Laura Stickley Holistic Equine Massage Practitioner

"Um, excuse me. I know my treatment has finished but could I have another of those minty treats before you get in your car please?"

Of course I couldn't say no and Bam got 2 more treats before I left 🤣

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Barney using his stable door to take the weight of his head during yesterday's treatment.

Barney has regular massages to keep him comfortable. He holds some tension around his head and face which causes his eyes and nostrils to become asymmetrical. Yesterday treatment included light craniosacral work to help address this.

Top Tip Tuesday 🐴✨

Did you know regular equine massage can help support your horse’s mobility, muscle health and overall comfort?

🐎 Massage can help:
• Relax tight, overworked muscles
• Support circulation
• Maintain flexibility and range of movement
• Promote relaxation and wellbeing
• Complement your horse’s existing training and care routine

Whether your horse is a hardworking athlete, a happy hacker or enjoying a quieter life, keeping those muscles feeling their best can make a real difference.

💜 Top tip: Don’t wait until your horse feels sore to think about muscle care — prevention and regular maintenance are key!

A lovely day teaching yesterday. We included very gentle craniosacral therapy into the day and it rounded it off perfectly.

As Monday's go today was a pretty good one.

An early start to bring Doug, Di and Tiny in out of the flies for a few hours.

Then on to see Buzz who has been on my books for a while now. When I first met Buzz he was very guarded during his treatments, which has been slowly improving. However, today he was like a totally different horse, he was super relaxed and took so much from his session, he was chilled and trusting enough to rest his chin on my shoulder and give kisses 🩷

After Buzz's treatment it was back to the yard to take Tiny out for a walk. We did a new route and he took it all in his stride 💪 even when a huge lorry stopped as the driver needed directions.

Then I arrived home to a suprise delivery giving me lots of new reading material.

How did you spend your Sunday?

I spent time massaging Doug's hamstrings, they have been so tight recently, living on a hill with such hard ground is definitley causing him some issues. 💚

Then it was Diamond's turn, she wasn't up for any sort of bodywork today so we just had cuddles and scratches in her favourite itchy spot. 🩷

Then on to Tiny, he is still very hit and miss about accepting any bodywork or energy work. Today he accepted a little energy healing, followed by cuddles (which were returned) and scratches. 🧡

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk

🐴🌟 Sunday Musings 🌟🐴

Sometimes, equine massage isn’t really about the muscle you’re working on.
It’s about the conversation happening underneath your hands.

A tight muscle can tell a story.
A guarded area can ask for patience.
A deep breath, a lowered head, a softening through the body — these can be little signs that your horse is beginning to let go.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful things about bodywork is that the benefits aren’t always just physical.

With gentle, thoughtful touch, we can create moments of trust. Moments where the horse feels listened to rather than simply worked on.

Horses communicate constantly through their bodies — and when we slow down enough to listen, massage becomes more than releasing tension.
It becomes connection. 💜

This Sunday, take a moment to notice what your horse is saying without words.

www.lauraequinemassage.co.uk

Some of the potential benefits of massaging the horses leg’s are:

🐴 Improved circulation: Gentle massage can increase blood flow to the surrounding tissues, aiding the delivery oxygen and nutrients while assisting with the removal of metabolic waste products.

🐴 Reduces swelling: Light massage or lymphatic drainage techniques can help move excess fluid away from the limb, particularly after exercise or periods of standing. This should only be done if swelling is not due to an acute injury or infection.

🐴 Decreases muscle tension: Massage of the upper leg muscles can reduce muscular tightness that may affect how the horse moves and loads its lower limbs.

🐴 Promotes relaxation: Massage stimulates the nervous system in ways that can help the horse relax, which may reduce overall muscle guarding and improve comfort.

🐴 Supports recovery after exercise: Following strenuous work, massage may help reduce muscle soreness and improve flexibility, although it is just one part of a good recovery routine.

🐴 Helps improve range of motion: By addressing tight muscles around the joints, massage can contribute to freer, more balanced movement.

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk

In hand walking is one of the most underrated tools in horsemanship. The core benefit is better physical conditioning with deeper mental relaxation than most ridden or lunging work can offer.

The Physical Benefits...

- Low‑impact conditioning — Builds fitness without the concussion of ridden work. Great for older horses, rehabbing horses, or those needing gentle strengthening.

- Improved joint mobility — Walking increases synovial fluid circulation, helping stiff or arthritic horses move more comfortably.

- Core and posture development — When done correctly (straight lines, correct pace), horses engage their core and lift through the back.

- Better hoof health — Movement stimulates hoof circulation and promotes stronger, healthier horn growth.

- Gentle weight management — A 20–30 minute hand walk burns calories without stress or overheating.

Mental and Emotional Benefits....

- Confidence building — Nervous or green horses learn to explore new environments with you beside them, not on top of them.

- Reduced anxiety — Walking lowers cortisol and helps horses settle, especially those who get tense under saddle.

- Improved focus — Horses learn to stay attentive to your body language, pace, and direction.

- Relationship strengthening — Being at their side instead of on their back creates a more equal, trusting partnership.

Behaviour and Training Benefits....

- Better leading manners — You can refine halt, walk on, backing up, personal space, and responsiveness.

- Desensitisation opportunities — Perfect for introducing new sights, sounds, surfaces, and environments.

- Foundation for groundwork — Hand walking is the gateway to in‑hand lateral work, pole work, and liberty.

- Safer horse overall — Horses that lead well and stay attentive are safer in stables, fields, and clinics.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Benefits....

- Controlled movement — Essential for tendon/ligament rehab protocols where walking is the first stage.

- Gradual strengthening — You can increase duration, terrain, and difficulty slowly and safely.

- Monitoring soundness — Being beside your horse lets you feel and see subtle changes in gait.

Environmental and Enrichment Benefits....

- Varied terrain work — Hills, grass, tracks, and firm ground all build different muscle groups.

- Mental stimulation — New routes, smells, and sights keep horses mentally enriched.

- Safer exposure to busy areas — Great for preparing horses for shows, clinics, or hacking.

www.laurasequinemassage.co.uk