29/10/2025
What is Bodywork?
I have been meaning to write this post for some time, putting off then off again as I wasn’t sure I could do it justice explained in words! I have realised however, that many people are not sure what bodywork is about. What is the difference between Sports Massage, bodywork, physio, fascial therapy and where does it fit into your horse’s needs?
I have been providing bodywork treatments since late 2022, following studying as an ESMT with Wolds Equine Massage & Rehabilitation. Once I had learned the wonders of sports massage, I soon began to notice those micro changes, reactions and releases that horses display when we work on their bodies. This lead to me diving into as many books, studies, podcasts, any resource I could get my hands on…after 18+ years of working with horses both at home and professionally, I never imagined there were so many possibilities.
From here I developed a passion for CST (Cranio-Sacral therapy) and The Masterson Method, modalities that focus on rebalancing the whole horse, going beyond targeting specific muscles that appear tense on the surface level. I studied these methods as closely as I could, whilst working with my own horses and those of clients, delicately creating my own way of working, layering different techniques and patiently waiting for the responses.
While Massage is effective in releasing stored muscle tension, how do we fully address the systems deeper down that are influencing these build ups?
BODYWORK!
This wonderful word is an ‘umbrella’ term encapsulating methods that in contrast to traditional massage, work with the horses nervous system, encouraging them to communicate with you and participate in the process. This collaboration of therapist and horse facilitates incredible improvements and changes to their physiology, mental state, habits, body language and behaviors. I’ll give you an example: I met Mabel for the first time on Saturday last week, she is a 6 year old OTTB that has seemingly never had a loving home, until meeting my client Laura and her family.
Laura did what any caring owner would do, she immediately commenced any and all investigation she could to eliminate any hidden reasons for Mabel’s current condition. This has included £1000’s in vets bills and physiotherapy, which on this occasion only resulted in more questions. Mabel had already let me know at the door before I entered how she was feeling; stressed, snaking over the door with her ears back. As soon as I put my hands on, I felt her energy shift instantly. I knew from that moment that treatment was going to be profound, for both of us. I worked over the flat of her head, poll and cervical vertebrae firstly, all elicited delicate but powerful responses and releases For Mabel. Further to this psychological shift, There were a few telling signs I picked up on over her body, which will be thoroughly checked over in her Chiropractic appointment this week, my gut was telling me there is potential rotation of the pelvis, and though I cannot diagnose such a problem, I have learned the common signs from previous horses who I have worked with (alongside a Chiropractor) to return normal function and positioning of the pelvis.
One sign I could not unsee, was the wastage of her hamstrings and gluteal muscles on one side, compared to the other. She was completely asymmetrical through the hind end. If this was a human, they would be CRYING out for help. Horses don’t have that voice, so we need to SPEAK UP for them. There is always a reason for unwanted or undesirable behavior. Mabel has been trying to express that something just isn’t right. She isn’t naughty, nasty, or too much horse. She has been in pain, the toll of that becomes as much of an emotional problem as it does physical. Enter your behavioral and handling issues, as the horse loses trust and tolerance for touch around the body.
Bodywork is a golden ticket to starting to reverse these issues, yesterday Laura sent me a message, with a photo of her young daughter and Mabel, stood in her stable door, having a cuddle. Steadily, Mabel’s personality and trust for people is returning. Already flowing more freely in her own space, able to enjoy attention from her owners again after just one session. With Laura’s permission I will keep sharing parts of her story, to hopefully spread awareness and educate on the importance of addressing the horse’s psychological state, as well as the physical.
Join us in the Bodywork revolution 🤍
