Hazelnut Equine Soft Tissue Therapy

06/09/2026

What is the difference between Soft Tissue therapy and Osteopathy?

🐴 Soft Tissue Therapy:

Works primarily with the horse’s muscles and soft tissues to reduce tension, improve circulation and flexibility, and support healthy movement and recovery.

🐴Equine Osteopathy:

Takes a whole-body approach to the horse, assessing posture, movement and the musculoskeletal system to identify areas of restriction or dysfunction and support better balance and movement.

03/09/2026

Working through the hamstrings and gastrocnemius ✨️

This is one area I really like to spend some extra time on, especially with horses that are in regular work.

These muscles have such an important job when it comes to the horse using the hind end, pushing forwards and creating that power from behind. So it’s definitely an area where we can pick up tension, particularly when horses are working harder, building strength or perhaps compensating somewhere else.

When I’m working through here I’m feeling for any differences between the two sides, changes in muscle tone, little areas of tension and also watching how the horse responds as I go.

It’s not always about finding something dramatically “wrong”. Sometimes it’s simply about helping those hardworking muscles feel a little better and keeping the horse comfortable in their work. Definitely one of my favourite areas to massage 🙌

24/08/2026

How do you know when to book a soft tissue therapy 🤔
🐴 Before a problem develops — as part of regular maintenance, especially for horses in consistent work.
🏇 After increased workload — competitions, jumping, XC, intensive schooling, or a sudden increase in exercise
💪 When you notice stiffness or changes in movement — reduced suppleness, reluctance to bend, shortened stride, difficulty engaging the hindquarters, or resistance to certain movements.
😴 After periods of rest — when returning to work after a holiday, illness, or reduced exercise.
Around competitions — ideally allowing enough recovery time rather than treating immediately before strenuous work.
🔄 As part of rehabilitation — alongside veterinary/physio guidance where there is an injury or diagnosed condition.
🧘 For general maintenance — sessions can help identify areas of muscular tension before they become more significant.

Useful rule: Don't wait until the horse is obviously sore. Regular assessment can help pick up subtle changes early.
For a horse in regular work, the appropriate frequency depends on workload, age, conformation, previous injuries and individual response—there isn't one schedule that suits every horse.

An example:
My observation with Hazel.
I listen what she tell me.
Her signs are:
🐴 She puts her muzzle in my palms and doesn't move
🐴 Posture - especially hindquarters
🐴 After the feed she walks away to the farest corners of the field instead of hanging out around me
🐴 Reluctant/unwilling to load

She is a pony who needs a session every 4 weeks ✨️

21/08/2026

13/08/2026

Soft tissue therapy is not a quick fix. For horses, multiple sessions are often recommended to achieve the best results, allowing the body time to respond and adapt.
To support your horse’s ongoing wellbeing and progress, I offer the following treatment packages:

🐴 Single session - 1 hour Soft Tissue therapy session -£50

A full 60 minute session tailored to your horse's individual needs, focusing on areas of muscular tension, restriction and imbalance 🙌

Package Options
Multiple-session packages are available for horses who may benefit from ongoing treatment. Packages are designed to support a consistent approach and allow time for the horse’s body to respond and adapt.
Please note: Packages must be paid in full on the day of the first treatment session 🙏🐴

🐴 2 sessions to be used within 1 month £90 (save £10)

🐴 4 sessions to be used within 3 months £180 (save £20)

🐴 6 sessions to be used within 5 months £270 (save £30)

08/08/2026

Sponsoring Charity Show on the 15th of August,
Class 25 - Ridden Hunter/ Hunter pony 🥰
https://facebook.com/events/s/m-s-charity-show-2026/953598300332510/

02/08/2026

It was a true privilege to meet Monty Roberts. Rest in peace to one of the greatest horsemen the world has known.
His kindness, wisdom, and horsemanship inspired countless people and changed the lives of horses and humans alike.
His legacy will live on for generations.
I like to think he is with Shy Boy now, reunited with the horse who helped inspire so many...

29/07/2026

Worth a read ! Copied from my tutor post - veterinary physio Olivia Renshaw 🙌

The tongue 👅

🚫 A little hyoid release myth I’d love to bust! One thing we don’t teach our students is to take hold of a horse’s tongue and pull it out to one side.

It’s attached to the delicate hyoid apparatus and surrounded by important muscles, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. Pulling on the tongue can place unnecessary strain on these structures, particularly if the horse resists or suddenly moves its head. It’s simply not a risk worth taking.

Instead, we gently rest two fingers in the safe area of the mouth and allow the horse to choose the movement. Many horses will naturally open their mouth, yawn, stretch their tongue, move it from side to side, or gently mobilise their jaw. Because they’re in control, they decide how far they want to stretch and when they’ve had enough.

For me, that’s a far kinder and more evidence-based approach. Rather than forcing movement, we simply provide the opportunity for the horse to release naturally, respecting the delicate anatomy of the hyoid region and allowing the horse to dictate what feels comfortable. Please think twice if you have been pulling the tongue 🙏

27/07/2026

🚜 Please don’t be tempted by the stubble fields just yet! With harvest well underway, we’re starting to see more and more stubble fields. I know they look perfect for a good canter or gallop, but after weeks of dry weather, a lot of them are actually rock hard underneath.

The stubble itself doesn’t provide any cushioning. In fact, the ground below is usually uneven, with wheel ruts, hidden holes and no give at the moment. Every stride creates greater concussive forces through your horse’s feet and limbs, increasing the risk of jarring, bruising and unnecessary strain on tendons and ligaments. I know a stubble field might look inviting, but until we’ve had some decent rain to soften the ground, it’s one I’d personally avoid for faster work 🐎💨

I prefer softer forest path instead 💚🌅