LK Equine Sports Therapy
What is an Equine Sports Massage Therapist?
An Equine Sports Massage Therapist is a professional who uses therapeutic hands-on techniques to manipulate the soft tissues (skin, fascia, muscles, tendons, and ligaments) of horses. Our primary objective is to support equine athletes in their daily activities and competitive ventures. However, it is important to note that all horses, regardless of their level of activity, can benefit from our services.
The title 'Equine Sports Massage Therapist' differs from other bodywork practitioners such as osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors. Our focus is specifically on enhancing the horse's performance during competitions and addressing any musculoskeletal issues or imbalances that may arise from repetitive stress. By providing pre and/or post competition sessions, we aim to improve performance, facilitate recovery, and reduce the risk of injury.
Additionally, I offer maintenance and rehabilitation sessions which may differ from other therapist in my field as these tailor for horses not currently in competition, addressing a broader range of needs, and including those of injured horses. Outlined below are various advantages that an Equine Sports Massage Therapist can provide for your horse(s).
Benefits of Equine Sports Therapy
Improves muscle tone and flexibility
Releases tension, muscle spasms and adhesions
Improves circulation
Improves nutrients and oxygen to the muscles
Improves lymphatic drainage
Improves muscle recovery
Improves range of motion
Improves mental health and well-being
Improves physical fitness
Improves posture and gait pattern
Reduces stress and increases relaxation
Releases endorphins which act as a natural pain relief
Reduces inflammation and swelling
Reduces risk of injury
Polework Wednesday…
I have started a new series on my social media platforms titled Polework Wednesday. This series showcases a range of polework exercises tailored for you and your horses. Below, you will find some examples of my recent posts.
As we enter the winter season, many riders encounter difficulties with motivation. To help inspire riders, I created Polework Wednesday to provide inspiration and enthusiasm among riders. The exercises are adaptable, allowing you to perform them at a walk, trot, or canter, and the poles can be raised. Each week, until the new year I will introduce two additional polework exercises that you can implement, whether you are riding or working from the ground.
Please note that all exercises are designed with the understanding that both horse and rider are fit and capable of performing them. If you have any concerns regarding your or your horse's abilities, I recommend consulting a qualified professional before proceeding.
Veterinary Consent
Is veterinary consent needed?
By law veterinary consent is required for horses with illnesses, diseases, or pathologies (Veterinary Surgeons Exemption Order 2015). Therefore, it means all therapists should gain consent before treating horses if they have diagnosed conditions.
Obtaining veterinary consent should be free of charge. However, the veterinarian will need to examine the horse prior to the referral if they have not already done so previously. This work will be charged.
It is only necessary to obtain consent once, after which the horse may be treated as often as necessary. It is important to note that if any new condition arises during treatment, the owner will be advised to refer the horse to the veterinarian since no therapist can diagnose or prescribe and the treatment to that horse will be cease until they have seen a veterinarian.
Consent can be obtained for you from LK Equine Sports Therapy as long as you provide us with the contact information for your veterinarian, and we use our own consent forms. You may also contact your veterinarian directly. Veterinary practices may use their own forms, which is fine, provided any existing conditions and treatments are noted.
Finally, even if your horse is healthy and you are just scheduling maintenance sessions, your horse still needs to be registered with a veterinary practice but does not require veterinary consent.
How to obtain consent?
Consent can be obtained in two ways.
You may download the veterinary referral form below and fill it in as requested. Once the form has been completed by yourself and the veterinarian, the completed form can be emailed back to me.
I can take away the hassle and stress by doing it for you. I will just require the name of your veterinary practice and their email address and I will request consent on your behalf.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Please note that once you have booked in with LK Equine Sports Therapy you have reserved time in our schedule. We understand ‘things happen’ and will take this into consideration. However, if an appointment is cancelled less than 48 hours before it is scheduled to happen without a warrantable reason, you may still be charged. In the case of a cancellation less than 24 hours before the appointment date, the full cost of the service will be charged. To avoid this fee, please cancel at least 48 hours before the appointment.
To cancel or reschedule an appointment email us at laylakeane@lkequinesportstherapy.co.uk or contact us via one of our other social media pages.
Travel Costs
LK Equine Sports Therapy will travel up to a 25 mile radius from IP28 7, covering areas of Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. A mileage fee will be added for anything over 25 miles and will be 0.60ppm, unless multiple bookings (3 or more) are made for the same area. We will cover some parts of Hertfordshire, please contact for more information.
Refer a Friend
If you refer a friend and they mention your referral when booking, you will receive £5 off your next booking.
Group Booking
If 3 or more clients book the same visit, you will all receive a 10% discount per horse.
