I have been fortunate enough to live and work around horses all my life, having grown up around point-to-pointers/hunters trained by my mother. Consequently I have gained experience in a variety of equine disciplines over the years.
I first sat on a pony at the age of 2 and progressed from there, joining my local pony club branch and competing in all the usual pony club activities, camps, rallies etc. I later competed in most disciplines and became particularly keen on eventing but, after several years of ODE's, huntertrials, teamchasing, it was a ride in the morpeth hunt members race on my 15.1hh event mare that swayed me to point-to-pointing. I subsequently went on to run a small yard of pointers/hunters and producing youngsters as well as re-educating so called problem horses (something which I find particularly rewarding).
A few years later I decided I should broaden my experience and spent time in Lambourn and Oxfordshire working in a variety of yards including national hunt, stud and rehabilitation yards before returning to Northumberland.
Although rehabilitation for horses has always been a particular interest of mine, it was my spell in Lambourn that prompted me to learn more and find out what was needed to become an Equine Sports Massage Therapist (something suggested to me by a friend). After firstly studying and qualifying in human anatomy, physiology and massage (as well as aromatherapy for humans) - gaining an ITEC Dip, I went on to study equine sports massage therapy with the world renowned physiotherapist, Mary Bromiley FCSP, SRP, RPT (USA) based in Somerset, which was, without doubt, one of the best things I have ever done.
On successfully qualifying as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist - again gaining an ITEC Dip in this chosen field, I became a member of the Equine Sports Massage Association (ESMA), members of which are experienced horsemen/women also qualified in human massage and who, like me, studied the equine aspect with Mary Bromiley. The ESMA ensures that the client receives a professional service from a fully qualified and insured therapist.
