoracic spine are at the centre of both movement and breath.

Restrictions here can limit stride, cause girthiness, and reduce overall comfort under saddle.

By restoring mobility and balance in this area, we can improve both breathing efficiency and movement quality.

25/08/2025

Horses benefit from regular soft tissue work to support training, comfort, and recovery.

It helps spot small issues before they develop further leading to more intense/frequent treatment.

Whether your horse is competing regularly or enjoying relaxed hacks, sports massage can make a big difference to their comfort and willingness under saddle.

A horse that feels good in their body moves more freely, trains more happily, and performs more confidently.

When did your horse last see a Sports massage therapist?

22/08/2025

Why Regular Sports Massage Helps Prevent Injury

Many horse owners seek treatment only when there’s a problem. But small restrictions often build up long before lameness shows.

Routine Sports Massage:
- Improves circulation and muscle elasticity
- Maintains joint mobility
- Spots asymmetries before they cause injury

Just like human athletes, horses benefit from preventative care — especially those in regular training or competition.

20/08/2025

Understanding the Horse’s Body – Part 4: The Shoulder and Forelimb – More Than Just Steering 🐴

The forelimbs do far more than just “hold up” the front end — they absorb shock, help with balance, and influence stride length.

Restrictions here can mean shorter steps, stumbling, or difficulty with lateral work.

Through osteopathy and sports massage, we can restore freedom through the shoulders, improve stride reach, and help your horse move more comfortably and confidently. 🐴

Your horse’s movement starts with a solid front end — is yours moving at their best?

18/08/2025

"Before, During & After Competition" 🐴

Your horse’s body works hard — whether it’s a dressage test, a cross-country round, or a long day hunting.

Osteopathy and sports massage can help at every stage:

- Before: Preparing muscles and joints for optimal performance
- During a season: Maintaining mobility and preventing build-up of tension
- After: Aiding recovery and reducing post-event stiffness

Just like human athletes, horses perform best when their bodies are cared for all year round — not only when a problem appears.

15/08/2025

Start Strong – Set Your Horse Up for Success 🐴

Why wait for discomfort to show before taking action?
Equine osteopathy isn’t only for horses who are injured or in pain — it’s also about prevention and building the best possible foundation for the future.

Young horses go through a lot before they even start their ridden career:

- Growth spurts that change balance and posture
- Slips or knocks in the field that create subtle restrictions
- Natural asymmetries that, if left unchecked, can lead to uneven muscle development.

Osteopathic care at this stage helps to:
✅ Support correct skeletal and muscular development
✅ Encourage healthy posture and symmetry
✅ Improve proprioception (body awareness) and coordination
✅ Reduce the risk of future strain or injury

A horse that moves freely, comfortably, and in balance from the start is more likely to stay sound and perform at their best for years to come.

✨ Think of it as “prehabilitation” — investing in their future before issues arise.

To Book, please Dm the page!

Address

Oxford
OX44

Telephone

+447970270204

Website

http://www.jayneconnors.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jayne Connors - Equine Osteopath & Sports Massage 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 Jayne Connors - Equine Osteopath & Sports Massage:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service in Oxford?