What is Equine Touch?

Gentle, Powerful & Effective Soft Tissue Bodywork

This remarkable approach to non-invasive bodywork (ie, there is no manipulation, forced adjustment or deep tissue massage) consists of gentle moves made over specific points on the horse’s body, primarily muscles, tendons and ligaments.

The effect is the direct relief of tension and easing of adhesions, while signals are sent to the nervous system via receptors in the muscle cells. Musculoskeletal realignment then usually happens as a natural process in the horse’s body. Circulation and lymphatic drainage is rapidly boosted. The physical, mental and emotional benefits can be profound in their depth and results can occur in an astonishingly short period of time.

The Equine Touch was founded by Jock Ruddock, an intuitive bodyworker, and developed by Jock with Ivana Ruddock, a veterinarian.

Which Horses Does it Help?

It can help any horse, whether young or old, healthy or injured. The Equine Touch helps the horse to recover from recent injuries or illness, or to deal with the lingering effects of old imbalances or injuries. Sometimes, it will uncover a problem when the owners suspects something might be wrong, but just isn’t sure what. Each horse takes what it needs and every horse will be helped to function to the very best of its potential.

Horses respond differently during session. Usually, we see deep relaxation and ‘zoning out’, with horses licking and chewing, becoming drowsy, yawning and twitching as the body begins to feel the effects of the work..

Some of the Benefits

Injured and sick horses

• Realignment through release of soft tissue tension
• Swifter recovery from injury, as the body is set up for recovery
• Reduced swelling and stiffness, as fluids are shifted through lymphatic activity
• Release of physical and mental trauma associated with accidents

The horse in competition

• Reduced injury rate, as muscles working at extremes are healthier
• Faster post-event recovery, with improved respiration and steadier heart rates
• Steadier introduction to work, with less hypertonic muscles
• Improved range of motion and extension
• Enhanced performance, as the horse’s physical systems are optimised

Benefits for every horse

• Improved maintenance with fewer restrictions or injuries
• Stronger immune system as lymphatic circulation works efficiently
• Healthy, correctly aligned joints as young horses grow
• Reduced effects of joint degeneration in older horses
• More relaxed approach to life with more positive approach to work