Equestrian Shiatsu - A Shiatsu Session

A typical Shiatsu session begins with taking a very full case history including many questions relating to the horse’s attitude to work, people, other horses and to its environment. Details of past and current medical problems will be noted along with information on feeding, worming and work regime. I will look at the horse in its stable, see it walked & trotted up & possibly ridden. This very detailed information allows me to build a picture of the energetic qualities of the horse and indicate which meridians I wish to work.

I will then carry out a body sweep, feeling for areas of heat, cold and particular sensitivity whilst allowing the horse to become accustomed to my touch. I will often start work around the back, initially using palm & then finger pressure where I will hold each point for around 3-5 seconds. I will then move on to working the chosen meridians using pressure appropriate to the receiver - horses are very quick to tell me if the pressure is too strong & will lean in if they require more. I will include stretches and rotations to the legs and tail, with the angles of stretch varying to affect different meridians. Stretches help to loosen up the limbs and abdominal muscles, and horses often really enjoy this work. Shiatsu is a holistic therapy so I work the whole of the horse’s body, not just the area where the owner thinks there is a problem. I will usually finish with some relaxing techniques on the face or tail.

During a session, the horse will often become very relaxed, looking sleepy with soft eyes, lowered head and droopy ears and lips. Sometimes there will be licking and chewing and/or yawning, sighs, stretching and urinating. Other horses might appear less convinced, remaining alert and unwilling to “let go” - it's not easy for some horses (or people) initially to accept touch therapies, but (s)he will be given time to learn gradually that Shiatsu is a good thing. It’s important to remember that, since Shiatsu works on both an emotional and physical level, it can stir up all sorts of difficult feelings and it is essential for the horse to be given time after a shiatsu session to adjust to any body changes. Some of them like to lie in their stables & rest whilst others may roll or wish to try out their new supple body!

Owners may be asked to carry out some small massage or stretching work on a daily basis between treatments and this will be explained and demonstrated to them as appropriate. This would normally take around 10-15 minutes per day but If this work proves to be too onerous for the owner it is possible to arrange a period of rehabilitation livery at my own stables.