What does Equine Bowen Therapy treat?

As with Human Bowen Therapy, E.B.T. addresses the horse as a whole being rather than just treating the problem that is presenting. It is not intended to be a replacement for your Veterinary Surgeon. However, conditions which have responded very well to E.B.T. are:

Muscle atrophy Disunited gait Shoulder restrictions Deterioration in performance Sluggish lymphatic system Aggression Unlevelness Hamstring strains

Anxiety Lack of concentration Muscle spasm Filled legs Back discomfort Rotated pelvis Loss of interest in work

Please note that I am only able to treat your horse after you have gained permission from your vet.

What can I expect?

I will begin by taking/updating a case history which will allow me to tailor the treatment to suit your horse's particular requirements and to enable me to assess any changes that may occur week by week. Your horse's static conformation will be examined before treatment begins and photographs for reference purposes may be taken. If atrophy is present at the withers, a flexicurve measurement will be taken before the session begins so that muscle development can be determined prior to each treatment. I may also ask to see your saddle. Your horse's dynamic conformation will be observed and this will involve him needing to be walked and trotted several times before I begin. You may be asked to ride your horse to allow me to see any potential problems. I usually like to spend a few minutes with the horse before I start as a way of building up mutual trust and I always insist that the owner or owner's representative be present during a treatment. This is so they can assist me if necessary and so that I can discuss my findings and observations as they happen. When I feel the horse is ready for E.B.T. to begin, I will palpate him all over his body to aid me with my initial assessment.

During E.B.T. I will give the horse ‘breaks' so that his body has time to respond to the moves that have taken place. Sometimes horses need to have a longer break during Bowen sessions and they are usually very quick to show me if they are ready for more treatment – or not! I would usually expect each treatment to last for approximately one hour but the horse does dictate the overall length of our session.

How do horses respond to Equine Bowen Therapy?

All horses have individual personalities and so, potentially, can respond differently to one another. Some drink buckets of water during a treatment; some go to sleep, whereas others become highly energised. Some horses become very impatient, particularly during the breaks, and paw the ground. Some lick and chew whilst others kick and bite! A very common reaction is to see the veins, especially on the belly, face and legs, stand out as the horse's circulation is stimulated. Cold legs and feet often feel warm during the session and sometimes the hair on the barrel stands up in distinctive ‘tiger' stripes. Most horses urinate and defecate during or shortly after a Bowen session. Horses will often watch me as I perform the moves and some try to look or bite at the area on their body where my hands have been.

How soon after a treatment can I ride?

I always suggest that you do not ride your horse for at least two days after his Bowen session but recommend that he be turned out as much as possible.

How will my horse react after Bowen?

Due to the release of lactic acid from his muscles, he may look and feel stiff for a few days after his treatment and he may be grumpy. An aftercare sheet will be given to you which will allow your horse to get the most from his treatment and which will help you to deal with the possible responses he may have. I am more than happy for clients to telephone me if they have any concerns.

How will I know if my horse feels better?

This does, of course, depend upon what your initial concerns were. If your horse had, for example, a disunited canter, then you would know fairly quickly if that problem had been resolved. If, on the other hand, your horse had been treated with E.B.T. as part of his healthcare regime and there weren't any specific concerns, you would probably feel, as other riders have reported, that your horse is more energised and willing to work.

As a rider, would I benefit from Bowen Therapy?

Yes! After getting your horse's body back into balance it makes sense to ensure that your body is working properly as well. When working as a team with your horse, if one of you has a problem it will negatively affect the other.

How much does it cost?

Treatments are £35 per session. I do offer discounts for treating more than two horses at a time on the same yard and for treating horses and their riders. However, if I have to travel more than 20 miles to reach you, extra travel costs may be incurred.

How do I make an appointment?

You can contact me by telephone or email info@justbowentherapy.co.uk