Jayne Connors - Equine Osteopath & Sports Massage

Jayne Connors - Equine Osteopath & Sports Massage Sports Massage Therapist (human & equine), equine osteopath and WINBACK therapist covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

🐴 Starting the Year ThoughtfullyThe start of January doesn’t need to be about rushing straight back into full work or se...
03/01/2026

🐴 Starting the Year Thoughtfully

The start of January doesn’t need to be about rushing straight back into full work or setting expectations.

After the festive period — with changes in routine, weather, turnout, and workload — many horses benefit far more from a gradual, considered return.

This quieter phase is an opportunity to really notice how your horse feels.
- How do they move when you first bring them out?
- Do they warm up easily, or take a little longer to loosen?
- Has their posture, muscle tone, or attitude changed after a few weeks of winter routines?

These small observations matter. They often tell us more about how the body is coping than pushing on and hoping things improve on their own.

Taking time now to listen to your horse — rather than rushing ahead — can set the tone for the entire year.

A steady, thoughtful approach builds strength, confidence, and long-term comfort far more effectively than chasing quick results.

Strong foundations in January support everything that follows.

🐴 A New Year, A Fresh Start - Welcome 2026! A new year often brings big plans and ambitions — but when it comes to our h...
01/01/2026

🐴 A New Year, A Fresh Start - Welcome 2026!

A new year often brings big plans and ambitions — but when it comes to our horses, the best goals aren’t always the biggest ones.

Sometimes the most valuable intentions are simple:
- A horse that moves more comfortably
- A partnership that feels more relaxed and connected
- Consistency rather than pressure
- Listening before asking for more

Progress doesn’t always look like higher levels or bigger jumps. For some horses, success might be confidence, soundness, or simply enjoying their work again.

As you look ahead to the year, it’s worth asking:
✨ How do I want my horse to feel at the end of this year?
✨ What does “good” look like for them, not just for me?

Because when we prioritise comfort, balance, and wellbeing, everything else tends to follow.

Straightness isn’t just about riding a straight line — it’s about how evenly your horse uses their body from nose to tai...
29/12/2025

Straightness isn’t just about riding a straight line — it’s about how evenly your horse uses their body from nose to tail.

When a horse isn’t truly straight, one side of the body works harder than the other. Over time, this can lead to uneven muscle development, restricted joint movement, and compensatory patterns that affect performance and comfort.

You might notice:
- Difficulty bending equally on both reins
- One shoulder falling in or out
- Uneven contact or rhythm
- A stronger push from one hind limb

From an osteopathic and sports massage perspective, these patterns often stem from restrictions in the pelvis, spine, or neck — not just schooling issues.

By restoring balance and mobility through the whole body, your horse can move more symmetrically, freely, and efficiently.

✨ Straightness supports soundness, performance, and long-term wellbeing.

The days between Christmas and New Year often feel slower — a pause before routines begin again.It’s a good time to refl...
27/12/2025

The days between Christmas and New Year often feel slower — a pause before routines begin again.

It’s a good time to reflect, not just on the year gone, but on how our horses have carried us through it. Every schooling session, competition, hack, or quiet moment in the stable places demands on their bodies, often without us realising.

As work eases or changes over the festive period, subtle things can become more noticeable:
- Areas of stiffness
- Small changes in posture
- A little less softness or ease in movement

These aren’t faults or failures — they’re simply the body telling a story about the year it’s had.

👐 Osteopathy and sports massage offer a way to listen to that story, helping to restore balance, ease tension, and support comfort before the New Year begins.

✨ Taking a moment now can set the foundation for a more comfortable, relaxed, and enjoyable year ahead — for both you and your horse.

📍 Covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Wishing all of my clients a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🥂🎄
25/12/2025

Wishing all of my clients a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🥂🎄

When a horse feels tight, slow to recover, or slightly off in their way of going, the issue isn’t always visible on the ...
22/12/2025

When a horse feels tight, slow to recover, or slightly off in their way of going, the issue isn’t always visible on the surface.

Sometimes the body needs support at a deeper tissue and cellular level.

Hofmag can be particularly useful for horses:
- In regular work or training
- Managing muscular tightness or stiffness
- Recovering from strain, injury, or intense exercise
- Needing additional support alongside osteopathy or massage

Because there’s no downtime, it can be used as part of a warm-up or recovery session, helping the body prepare for or recover from work without adding extra strain.

Used alongside hands-on osteopathy and sports massage, Hofmag therapy supports:
• Relaxation of tight muscles
• Improved tissue health and flexibility
• Faster recovery between sessions
• Overall comfort and balance

If you’d like to know whether Hofmag therapy could benefit your horse, feel free to message me to discuss suitability.

📍 Covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Every horse places physical demands on their body — whether they compete regularly, enjoy hacking, or are in light schoo...
19/12/2025

Every horse places physical demands on their body — whether they compete regularly, enjoy hacking, or are in light schooling.

Equine osteopathy and sports massage help support:
- Comfortable, fluid movement
- Balanced muscle development
- Recovery from training and day-to-day wear
- Early identification of restriction or imbalance

It’s not just about treating problems — it’s about supporting your horse’s body so they can move comfortably and confidently in their work.

If you’ve noticed changes in your horse’s movement, posture, or behaviour, it may be time for a check-in.

📍 Covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire
💬 Message to book or to find out more

As the weather changes, so should the way we prepare our horses for work.Colder temperatures mean muscles and joints tak...
17/12/2025

As the weather changes, so should the way we prepare our horses for work.

Colder temperatures mean muscles and joints take longer to reach optimal working temperature. A rushed warm-up can increase stiffness and raise the risk of strain.

A good seasonal warm-up should include:
- Plenty of active walk to stimulate circulation
- Gradual transitions before asking for more effort
- Time to allow the back and hindquarters to loosen

If your horse consistently feels tight at the start of work, it may indicate underlying tension that needs addressing.

👐 Osteopathy and sports massage can support your horse through seasonal changes by improving flexibility, circulation, and ease of movement.

Supporting Recovery, Comfort & Performance in Horses!I’m currently trialling the Hofmag K8 and, as part of this, I’m off...
15/12/2025

Supporting Recovery, Comfort & Performance in Horses!

I’m currently trialling the Hofmag K8 and, as part of this, I’m offering a limited number of discounted sessions for horses over the next couple of weeks.

The Hofmag K8 is a non-invasive therapy grounded in scientific research. It works by penetrating deep into the tissues, supporting the body’s natural healing and recovery processes at a cellular level.

This treatment can be beneficial for horses who are:
- In regular work or training
- Recovering from injury or strain
- Managing stiffness or muscular tension
- Needing support as part of ongoing maintenance

Potential benefits include:
• Supporting identification of underlying areas of restriction
• Reducing muscular tension and discomfort
• Accelerating recovery and tissue repair
• Improving flexibility and range of motion
• Supporting overall performance and wellbeing

There’s no downtime, meaning it can be used as part of a warm-up or followed by ridden work if appropriate.

✔ FEI permitted
✔ Widely used in rehabilitation and recovery programmes

💷 £50 per session
📅 Limited availability during the trial period

If you’d like to find out whether this could support your horse, please message directly to book or to discuss suitability.

📍 Covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

As the weekend approaches, many of us are planning our best rides—maybe a competition, a challenging hack, or an intense...
12/12/2025

As the weekend approaches, many of us are planning our best rides—maybe a competition, a challenging hack, or an intense schooling session. But how is your horse truly feeling after a full week of work?

Musculoskeletal tension doesn't vanish overnight. A horse often carries the stiffness from a Monday lesson, the tightness from uneven ground, or the strain from a busy week of schooling into the next few days. This accumulated tension significantly impacts their weekend performance and risk of injury.

💡 Why Friday/Saturday Bodywork is Prime Timing:

Optimal Reset: Targeted Sports Massage and Osteopathic adjustments release that accumulated fatigue, ensuring muscles are pliable and joints are free for maximum mobility when you ride.

Performance Prep: Sending your horse into their main weekend activity feeling loose, balanced, and comfortable sets you up for a successful, harmonious ride.

Book your weekend performance and maintenance slot now!

Serving Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.

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Oxford
OX44

Telephone

+447970270204

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