What to expect at an Equine Body Therapy treatment
Allison will collect some basic information about your horse and what your activities and goals are with your horse as well as the reasons for requesting treatment.
We might discuss any injuries or accidents that the horse has experienced as well as where the horse is in their dentistry, hoof care or saddle fit schedule.
Allison may assess the horse standing, walking, trotting or cantering on the lunge or in hand. Allison may use the Equine Body Therapy START (Soft Tissue Assessment and Response Testing) protocol to gather information from the horse on how their body is functioning.
Allison will use Equine Body Therapy treatment techniques to improve spinal mobility, treat muscles and soft tissue restrictions that can impact the muscular-skeletal soundness of the horse.
Treatment can sometimes appear to be very slow, where Allison will wait for the horse to process the change she has initiated in the tissue. Horses treated with Equine Body Therapy will often enter a para-sympathetic state (rest and digest) where they may look half asleep, with nostrils twitching or slow blinking whilst they process sensations in their body. Please do not pat them or move abruptly whilst the horse is in this state as they can be easily startled. When the horse’s nervous system has processed the treatment the horse may shake it’s head, yawn or chew before returning to quiet alertness.
Some horses who have not received body work before may initially be nervous of treatment, not knowing what to expect from this different experience of human touch. These horses may take a while to settle in to enjoy their body work and may need short walk breaks during the treatment. Most horses welcome treatment once they understand the experience.
At the conclusion of the treatment, your horse’s nervous system may still be processing the treatment, in which case they will need to stand quietly, undisturbed until they return to a calm alertness. Other horses may complete their treatment already calm and alert and may benefit from a short walk out.
FAQs
When can I ride my horse after EBT?
Your horse will receive the most benefit from the treatment if they have two days off to allow their body to integrate new ways of moving. On return to work please offer your horse a day of light work, or perform gentle lungeing or groundwork if that is in your usual training regime.
How often should my horse receive EBT treatments?
There is always benefit from Equine Body Therapy treatment. If your horse does not have any soundness issues a maintenance treatment is recommended at least every two-three months, especially if they are in work.
How long after EBT should I wait before worming or vaccinating my horse?
Please schedule your worming and vaccinations either a week prior or a week after Equine Body Therapy treatments. Your horse will receive maximum benefit from their treatment if they are up to date with their worming, hoof care and dentistry at the time of their Equine Body Therapy treatment.
How long does treatment take?
A treatment usually takes about an hour.
Payment Details
Payment is required on the day by cash, or direct transfer, of funds into Allison’s account.
When an Equine Body Therapy may not be appropriate
When your horse obviously needs to see a vet. Colic, moderate to severe lameness, untreated wounds, laminitis etc. Equine Body Therapy is an amazing modality but it’s not going to be of great benefit when your horse needs urgent veterinary care.
If your horse is ill with a virus or infectious disease. Allison may need to reschedule appointments if horses are clearly ill. Signs may include nasal discharge, obvious lethargy, excessively high respiratory rates or signs of colic.
If your horse is unhandled or extremely difficult to handle. Your horse needs to be able to be held, stand still and tolerate gentle, respectful, deliberate touch. Ideally horses should be able to have their feet and legs handled. Horses displaying unmanaged dangerous behaviour cannot be treated. The safety of the practitioner, the handler and the horse will not be put at risk to complete treatments.
Where you are looking for a formal diagnosis of your issue. Allison is unable to provide you with a diagnosis as she is not a Veterinary practitioner. She may be able to identify areas of restriction, inflammation, asymmetry, abnormality or sensitivity however she will be unable to state the cause as this would constitute a diagnosis. Allison may offer to formally refer you to a suitable Veterinarian for diagnosis.
Equine Body Therapy Practitioner
Available by appointment
Ballarat, Central Victoria
Allison: 0492 804 476
hello@staysound.com.au