What to expect
The first time I visit I will complete an initial assessment of your horse followed by a massage session, this may last anything between one and two hours.
Preparing for a visit
Massage can be carried out anywhere that is quiet, safe and with good footing, it does not need to be in a stable.
If possible please ensure that the horse is clean, free from mud and does not have any hoof oil on. He may need some fly spray if it is warm or a rug if it is cold.
If a handler is available this is preferable to tying the horse up, especially for the first session.
Initial assessment
The initial assessment allows me to gain an overview of your horse including history, past issues, confirmation, movement and training regime. This includes the following steps:
Consultation -
Discussion with owner about reasons for massage, any issues or 
concerns, current performance and training goals.
Static assessment -
View the horse standing still, check that no contraindications (reasons the horse cannot be massage) are present, map old scars, check the horse over for soreness, evaluate conformation and muscle symmetry.
Dynamic assessment -
View the horse in hand at walk and trot, turns and backing up. If possible it also helps to view the horse ridden in walk, trot, canter and turns.
Massage
A typical massage session will last around an hour, I will work on both sides of the horse and incorporate different massage techniques and stretches into the routine as required. Most horses quickly become accustomed to massage and often yawn, lick and chew, close their eyes and sway in time to the strokes! For those who are a little more reticent I will massage as much as possible and leave you with follow up exercises to get them used to it. My approach is very calm and quiet and I will never shout at your horse or force him if he is not comfortable.
At the end of the session I will leave you with relevant follow up exercises to work on between sessions to gain the the most out of the programme.
Post Massage
After a massage session it is best to provide the horse with some gentle follow up exercise, this could be leading in hand for 10-15 minutes, a quiet hack or working in the schooling keeping the exercise big and easy. I am happy to provide a workout sheet with exercises to use following massage, these are similar to the work you would usually do when warming your horse up.