Equi-Flex

As I approach a year since I lost my incredible Nan and my best friend, the world hasn’t quite been the same since she left it. As I travel around yards and make connections with my clients, they share my grief and I share theirs for the people and horses lost along the way.

Being an equine therapist, my primary aim is always going to be about improving the health and wellbeing of horses but the role also brings amazing relationships with my clients and fellow professionals too. Together we ride the waves of life and I love being a part of their individual journeys too. I’m so lucky to have built my little business alongside the most incredible people who have helped me through the last 12 months more than they probably realise.

If you’re struggling with grief, Riders Minds offer an amazing support network to help you through. And to all my wonderful clients, get the kettle on, bring some choccy biscuits and I’ll always be there during your horses sessions to listen and support you too 🫶🏻 hugs provided at no extra charge ❤️

Grief isn't just sadness.
Sometimes it's...

ℹ️Insomnia, nightmares, restless nights, changes in sleep patterns
ℹ️Brain fog/the inability to concentrate
ℹ️Intense feelings and emotions like anger, shock, anxiety, guilt, or denial. These feelings can be overwhelming, making it hard to think about anything else
ℹ️Changes in appetite (binge eating, or loss of appetite)
ℹ️Feeling everything or nothing

Prolonged grief can increase the risk of developing:
ℹ️Mental health conditions such as depression and/or anxiety.
ℹ️Physical illness such as heart disease, high blood pressure, infection vulnerability, compromised immune system, gut illnesses.

Read more on grief and loss here: https://ridersminds.org/grief-and-loss/

💜𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩
🌎Live webchat: https://ridersminds.org/
🇬🇧Live text support: 07480 488 103
🇬🇧Call the helpline: 0800 088 2073

Get your transport booked in quickly before more dates are filled with Logan & Son Equine Transport for one of our fave times of the year Northwest Champs Croft Top Equestrian Centre🐴 🏆 🏵️ Equi-Flex diary is nearly full for September (thank you 🫶🏻), if any of my regular clients require a session before NWC please book in as soon as possible or if any other clients are needing a September session, drop me a message too.

October 📔 also now open and I’m taking bookings until the end of the year for those who want to plan ahead 🤩

Thank you to everyone who keeps me busy and loving what I do!

Having lots of fun this evening creating more Equigate resources for my clients and their horses🐴🤓 I find this task very therapeutic and it’s also like a little refresher/CPD session for some of the info that’s fallen out of my brain!

Equigate practitioners who already have Equi-Flex bundles, will also benefit from these as I’ll be sending them over to be added into your resources too. Sorry Equigate you’re going to get a lot of new resources coming your way in the coming weeks 🙊

Very proud to be a part of the Equinnect community alongside other inspirational ESMT’s, many of which have been a pivotal part of my journey and I 💯 would not be where I am without them! I’m always open to clients asking questions about my qualifications, experience and continued professional development and when I feel
Something it outside of my competency, I’m confident to say this!

Equinnect's "I think my horse needs a back person...." series

Today we're starting with Equine Sports Massage Therapists (ESMTs).

An Equine Sports Massage Therapist specialises in assessing and treating the horse's muscles and other soft tissues using hands-on techniques. Their aim is to help maintain muscular comfort, support recovery from exercise and optimise performance and wellbeing. Regular maintenance massages are important for your horse, so don't wait until your horse is exhibiting pain.

Many also provide advice on stretching, warm-up routines and ongoing management.

Qualifications

There isn't currently one single qualification route in the UK, so training can vary between therapists. There are a number of recognised training providers offering qualifications for Equine Sports Massage Therapists. These include providers such as Equissage Europe , alongside other colleges and training organisations. Training routes, qualification levels and course content can vary, so it's worth asking your therapist about their qualifications, ongoing CPD and professional memberships. Many complete recognised Level 3–Level 5 qualifications or degree-level study and continue their learning through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Questions you could ask before booking

✔ What qualifications do you hold?

✔ Are you insured?

✔ Do you regularly undertake CPD?

✔ Do you belong to a professional organisation?

✔ Will you liaise with my vet if appropriate?

We have several ESMTs who are Verified Members of Equinnect which means they adhere to our strict charter, have appropriate qualifications and insurance and carry out regular CPD, so do check them out. Remember to look for our logo for peace of mind!

Stride - Equine Sports Massage & Rehabilitation Therapy (featured in photo)
Equi-Flex
Becci Miller Equine Massage Practitioner
Donna Barker Equine Therapy & Rehabilitation - Integrated Therapies
Star Equine Massage


Sussex Equine Massage Therapy
Katie Lee Veterinary Chiropracter
Jessica Limpkin - Equine Massage Therapy

Great info here from Equiflex Therapy PEMF on the safe management of our horses on hard ground 🐴🤩

🚨 HARD GROUND = HARD TRUTH 🚨

The ground might look fine... but every stride on hard ground sends greater concussion up your horse's limbs. Research shows repeated impact on firm surfaces increases loading through the bones, joints and soft tissues, raising the risk of soreness and injury.

✅ DO
✔️ Stick to plenty of active walk (think power walking!)
✔️ Use hill work and/or lateral exercises to maintain fitness and suppleness.
✔️ Keep your horse as well-conditioned as possible - strong muscles help absorb concussion.
✔️ Ensure good farriery and cool legs with cold water after harder work.
✔️ Listen to your horse - if they're feeling footy or sore, adjust your plans.

❌ DON'T
✖️ Canter or jump on ground that's like concrete and full of cracks!
✖️ Believe the myth that you can "condition" joints to hard ground - you can't. Repeated concussion increases wear, it doesn't strengthen joints.
✖️ Ignore the signs of jarring, foot soreness or stiffness.

Yes, they'll still have a blast around the field... but they don't have us on their backs affecting their balance! (My Clydesdale still thinks he's a racehorse... much to my neighbours' amusement! 😂)

Science over tradition. Your horse will thank you for waiting for the rain. 🌧️🐴

📢 Please like and share - you could help prevent an avoidable injury.

Congratulations and Woody

Final prize in Equi-Flex’s 3rd Birthday Giveaway

10% off sessions for a year 🐴🥳🤩