The Equine Touch
The Equine Touch is a form of bodywork consisting of a series of unique gentle moves performed in choreographed patterns over specific parts of the horse’s body.
It is a non-diagnostic, non-invasive, hands on approach which works at a holistic level to address the horse as a whole. Recent research has led us to believe that the Equine Touch works through the intelligence network of the body, the fascia. However it also appears in places to work via the golgi receptors, the spindle cells, trigger point release mechanisms, acupuncture points, meridians, neuromuscular receptors and to directly address the lymphatic system.
As it is totally holistic, Equine Touch addresses the body at all levels, physical, chemical, emotional and some would say, spiritual.
The Equine Touch has been described by equine veterinarians as
"'the ultimate hands on modality for horses"
Why address the whole horse?
Horses have evolved as prey animals to hide any weaknesses or injuries, to minimise their chances of becoming someone else’s dinner. In doing so they develop a network of compensatory tension and stiffness throughout the musculoskeletal system to support and protect the injured area. By addressing the horse as a whole it is able to resolve these tensions.
What kind of horses are suitable for ET?
Any kind of horse can benefit from an ET session. Suz has worked on a range from youngsters to 35 year olds; mini Shetlands to eventers and dressage horses and any thing in between. Because ET works with the horse’s innate healing system each horse takes from it as much as it needs at that time
Does your horse have a problem?
Horses communicate their pain in a whole range of behaviours from the obvious such as trying to bite as you do up the girth, or rearing as you mount, to the more subtle lifting the head as you bridle them or refusing to strike off on the correct lead at canter.
The Equine Touch is not designed or intended in any way in whole or in part to be a substitute for orthodox allopathic veterinary practice. It is not a therapy as such but a holistic gift to the equine which is as complementary to allopathic address as it is to osteopathy, homeopathy and herbal medicine as well as the horses own healing system.
What does an Equine Touch session entail?
- Information gathering from the owner
- Visual observations and palpation
- Basic dynamic body balancing
- Addressing areas of concern
- Stretching and passive mobilisation
- Post treatment care and discussion