Core Equine - Complementary Therapies for Horse and Rider
“The vet also commented on the speed of his recovery, which I put down to Shiatsu… I thoroughly recommend it as a therapy to try.”
Kate – Goudhurst, Kent, talking about Herbie
Welcome to Core Equine, a Craniosacral, Reiki and Shiatsu practice run by Amanda Davy to offer complementary therapies to horse and rider.
Whilst conventional medicine plays an important role in the welfare of animals, complementary therapies are becoming increasingly important to our animals’ care, promoting and maintaining their wellbeing.
Equine Craniosacral, Reiki and Shiatsu can offer alternatives to owners looking to enhance the health and well-being of their horses, encouraging an environment which allows their bodies to function as nature intended.
“I thoroughly recommend Amanda who has a fantastic way of connecting with the horse, and also makes me as an owner feel valued and part of a team.“
Laura Williams – Guildford, Surrey
Shiatsu
Shiatsu (pronounced ‘shee-at-soo’) is a hands-on touch therapy based upon the principles of Chinese medicine. Whilst still very much a grass roots therapy in the Western world, its origins date back to the turn of the century.
It is often likened to acupuncture without the needles but the use of acupressure points only forms part of a treatment. Elements of physiotherapy and chiropractic techniques are combined to offer a full body therapy to work at both a physical and emotional level, embodying the philosophy that ensuring the free flow of energy throughout the body promotes well-being and relaxation.
A wide range of conditions can benefit from a Shiatsu treatment. General symptoms of stress and poor health, as well as more specific issues and injuries can all be addressed.
Shiatsu is
- A wonderful therapy for promoting relaxation and alleviating the build-up of stress.
- A deeply relaxing experience that can help to calm the mind and effectively release muscular tension.
- A therapy that works on the whole body, focusing on the underlying cause as opposed to just specific symptoms.
- Able to prevent energetic imbalances developing and leading to symptoms of discomfort and illness thereby promoting the body’s ability to heal itself.
Reiki
Reiki (pronounced ‘ray-key’) is an ancient system of energy therapy founded by a Japanese monk, Mikao Usui, in the late 19th century. The word itself translates to ‘Universal (Rei) Life Force Energy (Ki)’ and is based on the belief that energy flows through all living things. If this energy becomes blocked it is believed that illness or stress will occur.
Working with the body’s own energy, Reiki is a non-invasive therapy that is applied either via a gentle touch or off body. By stimulating the body’s natural healing ability through a process of relaxation, it can enable animals that are physically and emotionally sensitive to find balance and a sense of calm.
Whilst it can help a variety of conditions, Reiki is particularly useful in cases where an animal is suffering emotionally or from stress.
Reiki can
- Help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Help calm scared, nervous animals.
- Be used alongside other conventional or complementary treatment.
- Be extremely useful in cases where animals are particularly scared or nervous.
Craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral therapy was developed by a human osteopath, Dr. William Sutherland, over 100 years ago. With proven success in the human world, it has gradually extended to the anatomy of other animals including horses, proving successful in a wide range of conditions ranging from headshaking, lameness, and Temporomandibular joint issues.
Craniosacral therapy works by using touch to enhance the function of the craniosacral system, a system consisting of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This system connects to the bones of the skull, vertebrae, sacrum, and pelvis. By removing restrictions from these areas, the body can make the necessary changes to enhance overall wellbeing and performance. The uniqueness of Craniosacral lies in the fact it appreciates the importance of the cranium and its impact on the rest of the body.
Craniosacral is
- A unique therapy that addresses the whole body, including the head
- Able to assist in common equine related issues such as headshaking
- Non-invasive and can promote relaxation
- Able to address performance related issues by seeking to rebalance the whole body
“My horse Toby is so much more supple after his Shiatsu sessions. As soon as he starts to feel inflexible I call on Amanda. He really responds to a session and the day after is back to his usual self. My trainer has commented on how his dressage has come along in leaps and bounds.”
Lucy Goldman – Yateley, Hampshire
About Amanda Davy
Horses have played a key part in Amanda’s life from an early age; growing up in the New Forest meant horses were never far away. Even when a career in finance took her away from the area, horses have remained a passion.
Amanda discovered Animal Reiki through Kathleen Prasad (Animal Reiki Source) and, together with Equine Craniosacral and Shiatsu, has been able to combine her passion for horses with a keen interest in alternative therapies.
Training and professional registration
- Three years Equine Shiatsu training with the School of Equine Shiatsu, Sussex. Regular attendance at CPD events.
- Animal Reiki teacher trained in the Let Animals Lead® Method by Kathleen Prasad.
- Craniosacral training with Maureen Rogers.
- Level 1 training with Holistic Horseworks (April Battles).
- Registered practitioner and friend of the Equine Shiatsu Association (tESA).
- Fully insured with Balens Limited for all practiced therapies.
“Although I don’t understand either Reiki or Shiatsu I can’t recommend them enough as a way to help your horse stay happy and healthy.”
Sarah Symonds – Great Bookham, Surrey
Treatments
First sessions last around 90 minutes, giving time for a full case history and assessment of your horse. The length of subsequent sessions is dictated by your horse and will vary according to its needs on the day, anything up to an hour can be expected. Shorter sessions however do not mean less success: horses are highly sensitive to energy work and will take what they need at the time.
Some horses will benefit from a few sessions in close succession, whilst others continue to do well with less frequent but regular ‘top-up’ sessions. Your horse’s wellbeing and behaviour will help to determine its ongoing therapy plan.
Sessions are quiet and peaceful to allow your horse to relax
As peaceful an environment as possible should be sought to allow your horse to feel at ease and, wherever possible, not interfere with its daily routine. Ideally, working the same day should be avoided and a day off afterwards is preferable to allow the body time for processing. You may notice your horse drinks more water than usual to help flush out toxins from the body.
As complementary therapies, neither Craniosacral, Reiki nor Shiatsu are substitutes for proper veterinary care. They offer a solution not a cure and veterinary consent is required in all cases. If your horse is ill or suffering from a known condition, veterinary care should be sought prior to any session. Providing the vet is happy, these therapies can then be offered alongside conventional treatment.
“After his first Shiatsu session he transformed. As soon as we let him out into his field he joined the rest of the herd and started running around. He was even seen grooming the others and being groomed himself.”
Kate, Goudhurst, Kent
Prices
Initial Consultation and Treatment £60
Follow up treatments £50
Yard demonstrations
In addition to private sessions, yard demonstrations are available, providing owners with a chance to see Shiatsu and Reiki in action and to learn some simple, yet highly effective, techniques to help their horse with any muscular and energetic issues.
Sessions for owners and riders
A seated Shiatsu session for owners and riders can be received at your yard if there is somewhere quiet to set up a Shiatsu chair.
Reiki for other animals
Reiki treatments are also available for other animals, if you’d like to know more please let me know.
Find out more
For details of any of the above, or if you have any other questions, please get in touch.
“Having had Shiatsu sessions for my mare Tara every two months for over a year now I have noticed marked improvements in her flexibility and movement. Others who ride her have also commented on how she flows more freely. As she doesn’t have any other therapies I can only attribute this to Shiatsu and the regular sessions she enjoys with Amanda.”
Adele Sutton – Yateley, Hampshire