Equine Sports Massage
Selina Carrington, cert ESMT L4Member of International Association of Animal Thetapists (IAAT)
North Wales
selcarrington@icloud.com
Muscle Relief to Mental Calm
Why Massage?
Equine Sports Massage Therapy is used to improve a horse's physical and mental well-being. Just like in humans, massage helps relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support recovery. Here are the main reasons why horse massage is used:
1.Relieve Muscle Tension & Pain.
Massage helps reduce tightness, soreness, and muscle spasms, especially in the back, shoulders, and hindquarters
2. Improve Circulation & Lymphatic Flow.
Massage stimulates blood flow and helps move lymphatic fluid, which supports the immune system and helps flush out toxins. This can accelerate healing from injuries or intense training.
3. Reduce Stress & Improve Behavior.
Horse’s can hold emotional and physical tension. Massage can calm nervous or anxious horse’s and help with issues like irritability or resistance during work.
4. Enhance Performance.
By increasing range of motion and reducing discomfort, massage can lead to smoother gaits, better flexibility, and improved performance.
5. Support Injury Recovery & Prevent Issues.
It's often used alongside veterinary care and physical therapy to rehabilitate injuries or surgery. Regular massage can also catch and correct minor imbalances before they become major problems.
6. Massage is great for older or retired horses.
It helps ease stiffness, improve circulation, relieve tension, and support overall comfort and mobility. A gentle, regular massage can make a big difference in their quality of life.
Maintenance Massage - £50
A full-body maintenance massage including stretches to support suppleness, relaxation, and overall wellbeing.
Perfect as a one-off session or as part of a regular routine.
For optimal results, I recommend booking every 8-12 weeks to keep your horse comfortable and performing at their best.
Or
A Tailored Assessment & Treatment - £65
Includes:
Identifying specific areas of tension, heat, or asymmetry.
Comprehensive massage treatment
Written report of findings
Personalised treatment plan tailored to your horse's needs
This session is ideal for addressing specific concerns, performance issues, or areas of discomfort.
Follow-Up Treatment Sessions - £45
Targeted treatments following your horse's personalised plan.
For best results, sessions are recommended every 2-4 weeks, with a minimum of 2-3 follow-up appointments to achieve noticeable and lasting improvement.
Treatments and Prices
Heat pads and infrared light therapy may be used for enhanced relaxation
Travel cost may be added if you are further than 20miles from Llanfairfechan. Discounts may be available for bookings with two or more horses. please get in touch for a quote.
It is recommended that the first three sessions be scheduled within a few weeks of each other for the best results. After that, optional maintenance appointments every 8-12 weeks are advised to keep your horse comfortable, supple, and performing their best.
About Me
With over 30 years of experience working with and owning horses, I've been fortunate to spend my life immersed in a wide variety of equestrian settings - from riding schools and race yards to livery, trekking, hunt, and competition yards.
Throughout my career, I've played an active role in preparing horses for their individual disciplines, focusing not only on fitness but also on wellbeing. My greatest passion has always been equine welfare - ensuring every horse is happy, comfortable, and able to perform at their best.
I hold a National Diploma in Equine Studies and Level 4 Diploma in Equine Sports Massage. My fascination with the power of massage began through personal experience, witnessing firsthand the profound physical and emotional benefits it brings. Seeing those transformations continues to inspire me everyday.
As a practicing Equine Massage Therapist, i am committed to continuous learning and will be furthering my study in equine rehabilitation and physiology techniques ensuring every horse receives the best possible care.
A regular program of massage will create built in flexibility to the muscle as it is strengthened. Massage stretches the muscle fibres and fascia through manual squeezing and kneading. The use of direct pressure into the muscle will release the knotted fibres and the fascia. Freeing up an inflexible muscle increases the flow of oxygen rich blood to the area.
While massage can be incredibly beneficial for your horse’s comfort, performance, and well being there are certain situations where it should be avoided:
Fever or generally unwell, open wounds or skin conditions,unexplained lameness, swollen or inflammed joints, colic, recently vaccinated, pregnant or medical condition.
If there are any concerns, veterinary consent is required before treatment, in accordance with the veterinary surgeons act 1966.
I am not a replacement for a vet. Equine Massage is to be used in addition to working alongside other equine professionals such as the vet, physiotherapist or dentist.