What to expect at an Equine Body Therapy treatment
Allison will collect basic information about your horse, what your activities and goals are with your horse, and the reasons for requesting treatment.
Details of 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, can be helpful in understanding the bigger picture of your horses wellbeing.
Allison may assess the horse standing, walking, trotting or cantering on the lunge or in hand. Allison uses 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 uses 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.
Occasionally horses who have not received body work before may initially be nervous of treatment, not knowing what to expect from a 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. If you are managing a soundness issue, then fortnightly or monthly sessions may really benefit your horse.
How long does treatment take?
Assessment and treatment usually takes about an hour.
What areas do you cover?
Allison is located near Ballarat Victoria, travels regularly to the greater Geelong area and can travel to most other areas within 2-3hrs drive for multiple horses.
How do I book?
Bookings can be made by enquiry via phone or text 0492 804 476, by email hello@staysound.com.au, or via messenger through our Facebook Page
Payment Details
Payment is required on the day by cash, card or direct transfer.
When an Equine Body Therapy treatment 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 the priority 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 can 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 and you can provide this information to your vet to determine the underlying cause of the problem.