Sarah Louise Equine Sports Therapy

19/11/2023

A final session for Nia today, before her big day at the International Horse Show in London in a few weeks time. It’s been a pleasure helping Nia feel her best 💕. I’m keeping everything crossed for you both and can’t wait fo hear all about it!.

And of course the lovely Ola enjoying her Sunday relaxation session

I hope you all have had a lovely weekend. I still have some dates available in December so please drop me a message

27/10/2023

If you can’t groom back. Groom the gate😂

I now only have the 26th of November free, so if you would like it please DM me asap.

I am now opening my diary up for Wednesday & Friday evenings due to weekends getting filled up rather quickly!.

My diary is now open for December 🎁

25/10/2023

💤💤💤

What a lovely way to spend an early evening, a nice releasing massage & catching up with friends. Poppy was a wonderful customer who really helped me to identify where she needed me to release extra tension.

Thank you so much for having me Hannah Gallantry. I look forward see seeing you both again soon 😊

15/10/2023

A LOT of fun was had yesterday!. Ralph didn’t put a foot wrong and everyone was so kind and welcoming.

Photo’s taken by Racheal Darling

12/10/2023

🚨🚨😂😂

Ut oh.

09/10/2023

An interesting read, especially with the weather as it is at the moment!!

Please note this is focused on pasture laminitis, not necessarily the laminitis that can be caused by certain hormone imbalances.

Why do ‘cresty’ necks suddenly go rock hard?

This information is relevant and useful to people who own horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome and are in danger of laminitis or whose horses are intermittently ‘footy’. Understanding this has helped with rehabilitating, not only all the ponies at Jen Heperi’s Mini-HaHa Rescue Haven but many more horses and ponies all around the world.

We learned from Dr Deb Bennett PhD (who has conducted many dissections), that “the horse's "crest" is made of fibro-fatty sub-cutaneous (adipose) tissue similar in texture to high-density foam”.

Have you ever wondered how it is that the ‘crest’ of the neck can harden so rapidly? Sometimes overnight?

The actual reason is because it goes ‘turgid’ (it fills with fluid). Like foam, the crest tissue can take up water like a sponge; so it swells and hardens because fluid ‘leaks’ into it, filling the interstitial spaces until it is hard as a rock, and ‘softens’ when electrolyte balances are corrected thereby allowing fluid to be resorbed.

When the crest swells with edema, other parts of the horse's body like the abdomen and the hooves (significantly the digital cushion is made of similar material, it is a thick wedge of fibro-fatty subcutaneous tissue) -- are liable to be in trouble, too.

Hardening of the ‘crest’ coincides with not only spring and autumn growth spurts but also potassium and nitrogen spikes in autumn and winter grasses. It coincides with early signs of laminitis which are ‘stiffening’ of gait and being ‘footy’.

It is a sure indication that one cause of ‘pasture related laminitis’ is as much to do with mineral imbalances, (particularly potassium and nitrogen excesses concurrent with salt deficit) as sugars and starches. It explains why short Autumn grass can cause laminitis when analysis shows soluble sugars + starch content is only 7.5% while potassium is 3.4%, sodium only 0.154%, nitrogen 5.8%, nitrates 2290mgs/kg (far too high, in mature grass/hay they are undetectable).
It is one of the many reasons clover is such a ‘no-no’ for EMS/laminitis equines and a likely explanation why there are some insulin resistant/elevated insulin horses that can't tolerate Lucerne (alfalfa) and is why Lucerne can perpetuate laminitis when everything else is being done ‘right’.

People who own horses with EMS are aware they need to pay attention to this vital sign: that just before a horse has a bout of laminitis, the normally soft and spongy crest stands up firm and hard. Then they can immediately reduce potassium/nitrogen intake by eliminating short, green grass replacing it with soaked hay and make sure they add salt to feeds and not rely on a salt lick. If action is taken quickly enough in these early stages, laminitis can be averted, you can ‘dodge a bullet’.

Soaking hay for about an hour not only reduces sugars but also reduces potassium levels by 50%.

Therefore a very important aspect of EMS and laminitis is that identifying and addressing mineral imbalances (particularly high potassium/nitrogen & low salt) are equally as important as sugar and starch content when rehabilitating individuals and assessing suitability of forage for these compromised equines.

08/10/2023

A lovely Sunday spent with wonderful clients with great ambitions and future plans!

One who’s goal is to qualify for HOYS next year (and why not?!). As well as this afternoons talented chestnut mare who is competing this December at the London International Horse Show (Olympia)

Massive congrats to CARLY MOORE Accredited Professional Coach /Taylors Park Stud for her win today on Daisy!

To top it all off, the last bit of Sunshine too!

Happy Sunday Everyone 🌟

06/10/2023

Almost time to say goodbye to Summer & Hello winter!.

Let’s take a look at how our horses may have worked for us this season;

🐎- On average, a horse can burn between 5,000 to 8,000 calories during a cross country event. This is similar to the energy expenditure of a human running a marathon
🐎- Dressage is a discipline that requires controlled and precise movement (rather than sustained endurance like in cross country). During a typical dressage test, a horse might burn around 2,000 to 3,000 calories
🐎 During a showjumping event, a horse expends a significant amount of energy, particularly when clearing jumps and navigating the course. On average, a horse can burn approximately 4,000 to 6,000 calories during a showjumping competition.

Now your telling me, after all of that. YOU wouldn’t need a massage?

Wether you’ve just hacked this summer, attended some training camps or competed. Our horses will be feeling the effect of all of it. They are all athletes in their own rights. Let’s treat them like it 😉

09/09/2023

Atleast one of us is getting better with tech! 😂🎉 CARLY MOORE Accredited Professional Coach /Taylors Park Stud

New website!

08/09/2023

So I’m sure many of you have noticed, I’m not GREAT at keeping on top of my posts/ adverts on here! 😂😂.

Which is why I rely heavily on word of mouth which can be a powerful tool for a small business. It's a form of organic, personal recommendation from satisfied customers!. It can help with:

Trust and Credibility- Cost-Effective Marketing
Wider Reach- Repeat Business and loyalty
Feedback loop & positive online presence

Therefore I will be re-introducing my “refer a friend” scheme. If you refer a friend and they book (and keep) there appointment, you will receive £5 off your next massage!

🐎🎉

14/08/2023

Well isn’t today the Mondayest Monday! 🌧️☔️

So let’s talk equine massage, and why it’s so
Important;

Equine massage is beneficial for horses as it helps improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and enhance their overall well-being. It can reduce soreness, aid in recovery from injuries, and promote relaxation. Regular massage can also strengthen the bond between the horse and its handler.

Please message me to book, or contact 07395266951

Stay dry everyone ✌️

10/08/2023

Shhhh 🤫

Keeping things very much at a slower pace, but am very excited to say I’ll be opening up my diary again for clients as of today!. Availability will be limited so please get in contact to secure your horse’s treatment

Looking forward to be returning and seeing all of you (and your wonderful equines!)

05/02/2023

& that’s a wrap! 🎁

My final client was the lovely Ziggy ❤️. I’ve been treating Ziggs for a while now and can’t believe the progress she has made. I look forward to seeing what her and Nicci get up too this summer!.

I’ll be taking a break now due to my pregnancy and (still) niggling back. I just want to thank everyone again for your support and allowing me to treat your precious equines!. No one more so than CARLY MOORE Accredited Professional Coach /Taylors Park Stud for always pushing me to believe more in my capabilities and believing in me!.

I look forward to returning again soon 🙏. As always, I can always be contacted for advice/ recommendations.

24/12/2022

Wishing all my wonderful clients a very merry Christmas 🎅. Thank you for supporting me this year, it has meant the world to me. Here’s to 2023! But before then, lots of wine, cheese and family time❤️

10/12/2022

Another wonderful day spent in Devon treating some lovely horses.

Buffy is now signed off!! Ready to start her dressage this winter, Buffy will now only require some maintenance work as and when!. Her lovely chestnut bestie (new to me today) requires some further work which I’m looking forward to being a part of

Most importantly Ziggy (a particular favourite of mine 🫢) is a completely different horse to the one I saw several months ago (note to self to take before and after photos!) after some changes of saddle and shoeing she is looking amazing!

I have some last minute spaces next weekend available!! 💕💕

05/11/2022

To all my lovely clients who have booked with me this month, unfortunately I’ve managed to put my back out, we’re so good at attending to our horses we often forget about ourselves! 😂😂. This does mean I may have to re-schedule some appointments for December. I shall message you all close to your date’s. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you ❤️

19/10/2022

𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓼𝓪𝓰𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓹 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽…

Many of us will be getting ready to perfect our flatwork and get our dressage flare 🔥to perfection

Wonder how I can help? Please feel free to drop me a message and find out how!

Dates are getting booked up quickly for November 💪

25/09/2022

I absolutely love hearing from my clients 🙏

Today, little 5yo Buffy went back out into the showjumping ring and came second!

Her owner messaged me and said; “considering last time we competed here i fell off in the first class and was eliminated in the second…. something has made the pony feel good clearly 🥰- she was well up for it, really been feeling well recently but this has just confirmed it”

Such lovely news!.

I’m looking forward to working with Buffy again in October. Well done 💪

20/09/2022

ℂ𝕒𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕙𝕠𝕥𝕠?

There could be several reasons for this! Besides our ideas that our horses are being grumpy, and of course, several ways in which we can help

🐎 Have your saddle checked by a professional fitter
🐎Check your girth is free from frays/ cracking
🐎Check your girth is the correct fit for your horse, every horse is different and ensuring clear space behind the elbow and correct distribution is important
🐎 Ensure you are not rapidly tightening your girth
🐎Book in a session with your local equine therapist, your horse may be sore and uncomfortable

Please feel free to drop me a message or contact via my mobile if you feel a session could help 😊

19/09/2022

A beautiful moment in time.

18/09/2022

🄰🄶🄴 🄸🅂 🄹🅄🅂🅃 🄰 🄽🅄🄼🄱🄴🅁

It was lovely meeting Gracie yesterday. This little lady is 19 years old and her owner felt she was in need of some TLC 🥰.

Alongside Gracie I got to work on Buffy, a 5yo Connie (completely forgot to get a photo!) in prep for her showjumping competition next weekend! 💪

I’ll be going back to this yard again in Paignton on the 22nd and will have ONE space available

09/09/2022

Lovely day catching up with CARLY MOORE Accredited Professional Coach /Taylors Park Stud and the lovely Daisy and Madonna

Can’t believe the changes in these two beautiful mare’s

They are going to be superstars 🤩🌟

06/09/2022

𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕣𝕖-𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖

First summer back (properly) since the first lockdown, and with the change in weather it’s a reminder that the season is drawing to an end. I imagine most of our equines would have given us 💯 this season, so maybe it’s time to give back.

Not only to say thank you, but to give their tired muscles some much needed TLC.

Massage can ensure your equine friend remains free and supple, aid in performance and help prevent any injuries, keeping them tip top for winter events.

If you think your horse would benefit from a treatment, then please feel free to DM me or contact 07305266051

30/08/2022

𝐼𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒽𝑜𝓇𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒶𝑔𝑒?

As you are all aware, massage is vital to the comfort of our equines, it keeps your horse feeling soft, supple, comfortable and aids in recovery and prevention of injury!

Whilst there doesn’t need to be an ‘issue’ for your horse to have a massage, here are some signs or indicators that your horse may particularly benefit from a session:

🐎 A loss in performance
🐎 A change in behaviour
🐎During or after a period of box rest
🐎When coming back into work following an injury/ holiday
🐎Before and after a competition
🐎Resistance working on one rein, or to work in a correct contact
🐎Stiffness/ lack of suppleness, short strides/ not track up
🐎Striking off on the wrong canter lead/ becoming disunited
🐎Evasive behaviour when ridden
🐎Becoming ‘girthy’
🐎Not flexing through the stifled and hocks

If the horse is presenting or experiencing a change to their ‘norm’ then massage can help. A reminder however it is not a substitute to veterinary advice!

If you want to find out more how I can help, please drop me a message 🥰

27/08/2022

Look who I bumped into today 👀

Are they not the most kissable little noses!!

The Hugs Foundation

26/08/2022

𝓟𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽

I am questioned quite often about my lower prices to other’s (in a positive manner of course)

This is not due to my lack of knowledge, experience or training. I give my customers 100% at every appointment, I provide after care advice and am always available at any time to be contacted for questions. I am always able to provide detailed written reports if requested.

But with the rising cost of inflation, times are hard, and I do not believe that the service I provide should just be available for the ‘elite’. Our 20 year old ponies who are living our their days in the field also benefit from deep tissue massage!. I am passionate at providing a top service to ALL our equines and love seeing the results from my regular customers. (Both equine and human!😂)

With that being said, I will be increasing my prices to £35 per horse, offering a discount if 2+ horses are on the same yard. I do not charge fuel cost as I am aware others do, and this is to reflect this.

I look forward to continuing offering a knowledgeable, professional and fun service.

I will be offering discounted opportunities later in the year so keep your eyes peeled 👀

Thank you 🥰

11/08/2022

🤩 Spaces Available 🤩

I have spaces on Saturday the 27th Aug for 3x horses around the Devon area (Ivybridge and surrounding!)

‼️I will be giving a £5 discount if all 3 are on the same yard ‼️

10/08/2022

We all have good days and bad days, reminding us all to stay humble 🙏. These two still smashing it 💪