Lucy Makepeace Equine Osteopathic & Rehabilitation Practitioner.

30/12/2025

I put a lot of time, care, and preparation into every equine assessment, treatment and management plan and I truly value each horse and owner I work with.

Due to a recent experience where payment and respect for my service weren’t upheld, I’m currently considering moving to a payment-prior-to-assessment policy in the future but I am also looking into getting a card machine. Everyone knows my current terms are pay on day 🤷‍♀️

This is just an idea at this stage, but it would help ensure I can continue providing the best care possible while keeping things fair and sustainable for everyone.

Thank you so much to all of the rest of my wonderful clients for your understanding and ongoing support — it really does mean a lot.

Negative bit done, and now we move forward to 2026 and The Year of the Horse 💪

19/12/2025

And.... That's a wrap!!!
2025 you have elated me and challenged me at times!!!

I have assessed and treated a phenomenal amount of horses this year, with each and every one teaching us something new everytime. There have been horses that really got my Osteopathic skills working to formulate management and treatment plans that go way beyond the 'one size fits all' that the industry seems to produce, and I've had the privilege of working alongside some phenomenal amazing Vets and Paraprofessionals.

I have had horses where no one else could find the problem, just look a little harder and have a little more patience, the answer is there if you choose to look. These horses now have improved comfort and a plan to create functionality and longevity as their bodies slowly adapt to a new way of feeling.

I know I've said it before, but I really do have the GREATEST clients. Many of you have become good friends.
There have been those that have picked me up when I really needed it this year, especially when October came knocking and an unbelievable onslaught of challenges struck my family along with loosing our darling Lulu, pushed me to my mental and physical limits however I still hope I always maintained my smile and my passion for sharing knowledge with you.

There are a select few that have kept me going, and whilst I 100% know where I’m heading, working most days on your own you can start to question things. You guys know who you are. I'm truly grateful 🙏

So here's to the horses that continue to keep us striving for better, to do better for them and to take time to really understand them.

There are going to be some small changes heading into Next Year, so watch this space!!!

Happy Christmas to each and every one of you. Have an amazing time with whatever you are choosing to do. Remember the adverts on the TV are not reality 🙄

Here's to 2026. May you be kinder to those that 2025 tested and may you all have the success that you wish for with your horses. Remember, that could just be having a nice hack or just some you time with your beloved Equine.

It only seems right to have a picture of the Queen at brighter times❤️

Much love L ###

15/12/2025

Your horse’s movement always tells a story and when we listen closely, we can help them feel and perform their best.

Gait Analysis reveals subtle asymmetries, compensations, and changes in movement patterns that might go unnoticed to the naked eye. It provides clear, objective insight into how your horse moves.

Equine Osteopathy then addresses the why by releasing tension, restoring balance, and improving joint and muscle function throughout the body or if appropriate depending on clinical findings, refer to your Vet.

Together, these two approaches create a powerful combination:
Early detection of movement irregularities
Tailored treatment and rehabilitation plans
Enhanced comfort, functionality and longevity
Better communication between horse, rider, and practitioner
When science meets feel, your horse benefits from the best of both worlds.

14/12/2025

12/12/2025

A day off for me today for a Christmas Party with two other phenomenally successful Equestrian Business Women and all round great humans. As we are all self employed we don’t usual ‘do’ a Christmas get together, however good times, laughs and good food is just what was needed 🙌
Emma Dyer - Performance Coach
Horses Inside Out Gillian Higgins

09/12/2025

Working alongside a leading Equine Vet today from a large referral hospital has got me thinking.

I strive to be the catalyst for change for the positive for your horses welfare, be that in education, helping you to understand your horses static and dynamic posture, treatments or ensuring that your horse sees the person that it really needs to such as the vet.

Unless we undertake these processes, how can we ensure the welfare, functionality and longevity of them.

08/12/2025

**Important Update for 2026 **
Pricing, Mileage & Booking Changes

As we head towards the new year, I wanted to share some important updates coming into effect January 2026.

Price Adjustment
To continue offering the highest-quality equine osteopathic and rehabilitation care, along with the time, expertise and equipment each horse deserves, there will be a small price rise across all services from January. This ensures I can keep providing a thorough, effective, and personalised approach to every case.

Mileage Charge Changes
Mileage fees will also be updated to better reflect current travel costs. As many of you know, Lincolnshire is… large, and I simply can’t keep driving in ever-increasing circles across the county!
To keep travel fair and efficient for everyone, I kindly ask for a little flexibility with appointment times so I can group bookings when I’m already in your area. This helps keep mileage costs down for you, and keeps my day running sensibly for me.

Complex Clinical Cases
Demand for complex rehabilitation and clinical cases continues to grow (thank you and the Vets for trusting me with them!). Due to the additional time, planning, and ongoing support these cases require, there will be updated pricing and structure for complex case management from January. This ensures each horse gets the focused time and care they need.

Thank you all for your understanding, ongoing support, and for continuing to trust me with your horses’ wellbeing. If you have any questions, please do drop me a message, I’m always happy to help.

Here’s to a positive, healthy, and well-aligned 2026 for your horses!

07/12/2025

A really good quote I’ve come across recently from Professor Brian Cox.

‘There are too many people in this world who want to be right, and too few who just want to know’

This can be the fundamental difference in a human mindset about our horses.
If we choose to ‘know’ we can choose to understand and do better for the horses in our care.
We must remain curious 🧐 and remove the ego.

04/12/2025

A productive long day in the rain with some new horses assessed and appropriate plans in place for them so that we can aim for continued comfort, functionality and longevity.

Of course it’s always a joy in the pitch black and pouring rain pooh picking and I give kudos to those of us Equestrians that work full time and still do all the tasks 🙌🙌🙌

03/12/2025

An Osteopathic Approach to Equine Welfare

Equine welfare is not just a matter of ensuring horses have enough food, water, and shelter. It's about recognising and addressing the holistic needs of these animals, including their physical and psychological well-being. Osteopathy, a form of manual therapy, plays a crucial role in promoting the health and vitality of horses.

Horses, like humans, can suffer from a variety of musculoskeletal issues that can impact their quality of life and performance. From poor posture to joint dysfunctions these issues can arise from various factors including improper training, poor foot balance, poor saddle fit, or simply the wear and tear of everyday life.

Osteopathy offers a gentle and non-invasive approach to support the horse and find long term solutions alongside a team of Paraprofessionals, to focus on restoring balance, function and vitality to the horse. By employing hands-on techniques, an Osteopathic approach can help alleviate dysfunction, improve mobility, and be the catalyst to enhance overall well-being.

But beyond simply addressing physical discomfort, equine osteopathy embodies a deeper commitment to the welfare of horses. It recognises the inherent connection between the horse's body, mind, and spirit, and aims to improve the body's inate self healing and self regulating system.

When we invest in good equine welfare through practices like osteopathy, we not only enhance the lives of individual horses but also contribute to a culture of compassion and respect for these animals. By prioritising their health and wellbeing, we uphold our responsibility to promote longevity and functionality.

So let us strive to champion equine welfare from all aspects of life, not just those that we assume to have poor welfare being the thin horse on the end of a tether. Good equine welfare is the responsibility of us all in every corner of the Equestrian world.

Picture of Dobbie, a special little cob that stole my heart during our determination for his well being and rehabilitation in his short life ♥️ (Those from Bransby will know 🥰)

02/12/2025

Equine Rehabilitation - Being Consistant

When it comes to Equine Rehabilitation, there’s one phrase I come back to time and time again: consistency for longevity

Whether your horse is recovering from injury, managing a chronic condition, or building strength after a period of rest, consistent care and routine are absolutely essential for successful outcomes.

Rehabilitation isn’t a quick fix. It’s a carefully structured plan that requires patience, dedication, and trust in the process.

As an Equine Osteopathic and Rehabilitation Practitioner, I often remind my clients that the body responds best with regular, appropriate exercises. That might mean sticking to as best we can a precise schedule, applying hands on therapy techniques at the right intervals, or adjusting the horse’s environment to support healing.

Why consistency matters:
• Supports physiological adaptation – The body needs repeated and regular input to rebuild strength, improve mobility, and regain balance.

• Builds progression safely – Rushing or skipping steps can lead to nwgative setbacks. A consistent routine ensures gradual, sustainable improvement for longevity

• Allows for accurate assessment – The regular assessment process is paramount. When we keep the variables steady, we can more clearly observe how your horse is responding and adjust the plan as needed.

Rehabilitation is a team effort – between Myself, The Vet, other Paraprofessionals, The Owner, and the Horse. When we all stay consistent in our roles, we give the horse the best chance at long-term recovery and performance.

If your horse is on a rehabilitation journey, remember: baby steps, done often and correctly, make all the difference.

Quick fixes and gadgets are not the way forward, but steady consistency with the right focus is where we need to be.

If you'd like support developing a structured and consistent plan for your horse, feel free to get in touch – Those that know me will know i'm always here to help.

30/11/2025

Following a conversation over coffee with a good friend yesterday, I have been having a really good think about the Equestrian Industry as a whole and where I feel I fit in to the bigger picture.

I had allowed myself to absorb the negatives, which can have a huge impact on your mental health.

I wanted to solve the world for all the horses, those in welfare, those having had a previous racing career, certain modalities that are being used by untrained professionals when actually the horse is screaming out to be seen by a vet 😞 It all becomes a lot to take on as one human, and me being me I try and solve it all for everyone all of the time, and its just not possible and not realistic.

I originally trained as a practitioner all those years ago to aid and support the greatest but most complicated horse that ever existed! and to have the greatest impact on his health and longevity. Through the constant learning and constant question asking and more important than anything, THE ABILITY TO LISTEN, I have spent years continually learning and questioning in the right circumstances to get the best result for those horses that need us to be an advocate for their health, this in turn has led to to being referred a huge amount of clinical cases by Vets, which is the greatest validation.

So remembering the reason I started and trying to hold onto that in an Equestrian world that is full of unhealthy noise at times.

Trooper 'But when I stop and see you here, I remember who all this was for'