Equine Muscle Release Therapy

Experience Equine Muscle Release Therapy (EMRT) with Charlotte, a hands-on treatment that blends her expertise as an Equine Bowen Therapist with intuitive techniques. This non-intrusive therapy incorporates gentle pressure over the muscles and fascia, and stretches to release muscle tightness and tension throughout your horse's body. By focusing on and working over the horse's whole body, Charlotte aims to alleviate any discomfort, restore balance, and promote overall well-being in every horse she works with. Discover the transformative benefits of Equine Muscle release treatments today!

​​

How to prepare your horse before a treatment

In order for your horse to get the most from their treatment please make sure they are clean and dry for Charlotte to treat them. They need to be in a light, airy and dry space undercover that they are used to, such as their stable. Ensure that the environment is calm, quiet, clean and free from any hazards. If the horse doesn't like being alone please make sure that they have a stable mate close by so they can feel calm and relaxed. The horse needs to have a headcollar and leadrope on, and have access to fresh clean water. Charlotte may ask for any hay / haylage to be removed from the area. 

​

What to expect 

Before Charlotte begins a treatment she will first observe and assess your horse's behaviour, conformation and movement. This may include looking at your horses behaviour as they interact with people or navigate within their environment, watching your horse be led up in hand in walk and or trot, feeling all over your horse's body, and in some cases you may be asked to lead , lunge or ride your horse on a circle.  Charlotte  will observe your horse and discuss any points with you, she may ask to see any tack or equipment you use, and may ask you further questions in order to better understand your horse. This information will be noted in the horses report to build a clear picture of the horse's well-being. Initial assessments and observations will vary based on the horse's condition, whether they are a new or existing client and how long it has been since they last had a treatment. 

After Charlotte has done her initial assessments and observations she will begin treating the horse. Each Treatment session typically takes 1hr however the length of each treatment may differ as it reflects the horses needs for that session, so some may be less and some may be more, but you should allow up to 1.5 hrs to include initial assessments. 

​During the treatment you will see Charlotte using her hands to apply gentle pressure to different areas of the horses body and may perform stretches with your horse to help them release any tension or tightness they are holding. 

You may notice your horse responding to treatment in a variety of ways. As horses release and relax you may see them lowering their head and neck, blinking heavily. closing their eyes, licking and chewing, yawning, sighing, or self stretching areas of their body. Some horses stand still and others need to move to process the treatment so it is important to allow the horse the freedom to behave as they want to. During the session if the horse feels unsure or if an area is sensitive or sore, they may also communicate and respond  by moving away, pulling a face, threatening to bite, lift a leg or threaten to kick. Charlotte will always listen to the horse and respect what they are showing her, so don't be alarmed by any behaviour that may be perceived as negative or out of character and allow the horse their space. 

At the end of the treatment most horses will be calm and in a state of relaxation. 

​

Aftercare advice post EMRT treatment

After a treatment the horse ideally need the rest of that day and the following day off of any exercise or ridden work to allow the horses body to adjust and the muscles to settle.  The horse should continue to have access to shelter, fresh water and forage (hay/grass) but allow atleast 1hr post treatment before giving them any hard feed. It is usually advisable for the horse to continue in their normal daily routine ie turn out or stabled. Charlotte will run through any suggestions she has on how she feels you can help your horse further and this may include stretch exercises, changes to their normal routine, referrals to other professionals (saddle fitter/equine dentist/nutrionalist), inhand or ridden exercises.  Charlotte will compile the information gathered during her time with the horse and write up a report, which will be emailed to you, for you to keep for your own use. 

 

Equine Muscle Release Therapy treatments are a complementary form of therapy and it is not a replacement for veterinary treatment. The RCVS regulations state that  you must have veterinary consent before treatment if your horse is currently uder veterinary care, receiving any veterinary treatment or has recently been seen by a vet for anything other than routine visits. It is no longer required for general check-ups or maintenance treatment.