Sls equine massage

31/01/2026

This image is a good example of something we see constantly in sales adverts and it’s not just about the horse.

Look at the rider.

Hands dropped low, yes.
But also notice the head and eyes, down, fixed on the horse’s neck.

Where the rider looks matters.

When the rider’s head drops, the whole posture follows. The upper body tips forward, balance shifts onto the forehand, and the contact becomes backward rather than forward. You stop riding to somewhere and start riding at the horse. The reins become a place to hold the picture instead of a line of communication.

A rider looking down is no longer riding the horse’s body. They’re managing the neck.

And that’s exactly what shows up in the horse. The head tucks behind the vertical, the neck shortens, the back drops away, and the step loses reach. The outline is created by the rider’s position, not by correct work from behind.

This is why these images are misleading in sales adverts. They suggest softness and “on the bit” work, but what they actually show is a horse being held in a shape and a rider focused on maintaining that shape rather than riding forward with intent.

A horse in self carriage doesn’t need the rider staring at its neck.
The rider’s eyes are up. The line of travel is clear. The hands are carried, not fixed.

Good riding starts with where the rider is looking.
And honest sales adverts show that not hide it.

Photo Credit: Julia Clarke ( thank you as always 🙌🏻)

06/01/2026

❄️ Cold Weather = Higher Risk of Impaction Colic ❄️

As temperatures drop, the risk of impaction colic in horses increases. Winter management plays a big role in keeping equine digestive systems healthy—here’s what every horse owner should know 👇

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🐴 What is Impaction Colic?

Impaction colic occurs when dry, firm feed material becomes stuck in the horse’s intestine, usually in the large colon. This blockage slows or stops normal gut movement, causing pain and potentially serious complications if not treated promptly.

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🚨 Signs of Impaction Colic

Signs can range from mild to severe and may include:
• Reduced or absent manure production
• Dry, hard f***s
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or depression
• Pawing, stretching, or looking at the flank
• Lying down more than usual or difficulty getting comfortable

Always contact your veterinarian if colic is suspected.

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🧊 Why Does Cold, Freezing Weather Increase the Risk?

Cold conditions contribute to impaction colic for several reasons:
• Reduced water intake: Horses often drink less when water is cold or frozen
• Drier diets: Increased reliance on hay with less moisture than pasture
• Decreased gut motility: Less movement and colder temperatures can slow digestion
• Frozen or limited water sources: Even short periods without adequate water can lead to dehydration

Dehydration + dry feed = higher risk of intestinal blockage.

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✅ How to Help Prevent Impaction Colic
• Ensure constant access to fresh, unfrozen water (ideally lukewarm in winter)
• Monitor daily water intake and manure output
• Soak hay or feeds if recommended by your vet
• Encourage regular movement and turnout
• Make dietary changes gradually
• Schedule routine dental care and parasite management

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean colic risk—with good management and close observation, you can help keep your horse healthy all winter long 💙🐎

02/01/2026

❄️ Winter Riding: Understanding the Physiology Behind Cold-Weather Training ❄️

When discussing winter conditioning, it’s important to recognize how significantly cold temperatures alter a horse’s respiratory function, muscle physiology, and recovery from exercise. The demands on the respiratory tract increase in cold, dry air; muscle elasticity decreases. These shifts mean that the same level of exercise can place very different demands on the horse in January than it does in June.

Thoughtful winter training, therefore, isn’t simply about extending warm-ups. It involves a more strategic approach: moderating intensity, prioritizing gradual muscle engagement, and allowing sufficient time for complete cool-downs to protect both respiratory and musculoskeletal health. These adjustments help mitigate cold-weather stiffness, minimize performance-limiting airway irritation, and support overall welfare.

Nutritional and environmental management also play a crucial role. Horses often drink less in winter and expend more energy maintaining body temperature. Ensuring consistent access to warm water, adequate forage intake, and appropriate dietary support helps maintain hydration, digestive function, and immune resilience during periods of cold stress.

With these considerations in mind, winter can remain a productive and beneficial training season.

Learn more about evidence-based winter training strategies:
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/training-horses-in-winter/
🇺🇸 https://madbarn.com/training-horses-in-winter/

31/12/2025

Happy new to all my lovely clients new and old here’s to 2026 🥂🐴🥰

29/12/2025

That’s it for another year Christmas over and done with and back to work as normal. Iv been super busy so if anybody still waiting for me to get back to them please drop me a message and I’ll get you booked I’m 🐴🥰

29/12/2025

We are slowly but surely catching up with all the messages 😅🎄!!
Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas 🥹!!!
Just wanted to give a massive shout out to everyone that took part in our Christmas advent calendar 📆!!!

Dani Haigh Equestrian
Equine Experiences
Saracen Horse Feeds
Blackfort Equestrian
Mane Movers
S.W.Equestrian & Petsitting Services
Cottingham Equestrian Centre
Sls equine massage
Hack and Snack
Omega Equine
F.C Equestrian
Sam Jarvis Equine Coaching
Shelly's Handmade Hobby Horses
Quest Holistic Therapies & Neal’s Yard Remedies Consultant - Joanne Rosser
Equestrian Freedom Technique
Greenwood Photography
The Holderness Hunt
Victoria Adams Photography
Victoria Adams Wedding & Family Photography

Keep your eyes peeled for our brand ambassador search 🔍 👀

19/12/2025

🐴 A horse’s bend doesn’t start and stop at the neck

✨True balance and connection comes when the whole body follows an even curve from poll to tail allowing the horse to be in vertical balance (even through both fore limbs) which then allows for the horse to come into horizontal balance (uphill gait, energy turns to balanced, controlled power)

✨ When their body is aligned their movement becomes lighter, healthier, and more harmonious.

👩🏼‍🎨 Sandy Rambinowitz

17/12/2025

Early start this morning and loving the sky 🌅

16/12/2025

A good warm up and cool down is just as important as the work in between

15/12/2025

14/12/2025

I’m so glad this rider went with her gut feeling I’m always saying “there’s a reason for everything” sometimes you just need to take a step back and listen to your horse there not born nasty or wanting to hurt us so when things start going a little bit wrong start thinking why??

14/12/2025

It’s a windy one out there this morning 💨💨