About us

I spent 10 years studying and working in the field of biological science and obtained a 2:1 in my Masters Degree in Pharmacology from the University of Bath. I spent 6 of these years researching chronic pain; its causes, progression and treatment. I am able to bring this extensive scientific background and high level of expertise and knowledge in this field to my work with horses and humans. My understanding of biology, physiology and pathology means that I am able to apply scientific thinking to my massage treatments, understanding the effects of the treatment I am applying. I also have a wealth of experience via my scientific career of coaching and supporting people as a trainer, supervisor and mentor, skills which I am able to bring to my teaching. I spent several years working as a support worker with children and adults with learning disabilities, the elderly and the deaf. I have taken courses in Child Protection, Autism Awareness, Deaf Awareness, Epilepsy Awareness, Leadership Skills, Communication and Influencing Skills and Presentation Skills.

In order to ensure the highest possible standards in my work, I opted to first train as a massage therapist for humans. I obtained my Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage from ITEC (which includes a qualification in Anatomy and Physiology) and am a fully qualified and insured practitioner. I have also extended my studies by going on to obtain a Certificate in Advanced Massage Techniques.

Training in human massage first is vital for two reasons. Firstly, it allows the massage therapist to receive accurate and precise feedback on their technique and to experience for themselves treatments from a range of other students (good and bad!). This is invaluable in refining and honing your own skills. Indeed, many equine massage training establishments will insist upon this. Secondly, it allows the therapist to treat both horse and rider. Horses adapt their own posture in order to carry their rider. If their rider is unbalanced or stiff due to muscular problems then merely addressing any effects this has on the horse's muscular system will be a short-term solution. Riders are often unaware of their own muscular tensions and the effect this has on their posture, riding position and their horse.

After completing my human studies and working with humans for some time to develop my technique further, I went on to train in Equine Sports Massage with Equinenergy. This comprehensive course not only covers massage but also gait analysis, contra-indications and the in-depth study of anatomy and physiology. It includes both practical and theoretical assessments and over 300 hours of study and tuition. I am a fully qualified and insured Equine Sports Massage Therapist (or Equine Body Worker) and a member of the International Equine Body Worker's Association.

*PLEASE NOTE The field of physical therapy (including massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy etc) for horses is unfortunately poorly regulated and terms such as 'veterinary physiotherapist' are not subject to any legal protection or definition. As such, not all practitioners have undergone appropriate training or work with proper insurance. Always ask your practitioner where they trained so that you may check for yourself the rigour and requirements of their course. A properly qualified and insured practitioner will always conduct a thorough consultation and watch your horse move (gait analysis or dynamic observations) prior to every session and will always view your horse's tack at the initial visit. They will only ever work with veterinary permission (a legal requirement). *

After training in both human and equine massage I went on to study Reiki. Having achieved both Reiki first and second degree (Reiki I and Reiki II) I am a fully qualified and insured Reiki practitioner for both humans and horses. Please see Reiki page for more details of this relaxing therapy.

Alongside my training as a therapist I spent 2 years working at a yard specialising in natural horsemanship and natural horse management techniques and 4 years teaching riding. I am a rider myself and have backed and am now bringing on my own young horse. I have spent several years studying natural horsemanship techniques, behavioural science and equine psychology (see below) and use these principles with my own horse and with my clients.

Equine Behaviour and Psychology courses
Equine Behavioural Science and Evolution – The Open College of Equine Studies. Passed with Distinction.
Intelligent Horsemanship - 5-Day Course.
Intelligent Horsemanship – Equine Psychology Course.

I believe that all trainers and therapists should undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Indeed, this is a condition of membership of professional associations such as the IEBWA. Therefore I regularly attend courses, lectures and demonstrations.