Three Shires Equine Therapy

07/07/2025

⭐️⭐️Vets and professionals agree: hacking is good for the physical and mental wellbeing of both horse and rider. ⭐️⭐️
https://www.yourhorse.co.uk/hacking/hacking-a-horse-trail-riding/

31/05/2025

Sometimes the greatest comfort isn’t in words, but in the silence shared with the one who simply listens.
Who never betrays, never judges, never shies away from your tears.
Just leans in and holds your secrets quietly…
Because a horse is more than a friend — they’re your safe haven.

30/05/2025

🤕Headaches and Bridles

I've mentioned before about horses having headaches and came across this infographic showing where the facial nerves come into contact with your average bridle- I thought it was really clear so thought I'd share .

It isn't just bridles that cause headaches , I'm sure that just like us , stress has its effect as well .

⛑️I can't say for sure that a horse has a headache but when muscles around the head and poll are super tight and often asymmetrical between left and right or their poll vertebrae are misaligned - I think it's highly likely.

🧲Some of the behaviours I see - are head shaking , the horse may be highly alert and spooky , or may not want to lower their heads for a bridle or a head collar .These can disappear after that tension has been released

🚚Some of the past histories of these horses would include - pulling back on the head collar or bridle , recent work on their teeth , banging their heads on the lorry / trailer roof, and rotational fall . It's not an exhaustive list , just what I've come across in practice .

If these symptoms , history and behaviours sounds familiar to you and your horse - consider working with your vet and physio to alleviate the pain and hopefully the behaviours that have come along side will resolve ...

29/05/2025

🙌🙌🙌🙌🧡🧡🐴🐴🧡🧡🙌🙌🙌🙌
My question is; why are you doing everything you can think of to help your horse feel better EXCEPT the one thing that actually addresses those sore, tight muscles directly?!

Other therapies are NOT stand-ins or substitutes for massage – they do different things for the horse.

Massage is the ONLY one of these therapies that physically manipulates the muscles, fascia and skin to ease tight, sore muscles lengthen and supple myofascia, free painful nerves, improve circulation, increase range of motion and bring balance and biotensegrity back to the body to improve performance and soundness.

An equine massage therapist uses their hands to feel and carefully manipulate the soft tissues to work out tension, knots, kinks and adhesions. Massage manually opens myofascial tissue, softening, stretching, balancing tension, improving range of motion and freedom of movement of muscle, fascia, joints and skin

Covering Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire 🌏

Discount for 2+ horses at same yard

Please message for availability

22/04/2025

🧡🐴🧡

Being present in the moment is essential for building a strong bond with your horse because it allows you to truly understand their needs, emotions, and responses. Horses are highly sensitive animals that communicate through subtle body language and energy, making your awareness key to reading these signs.

To be more present, practice mindfulness by focusing on your breathing, maintaining soft and consistent body language, and leaving distractions behind when you're with your horse. This not only helps you respond to their cues more effectively, creating a harmonious partnership.

📵A simple thing to do is turn off your phone when you are with your horse, or put it somewhere where it won't cause a distraction.

Give this simple breathing exercise a try when you get to the yard. It calms your nervous system, slows your heart rate, and helps you become more present in the moment. This calm energy will also help your horse feel more relaxed and connected to you.

1. Find a Comfortable Position: Stand or sit in a relaxed position near your horse or in a quiet space. If you're with your horse, ensure they are calm and in a safe environment.

2. Take a Deep Breath In: Slowly inhale through your nose for a count of four. Imagine the air filling your lungs and flowing down to your tummy. Keep your chest and shoulders relaxed.

3. Pause Briefly: Hold your breath for a count of two. This moment of stillness helps you become aware of your body.

4. Exhale Slowly: Breathe out through your mouth for a count of six. Feel the tension leaving your body with the breath. Picture yourself releasing any stress or distractions.

5. Repeat: Perform this cycle 5–10 times, focusing on the rhythm and sensation of breathing.

Give this a go next time you're at the yard. Let us know how you get on. Share with any of your horsey friends that would like to try it too.

22/04/2025

👍👍👍Now some horses are turned out 24/7 please remember to hang a salt lick out for them

Salt licks are an easy and convenient way to make sure your horse always has access to salt as it’s a really important part of his diet. They are also frequently used as part of a stable toy to prevent boredom.

Sodium is one of the main electrolytes that horses need and if their levels become low, their body will signal the horse to avoid drinking, which could lead to dehydration. Providing the ideal amount will help your horse’s body to function at its best – it works with chloride to aid nerve and muscle function – particularly at times of stress, such as during performance or hot weather. Some horses are good at regulating their salt intake and will only consume what their body needs, but others will over-consume or completely ignore their salt lick, so it’s wise to monitor your horse’s intake.

14/04/2025

🐣🐣EASTER GIVEAWAY🐣🐣
20 % off all bookings in April❤️❤️🐴🐴❤️❤️

Fully insured and member of IAAT.
Trained by Equine Massage Training UK


Massage...
🐴relaxes, stimulates and develops muscles
🐴alleviates pain, stiffness, tension, ache and discomfort
🐴reduces swelling and inflammation
🐴improves skin elasticity and promotes a healthy coat
🐴encourages lymphatic flow
🐴boosts the immune system
🐴helps with stress, restlessness, boredom, anxiety, aggression.
🐴delivers nutrients and oxygen to cells and tissues
🐴improves metabolism and circulation
🐴helps prevent injury, improves overall performance

Covering Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire 🌏

Discount for 2+ horses at same yard

Please message for availability 😊

16/03/2025

🐴 Understanding Your Horse's Body Language🐴
When is it time to book your horse in for a massage?
Ever wondered what your horse is telling you when they hesitate to back up? Here are some key signs to watch out for:
• 🚫 Unwillingness to back up: Could indicate issues like blockage in the lumbar vertebra or sacroiliac joint.
• 🚶‍♂️ Low-grade lameness or discomfort.
• 😣 Signs of pain and tension.
Pay close attention if your horse:
• 🐎 Shows a strongly arched back when asked to back up.
• 🔄 Body pushing too far over hindlegs without them moving.
Even if your horse isn't visibly lame, mild discomfort needs attention. Regular massage can prevent pain, tension, and potential blockages. Remember, prevention is key to keeping your horse happy and healthy! 🌟
Message for availability
Fully Insured & IAAT registered

26/02/2025

🐴🧡 🐴🙌🙌

07/02/2025

This is so sad 😞

The First World War exacted a significant toll not only on human lives but also on approximately eight million horses, donkeys, and mules, whose suffering paralleled that of the soldiers they accompanied.

These animals were essential to the cavalry, serving as the backbone of military operations. As advancements in technology and weaponry surged, the battlefields of the early 20th century witnessed unprecedented levels of destruction. The formidable power of machine guns, heavy artillery, and extensive barbed wire fortifications rendered horses ill-equipped to face such lethal threats. Nevertheless, generals at the Somme, yearning for the bygone days of cavalry charges, recklessly ordered both men and horses into perilous situations, leading to catastrophic outcomes. For instance, during the 1918 Battle of Moreuil Wood, 150 horses were deployed against German machine guns, with only four surviving the encounter.

The British Army actively enlisted both working animals and beloved pets from civilian households. Horses were required to meet a minimum height of fifteen hands and were chosen based on breed and physical capabilities, with a preference for sturdier breeds over lighter thoroughbreds, as the former were deemed more resilient and better suited for demanding tasks. Conscription of horses was mandatory unless owners could demonstrate that their animals were vital for essential public services, such as food delivery or agriculture, where no suitable alternatives were available. Even in such cases, many farmers had to advocate with the government to retain their animals.

The existence of a war horse was fraught with brutality. Many succumbed to illness before even reaching the front lines, suffering from the deplorable conditions aboard transport ships bound for Europe. Issues such as sickness and dehydration were rampant, and overcrowding often led to injuries from falls or kicks. Transport vessels were frequently targeted by torpedoes or aerial assaults, resulting in the sinking of ships and the tragic loss of all aboard, both human and animal. Those who survived the journey often faced horrific conditions at the front.

06/02/2025

Wow! - What is the oldest h**e you have ever nown? :-)