Where do you practice?

I am based in the Coffs Harbour area and make periodic visits to Grafton, Kempsey, Casino, Lismore and Ballina. I can make trips further afield for larger groups of sports horses, or to conduct saddle fit check days for clubs.

Will this bodywork be right for my horse?

All horses will benefit from this work, so the approach is right for any horse whose owner cares enough to book a session. If your horse is under current veterinary treatment, please always check with your vet first. I will be happy to talk to them if you prefer.

How many visits do you suggest?

For maintenance bodywork, I recommend between four and six sessions per year, depending on the level of work your horse is in – competition horses need more.

For injury or physical problems, I ask that you commit initially to two sessions and we will then take it from there (some horses need more). These can be between one week and eight weeks apart, depending on the horse’s problem, your budget and the frequency that I visit your area. There are several reasons for having at least two sessions:

1. The progress achieved in the first session is often consolidated in the second, helping the positive changes to ‘stick’.
2. We may uncover a problem in the first session and then address it more fully in the second.
3. Some horses take more from the second session than from the first, as they become more familiar with and more receptive to the approach.
4. Horses often have more than one issue going on at a time, particularly with longer term problems. Sometimes these need to be addressed at separate times.
5. Horses may get overloaded if we try to do too much work in one session, making a further session necessary.
6. With horses that have experienced trauma, there is a greater chance for trust to develop. Some horses will not ‘let go’ until they feel particularly safe with a person.
7. We can only assess how much true progress has been made by having a second session.

Can you tell me what is wrong with my horse?

I don’t diagnose – that is best left to the vet. If you have any major concerns about your horse, always call the vet first. However, I do focus on problem areas and will do everything I can to resolve any issues.

I do send out a questionnaire to clients before visits, as there are often indicators as to where issues lie. Then, during the session, the horse usually shows us where the pain is and/or where the problem is (these are not always the same).

I usually discuss hoofcare, saddlery, dentistry and the way in which the horse is kept with owners. This is purely in the best interests of the horse, as all of these have an impact on its physical condition. I do not make judgments and respect the fact that all owners make different choices in their riding discipline and horse care approach.

What does a session involve?

An initial session can last up to 90 minutes, as a lot of assessment is involved. A second session usually lasts up to an hour, with more time for discussion with the owner. Regular maintenance sessions are usually shorter, as there is less to address.

Timings vary because I work at the right speed for individual the horse. Some sessions do take longer. If your horse cannot deal with a lot of work, I may have to do a shorter session and build up the next time. All horses respond to the Equine Touch in their own, unique way and often, this will change from session to session, so it is impossible to say just how long a session will take.

Is there a ‘right time’ for a session?

Do not have bodywork for the first time if your horse is due to work or compete in the next four days, as the changes triggered can keep happening during this time. Also, for long standing problems, your horse may need rehabilitation through training exercises, or indeed just rest.

Otherwise, I recommend that you do not ride on the same day (unless before the session, allowing time for the horse to cool down) and then only very light work (if at all) for the following four days. It is therefore best to book a session when you can give your horse this time off or a reduced workload. We can then decide together what is best for your horse.

What happens afterwards?

At the end of the session, I will provide you with written ‘aftercare’ information, so that you can interpret changes that you might see in your horse. My goal is ongoing improvements for the horse, so I will email you with a written report of the session and what the findings were, along with recommendations. If we have encountered back pain issues, I will send you information on ‘R&R’ (rest and rehab!) so that you can undertake exercises and training to support improvements. Where appropriate, I also provide contact details for other practitioners in the horse care field, whose work is conducive to improving horses’ health. With saddle fit problems, I will support you in identifying good saddle fit.

How much does a session cost?

My standard rate for bodywork is $80 for session -- minimum two sessions. Ongoing maintenance sessions are $65 each month.

My standard rate for saddle fit checks (incl. back checks) is $70. Bodywork and saddle check is $130.

I am pleased to discount for groups of four or more horses that I can visit in one location, due to the savings this offers in terms of fuel and time spent travelling between properties.