How much does a session cost?
- My basic rate is $80. Discounts are available for groups of 4+ horses in one location. The basic rate applies to a 30km radius of Armidale and Coffs Harbour. There is an additional charge for travel over 30km.
- A saddle fit check, with up to 3 saddles, is $70. A check of 4-6 saddles is $80.
- A combined session of bodywork with saddle fit – that is, one horse with up to 3 saddles – is $120.
How long does a bodywork session last?
The first session takes from 1¼ to 1½ hours, due to the initial assessment involved. Follow up sessions are approximately 1 hour. These timings also include our discussion around any issues and our plan of action, which we can put together if any management changes are needed, or further rehab work is in order.
How many sessions will my horse need?
This is the ‘piece of string’ question. I always recommend 2 sessions at the outset, so that we can at least gauge the progress made by your horse. It’s also very true that we work through physical problems in layers that have built up over time, so we frequently go deeper in the follow-up sessions.
When problems have become more entrenched, more sessions are needed, as it takes longer to first unpick and resolve the issues, and then restore balanced movement to the horse.
The horses that do best are those I can see on a regular basis. This is when the biggest improvements happen, as we can go beyond ‘firefighting’ problems and really start to set the horse’s body up for optimal movement.
Will my horse like the bodywork?
My focus is very much on working with the horse, so I always aim to engage them in what’s happening. That’s why the majority of horses love it… please see the Client Testimonials page for some accounts of this. Some horses may be a bit reserved during the first session, as it’s a new and different physical feeling, but most still give a full response during the second session.
Even if a horse does not respond in obvious ways (ie, yawning, licking and chewing, ‘zoning out’) at the time, rest assured that he or she will still benefit once they’ve had chance to rest and process the work after the session has ended.
How soon can I ride after a session?
It’s fairest to allow a horse to rest for the rest of the day after a bodywork session, as they’re likely to feel tired, just as we would.
If your horse hasn’t received this kind of bodywork before, it’s best to allow them to rest for 2-3 days afterwards, as changes to long-standing issues may cause some temporary discomfort. Besides, if you want your horse to get the most out of the work you’ve paid for, it’s best to rest.
Regular clients can ride the next day, as the horse is more used to the bodywork. In these cases, we’re catching problems before they get set in, meaning their correction is a lot easier, and swifter.
If you have a competition in 2 or 3 days’ time, it isn’t a great time for any bodywork session, from any equine professional. I’d always recommend timing bodywork for a quieter period, when your horse has some time to rest afterwards and fully take in the benefits.
If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0447 672 523, or send me a message.