Bookings

To book an equine functional therapy session, please contact Angela by calling/texting: 0466 077 561, emailing: majestichorse@outlook.com.au or by filling in the Contact Us section. 

Sessions can include:

• A thorough case history about the horse – the more Angela knows about your horse, his/her medical history; the mechanism of injury (if there has been a recent injury); any changes you’ve observed recently; any comorbidities; current feed and any nutritional requirements; any medications or supplements; current exercise schedule/workload; what you would like the horse to be able to do (if you are working towards a specific goal); the environmental conditions and lifestyle your horse has; any stereotypies or behavioural considerations etc. This all helps to paint a picture of what has occurred in your horse’s history and what is occurring currently which may be predisposing, causing or maintaining an issue/restriction/dysfunction. 

This is then followed by: 

• Observation and palpation ­– Angela will observe your horse statically (the way your horse chooses to stand; whether your horse is constantly shifting weight; choosing to rest one limb more; assessing postural or conformational aspects; any pain behaviours exhibited etc); and then assess your horse’s skin, temperature, general body scan, hoof condition etc
• Passive and active assessments (hands-on assessment of soft tissue structures; gait analysis (in walk, trot, circles, backing, inclines/declines, and sometimes on the lunge and under saddle); and general health screening) 
• Neurological assessment and osteopathic testing (range of motion testing of joints, cranial nerve testing, and neurological assessment).  

Angela will then conduct the treatment session utilising a range of different techniques delivered from an osteopathic approach and will advise of rehabilitation and/or management plans – all specific and uniquely tailored to your horse. Additional therapies can include:

• Craniosacral Therapy
• Photonic Red Light Therapy
• Passive and active stretching
• Kinesiology taping.

Angela works in safe areas only, free from obstructions, and preferably on level/flat ground (so that the horse can stand comfortably and be safely balanced during the passive stretching component of the treatment). A work area that is as quiet as possible and free from distractions and unnecessary noise (farm equipment, mowers etc) is also preferable. As is a sheltered area (stable, or stable walkway) for hot, extremely windy, or rainy weather. 

What to expect afterwards:

Following the session, the horse should be gently walked for five minutes to help get everything moving again. This aids with the detoxification process.

Horses should always have access to plenty of fresh water nearby afterwards, as hydration will assist in the elimination of toxins and waste debris from the body. Horses should be allowed recovery time, and a window of at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours without exercise is recommended. This affords the horse time to reap the therapeutic benefits, while also having time to allow for any potential soreness (as a result of the muscles and tissues being massaged), and any potential lethargy, to diminish. 

Other things to consider:

Sessions are best conducted away from feeding times; when the horse’s coat is dry and clean from dirt clumps/mud; and in an area he/she is comfortable with. 

As always, Angela is happy to respond to any questions or concerns that you may have before, during or after the session.