Hi, My name is Maria and I would like to thank you for taking the time to look at my website!
My path to Equine Massage wasn’t straightforward. (You can read my story here: My path to equine massage).
It took me years to finally believe in my gift and clarify what I really love to do and I love to massage horses! I love making them feel good and relaxed and helping them to be their best! As they say, a happy horse is a good horse!
I think we don’t even realise how much they communicate with us every day. While we work with them and groom them. How much they remember, feel and how it’s affecting their behaviour.
I wasn’t lucky enough to have my own horse, but I think that is to my advantage as I can see them now without filters. I see behaviour and in my mind it’s related to something. It’s not just a “naughty horse”. It’s a horse in pain. It’s a horse with coping mechanisms. Just like babies, they show us signs. Our role is to learn their language and this is what my journey is about.
The photo above is from my trip to Campbelltown in May 2021. It was a stunning trip on horseback. Cliffs, a beach full of cows (I was so scared!), cantering through the fields and then lunchtime with horses walking around us 🙂 It was the first time when I did an unintentional massage. Just simply stroking the top of the horse’s neck. I wasn’t sure what had happened when the owner said. “You almost sent my horse to sleep!”
Then I did it again and again. And it was amazing. The responses from the horses and the bond that I build with them! When you massage the horse for months and then it’s running to you from the end of the field, you know you did a good job! And it’s not any pony. It’s a Shetland! which would turn her back at me when I met her at the beginning!
Then I realised that I really want to massage horses, read their body language, feel their tension, and release it. To be able to do that I needed proper learning.
I started Equine Sport and Rehabilitation Massage Therapist Course with Wolds Equine Rehabilitation & Training. IAAMB / ACWT Approved Education Provider, UK Rural Skills Accredited.
Over the course of a year, I completed 4 course modules (Equine Anatomy and Physiology, The Muscular System, Introduction to Massage, Massage Treatments and Business and Marketing Strategies) each with coursework assessments, as well as practical training days. I also completed case studies which are detailed practical treatments. Finally, I completed a practical treatment exam and a written examination for both of which I received Distinction pass rates.
During the last 6 months, I decided to extend my practice under Student Insurance and I worked on over thirty horses and I have done over 70 hours of massage. I will always be grateful for the experience practice gave me and now I can start a new chapter with you.
I hope you and your horse will join me.
Maria