Equine Touch Bodywork is the hands-on care of a horse or pony to address musculoskeletal problems or injuries. It is a form of non-invasive bodywork which uses gentle vibrational movements over soft tissue to encourage natural healing and bring about rebalance in the body. First developed by Jock and Ivana Ruddock in Scotland in 1997, Equine Touch Bodywork is now practised by vets and horse therapists the world over.
Just like taking your car to the mechanic to get serviced, it’s also important to get regular checkups for your horse!
How do I know if my horse is experiencing pain?
- Muscle issues
- Bucking
- bolting
- rearing
- not bending or won’t flex
- stiff
- pushy
- hard-mouthed
- stubborn
- dangerous
- head-shy
- spooky
- cold backed
- lazy
- hard to catch
- change of behaviour
- reactive over the back to touch or brushing
- girthy
- refuses to hold up their leg for trimming
- refuses to jump
- refuses to go forward
These signs of pain may lead to long-term issues such as muscle and top-line wasting, asymmetry and uneven muscles, lameness, sore muscles, sore back and poor fitting saddle damage.
Equine Touch can be performed on horses of any age and size, from a miniature pony to a Clydesdale, and is suitable for pregnant mares. Racing and dressage horses, performance and endurance, and pleasure and show horses all benefit from Equine Touch.
What are the benefits of Equine Touch?
- Deep relaxation
- Physical release for hypertonic and traumatised muscles
- Enhanced muscle recovery after injury or atrophy
- Reduction in pain and stress
- Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
- increased circulation
- improves recovery after competition
- improves performance
An Experienced Equine Touch Practitioner
Belinda is a horse specialist and has been caring for horses, wildlife and pets for her own family and through her business, Belinda’s Natural Animal Therapy, for some 25 years. She qualified as an Equine Touch Practitioner in 2008 and has helped hundreds of horses at her own stud, and for clients.
Besides caring for your horse through Equine Touch, Belinda can identify many other factors which may affect your horse’s health, behaviour or performance.
- Saddle fitting
- Rider’s balance
- Teeth care
- Hoof care
It’s vital to consider all aspects of care which may be causing pain or discomfort, and Belinda has over 30 years of experience in applying this holistic approach, allowing you and your horse many years of health and well-being, performance and pleasure. Equine Touch is compatible with many other forms of natural therapy including Animal Homeopathy, Bach Flower Remedies, chiropractic work, Aromatherapy oils and acupuncture.
