About Sarah

Therapies & Saddle Fitting Testimonials

Vanessa

Sarah is a god send!! Before she came to save my poor horse I was riding him in what I thought where 'bargain' saddles off Trade Me. Little did I know the damage these cheap saddles where doing to my horse. My horse was bucking all the time, stopping at jumps smaller that 65cm and he was just so unhappy being ridden!!! He wasn't moving forward properly and was hollowing his back and making his trot impossible to sit to.

You should see him now - he flies over 1metre, only bucks when hes a bit frisky and having a good time, and is moving beautifully. I am not on a massive income but the money spent sorting out my horse's issues with Sarah was so worth it. The amount of people who told me he was a no hoper have eaten their words as i've cleaned up show jumping whilst they have gone home empty handed! Man it felt so good to beat them!!! She is great with all animals and I would highly recommend her to everyone who loves their horse!!

Thanks so much for your help, I mean every word of this testimonial, you are awesome!! Regards, Vanessa.

Michelle Smith

I bought a horse that was quiet and suitable for return to riding person who also gets a bit nervous. Previous owner had two chiropractors check her back before I bought her and they stated she had no issues. I start riding at home and after about 10 rides she developed lumps on either side of saddle.

Horse got turned out for a couple of months to eliminate lumps (luckily not sores!). I then got Sarah Linton on the job to sort saddle. Wow! My horse looked like an elderly tb with a sway back when we started, Sarah said that this horse had had saddle issues for years and the sway back came from that issue. We also discovered she had worm drench resistance. At first she was anti the massage but over several visits from Sarah and about 3 months of regular massage that Sarah taught me to do, she now loves her back rubs, no longer has the marish “don’t touch my tummy”, digests her feed better and doesn’t leave cow pats at the other end! Oh and she is gorgeous looking. Unfortunately the down side to this is she no longer thinks she is 17 but instead 6.

She has also learnt she can rear in the paddock (something she had not done in the 6 months prior to getting Sarah) and rather than the pull out of the paddock every so often to ride and be fine she now needs regular work! Just goes to show how powerful massages and stretches are!

Sarah goes out of her way to help you and your steed, she will tell you exactly how it is no glossing over things, she can give advice on all aspects – nutrition, feet, saddling, bridling etc she teaches the movements so that you can do the homework and learn to read your horses reactions, she also taught me some safety commands when riding and she is always contactable by email (I found very handy as I could relay what she was like each time I worked on her if there was something I was not sure about).

Thanks Sarah for everything, just a shame the horse is now not right for me personally but she will give someone else a wonderful time now.

Amy Lockyer

I admit to making the mistake that I’m sure many people do. When I first got my five year old WB mare, I bought a couple of saddles on TradeMe. Knowing the saddles didn’t really fit I thought they’d be fine for a short while, after all she was going to change shape as she matured and muscled-up. What I didn’t realise was that the saddles were causing her discomfort, which manifested in a series of behavioural issues.

At first she was just a bit girthy, which developed into her pinning her ears back and barring her teeth when she saw a saddle. When she started walking off when I tried to mount, I knew I had to get the saddles sorted.

Sarah was great. She was diplomatic and holistic in her approach. The passion she has for horses and their happiness was obvious from the start. Sarah gave me essential oils and showed me massage techniques and stretches to remove the tension in my horse’s muscles. For several weeks, while Sarah helped me find a new saddle, I worked my horse in-hand and rode her bareback. During this time, with the massaging and stretching as well, my horse became much happier and relaxed in the stable.

It didn’t take too long after starting to ride again, with the new saddle and hand-cut shimmies that Sarah made me, for my horse’s behaviour to completely turnaround. Now, one year on, I have a great relationship with my horse and her performance under saddle is much improved – she is so happy and loves her work.

Sadly, my horse had a bad fence accident just recently, injuring three legs, but Sarah helped out again with massage, Bioptron Light Therapy and homeopathic sprays. The Bioptron Light Therapy worked a treat on the edema, which the vet told me could be permanent. One week after treatment, the swelling was nearly completely gone.

A ‘Big Thank You’ to Sarah for all her help. No one appreciates it more than my horse!

Susan Reid

I first meet Sarah at a massage course a few years ago, Sarah was very interesting to talk to as she had done human massage and was studying other therapies as well. A year or so on from there I contacted her about one of our endurance horses we were having performance problems with.

Luckily Sarah was going to the same Endurance ride we were so she agreed to look at the two horses we had there. After chatting for awhile Sarah was keen to help strap with us during that 160km ride and work on our horses in hold times.

Since then Sarah has been an integral part of our strapping team at most of the championship and long distance rides. Once vetted, Sarah gives the horses a light massage, talking with the rider about any tight spots or other problem areas that may be appearing with the aim of getting out onto the next loop in great shape. Once the horse has finished the ride and rested for awhile Sarah will give them a thorough going over.

AA Oscar loves the time Sarah spends with him and he shows it, and this year our young AA Sabatage followed her around the yard for more attention too.

Unfortunately we live so far from Sarah that we cannot use her services for our horses in between the rides, so really appreciate the time she gives us when we are at long distance rides.

We have also benefited from her knowledge of homeopathic remedies, on another occasion one of our horses came in off a loop covered in lumps (hives), no one knew what it was. Along came Sarah with a homeopathic remedy and by the next loop the lumps had almost gone.

We have been impressed by the recovery of our horses following distance rides when Sarah has worked on them, even after often long drives home we find the horses relaxed and free moving the next day.

We would recommend Sarah Linton Equine Alternatives to all other endurance riders for their horses.

Susan Reid, North Island and National Endurance Champion 2009-2010 season

Jane, Emma & Jazz

Well where to start. We have a beautiful Kaimanawa mare that is normally very placid. When she started bucking and behaving badly it was recommended I seek the advise of a “saddle fitter”.

I didn’t want “just anyone” who claimed to fit saddles, I needed to know that the person who came actually “knew what they were doing”. Nor did I want someone who was going to tell me “only his or her saddle” would fit. In other words, I wanted a totally independent assessment without bias towards a particular brand or seller.

As they say “Google is your friend”. I found Sarah via this method, although her name had also been mentioned at pony club. The website was comprehensive and, most important to me, Sarah listed her qualifications, courses she had undertaken and her background.

Appointment duly made for Sarah’s next visit to The ‘Naki. My worst fears confirmed – an ill-fitting saddle was causing many of our problems. But even better, Sarah took a holistic approach to the pony’s welfare. A comprehensive report was provided, a massage given and advise on what type of saddle we needed to be looking for.

Sarah came back numerous times, trying saddle, after saddle, after saddle for us. Each visit narrowed the range and type further to the point it came down to two brands. The choice of final purchase came down to me. Sarah solely pointed out the “pro’s and con’s” of each.

I would not hesitate to recommend Sarah to anyone needing the range of services she offers (in fact I am always passing her name along). The pony is now back to her beautiful placid self with no buck or bad behaviour in sight. My daughter has regained the confidence she lost through the “bucking” period and is now trusting the pony to go kindly. Sarah also taught us how to massage the pony and gave us exercises to do to help rebuild lost muscle.

Sarah is a lovely woman who genuinely cares about, not only the horses she treats, but also the people she comes in contact with. She educates without lecturing and listens.

Thank you Sarah for all your efforts on our behalf, it has been very much appreciated.

Mary Pagnamenta

Sarah is a talented, intuitive and knowledgeable therapist who approaches her work with a high degree of professionalism and attention to detail: she is moreover a wise and experienced ‘horseperson’ who knows and understands how horses tick.

I came to her with an uptight, anxious little horse who went round with his knees under his chin and was unable to stretch at all. After one session he started to relax and stretch in walk. Now his best marks in his tests are for his free walk and his ‘stretchy’ trot and the judge recently commented on the softness and regularity of his paces. We could have gone round in circles for years and never achieved this without Sarah’s input.

Sarah de Geest

Sarah I was amazed in the difference you made in Harry. By teaching me carrot stretches etc, and working on him to achieve strength and suppleness .This was one sore irritated horse who had been held in an outline resulting in loss of muscle in areas he needed to carry a rider.

Things don’t happen overnight, but the results are worth it. Soon this horse looked to be massaged and stretched, he was very relaxed. Where as before he loathed being touched .Manuela MacLean noticed how much calmer he was. Plus how his movement had improved from a stiff ex racehorse to a happy rideable horse.

Just like athletes great preparation teamed with building your horses muscles creates a happy rideable horse. Make it enjoyable for both of you get Sarah to access and you wont look back! Thanks heaps Sarah!

Jenna Vandenberg

Sarah was William's last chance! William is a thoroughbred gelding, 14yrs. This horse was very sore through his Lumbar Vertebrae area for quite some time. I’ve had the Vets out to him (followed their advice), listened to a couple of others, but still no improvement in this horse.

It got to the point where I thought there was nothing that was going to help William. I rang Sarah, who was very helpful and came out to examine him. With her patience and expertise Sarah demonstrated and explained to me what was going on with my horse.

Within 3 sessions Sarah had me back riding my horse. Without Sarah’s help this would have not been possible in my situation. Many thanks Sarah.

Sharee Bradley

My lovely horse Tane, bucked me off one day, I thought he was being "naughty', so on recommendation I got Sarah out to look at his back, saddle etc. I can honestly say without Sarah's help I would have sold this horse on, as much as I loved him.

Tane had a very sore back, possibly due to the fact he is an EXTREMELY odd shaped horse, and getting a saddle to fit him would be a mission, but Sarah has spent hours with me each visit, making pads etc, and giving me the odd riding lesson here and there!!

The massage homework I have been taught is obviously working because we are well on the road to recovery!! Tane is a much happier horse, and we are enjoying our time together more!!

Sarah opened my eyes to a whole lot of things I would never have noticed, with saddle fitting, back soreness on your horse etc. I would HIGHLY recommend Sarah to anyone novice or experienced.

Julie Paton

Having witnessed my yearling tumble down a sizable ridge and the ensuing months of her hobbling around, it seemed unlikely she would ever recover. At the most I hoped Sarah could relieve her of some of her pain and anxiety. What I didn’t expect was Sarah’s unfaltering determination to improve Legend’s lot all round.

How exciting (and what a relief!) to find someone who was as concerned for my horse as I was. Legend has better movement now and to see her skylark around the paddock is a huge pleasure. One can only imagine what could have been achieved if I had known about Sarah earlier.

The word that springs to mind through this whole experience is Homework! More rewarding than anything I did at high school! Thanks for working your magic Sarah, I have learned a lot and I look forward to continuing our association.

Leigh-Ann Hill

Sarah first started treating my horse Ted in November of 2009, after lots of arguments & frustration with him, threatening to put him on the DT truck. I brought Ted five years ago - now 18 -who is by Ironclad, after he’d been out of work for over six months. His mane was down to the bottom of his neck, and tail dragging on the ground.

It took me months to be able to canter him on just one circle, as he bucked & pig rooted etc, sometimes refusing to go forward, only backwards, tripping up. He had previously done everything including pony club with the old owner's teenage daughter, but started to get less work & got away with blue murder.

I inherited these bad habits, although he’s dream to handle on the ground, coming to the conclusion that when he was younger his muscles were thrashed along with bad fitting saddles, which brought on all the problems I was having to deal with.

On moving back to Manawatu I enlisted the help of someone to treat Ted’s muscle. Although things went good to start with, putting me onto a new saddle to fit Ted, (especially since I’ve never been the best with fitting saddles) but they soon became unreliable and too hard to get out. After leaving it for a while, he got worse again, with me becoming angrier with him. I scoured around looking for someone else to treat Ted, and found Sarah’s website.

On her first visit she took one look at my saddle on him and said never to ride in it again, as it didn’t fit and never had in fact. He had about six weeks off and only got light work on the lunge, including treatments from sarah and me doing the homework she gave me to do on him. In the meantime I hunted for a new saddle, ending up with a Wintec Wide on the widest gullet.

My first ride in the saddle was amazing as he was back to the old self that I knew existed somewhere inside, finally a fun horse to ride. Continuing with both Sarah treating him and me doing the homework, he is much better than he used to be, having changed down a gullet size due to muscle increasing both up and out. He’s definitely a much happier horse to ride although still challenging as he’s not the easiest horse to ride. So both of us have a lot to thank Sarah for.

Celia and Jessica James

We would be happy to recommend Sarah to anybody whose horse is not performing at their best.

Sarah is very professional, friendly, fun and has an excellent understanding and rapport with horses. her extensive knowledge in the areas of saddle fitting and equine therapies have been invaluable. We really appreciated all the effort Sarah went to in assisting us to find two new saddles and assess and treat three of our horses, at very reasonable cost. It has made a huge improvement to their performance and general wellbeing. Thankyou Sarah!!

Jessica Wood

"Thank you so much for all of your help, and helping me find saddles that fit both my horses which bring them comfort, and teaching me on what to look for when it comes to fitting a saddle to my horses.

Just another few words in grateful appreciation from both myself Ruffy and Echo for all the massages they have received. You have played a beneficial role in Echos training. Thank you Sarah and I know Ruffy and Echo will be eagerly awaiting their next massage." I would say that In most cases, a "massage" is worth a thousand words…in Sarah's case, aaahhhh is priceless !”

Sarah Schnell

I would like to take the time to thank Sarah Linton for the great work she has done on my horse. Sarah has been nothing but professional, helpful and extremely proactive in helping with an injury and also with saddle fittings for my mare.

She went way out of her way to help me find a saddle that was suitable. She listened to my needs and wants for the type of saddle I was after and ended up finding a great, well fitted saddle. Sarah is punctual and always able to accommodate me when my horse needs to be seen. She is easy to communicate with and always has plenty of advice to offer on how to maximise your horse’s performance. Thank you Sarah for all your help.

Jane Ferguson

I first met Sarah in late 2005 after moving to the Wairarapa when she was recommended to me by a mutual friend. At the time I had a rather difficult, but very good looking chestnut tb.

Cruise had raced and hence was easy to keep fit and muscle up, but he was also a little weak through the loin area and needed regular maintenance to keep him happy as we were starting to compete in both eventing and endurance/CTRs. Sarah took a very thorough case-history before starting work on him, and I was impressed with her skills, care, and professionalism (as well as being very good value for money!). Since then I have moved onto another horse, starting competing more seriously in endurance, (plus still dabbling in lower level eventing, showing, and dressage), and still book her on a regular basis. I have used numerous equine therapists in a range of modalities over the past eight years, and have found Sarah to be probably the best I've experienced. I was initially a little sceptical about some of her treatments (esp aromatherapy which was new to me), but was quite amazed (and amused) by how the horses reacted and responded to it. I can thoroughly recommend Sarah to both the pleasure rider, and the more serious competitor who may be looking for a kind, skilled, and knowledgeable therapist to help keep their horses happy and healthy.

Eileen Woodcock and Little Joe

I would just like to thank Sarah for her help with my little Harness pony Joe. Joe had a bad bout of Laminitis which came right after a long period of time, but was left looking very sorry for himself not walking freely around his paddock - back and quarters very stiff and generally not a happy little pony.

We had got to the stage where we thought that perhaps it would be kinder to let him go, when I remembered seeing Sarah give a demonstration on massage and preasure points with natural oils about 18 months prior to this Now I am fairly sceptical about this type of treatment but decided it was worth getting in touch with Sarah and giving her a chance. After the first session I noticed a slight change for the better and then after the 2nd time Little Joe finished the session and actually trotted around the paddock with me in fact even kicked up his hind legs. I have kept up the massage with oils myself with him and he is a completely different little pony. I can't thank Sarah enough for all the help and advice she have given us. Thanks

Anna Stephen Equesetrian

23 April 2004 - Sarah has been massaging my team of show jumpers since August 2003.

During this time I have found massage to be a very important factor in their preperation for major shows and since using Sarah, I have experienced great results. She is always cheerful and pleasant to have around, and has a great working relationship with all horses. I would highly recommend Sarah to anyone looking for a massage or alternative therapist for their horses.

Jo Armstrong - Instructor/ Dressage Trainer & Rider

Sarah has been working with my horses since June 2003 and I have found her to be very professional in the way she handles and treats them.

Sarah has worked on a range of different problems with the horses, as well as maintenance for competition all with good results. Sarah is always punctual and gives you records of her visits and treatments on each particular horse which is good to keep and refer back to. I feel Sarah has very good communicational skills and a great knowledge and passion for her field of work, I have no hesitations in recommending her skills.

Cherry Brown

I have known Sarah Linton since she and her husband David moved to Marangi Station at Tinui.

In the time That they have been here, I have needed to call on Sarah a number of times, not only to do some work on my horses but also on occasion I have needed her expertise on my own aches and pains due to a fall I had a while ago in which I hurt my back and neck. It is always interesting to watch Sarah in action when she is working on a horse, but when it comes to working on your body it's something that she does with great consideration. Not only can she locate the problem, she knows how to fix it while making you feel at ease. I would certainly recommend her to anyone who has problems with either their horses or their own body.

Richelle Roil

Dante is a very untrusting horse, so I was very surprised at her reactions toward Sarah. Dante has had massages before, so I jumped at the chance for her to have another, which is why I was surprised at the reactions and the softness towards Sarah, and the quick gaining of trust on Dante's behalf. I found the information very informative. Sarah explained everything as we went which most people would say either before or after, or for that matter give people notes and then just do what they think would be good for that person/animal. I felt very much a part of the whole process, as each step was taken, there would be more explanations as to why this or that was being down.

With Dante's timidity towards other people I was shocked and surprised at how quickly she responded to Sarah, she took about 10 minutes to settle down and at some stages couldn't help but want more. I have never seen Dante react this way before, her pupils enlarged, she became very relaxed and the stress on her face seemed to disappear.

The aromatherapy side of the massage was amazing, her reactions were fantastic. I wasn't sure what she would do or how she would react to the different smells but I needn't have worried. Dante couldn't get enough of Basil, Chamomile and Carrot seed, coming at Sarah like a shark, wanting more. She wanted to lick Sarah's hand and then keep going back for more, by this stage Dante was relaxed and Sarah was able to manipulate her muscles more. Although Dante has been an abused horse, and at times her past does show, I feel she has gained something out of today. She is still a very troubled horse but the reactions I have seen from her are just wonderful.

If Sarah had done this a few years ago Dante wouldn't have let Sarah near her. Dante has very positive results from today, she relaxed quicker and gave Sarah the benefit and trust she finds so hard to give. I would be more than happy to have Sarah return and try other oils on Dante - I would love to see more reactions from this beautiful horse. Thank you for the opportunity to see my beautiful girl in a different light.

Rebecca Upward

I know from experience how blissful a massage can be and if the expressions on Max's face are anything to go by it’s the same for him.

Sarah's knowledge of various therapies and use of oils are first rate and the passion she has for them ensure beneficial results. I believe her ministrations have contributed to Max's overall well being and good health. Max's enthusiasm for the oils saw him reach up and get the bottle off a very high shelf and then consume the contents. Max adores any oils that comes his way and tries to eat them making it very difficult to actually get them massaged onto him.

Nicole Reesby

Sarah Linton has been coming out and attending to my horses issues for many years now.

She has been amazing at picking up areas that are sore. Sarah has managed to help my horses using different techniques from massage, aromatherapy and the bioptron light. Sarah is always informative and teaches you along the way to help your horse as well.

Bryan Whitehead

I was very pleased to be asked to write a testimonial for Sarah Linton who is a natural Therapist both for people and animals. Sarah has attended and treated two of my Endurance horses over the past two years.

I have found her relaxed manner is transmitted to my horses, they respond to her techniques and she has the ability to communicate with them. She is very thorough with what she does, in massage, applying and selecting her aromatherapy oils, her follow ups and written history of each horse. The problem associated with my horses such as muscular body soreness, lameness and mud fever have responded well to her treatment and I would have no hesitation in recommending her for any animal problems.

Lisa Reid

I am a Dressage rider. My horse is Sonny, whom Sarah has regularly cared for since August 2004.

As dressage training can be quite demanding on the horse, I have found that regular massaging is beneficial for the horse as it relieves any tender areas that may be developing. I also use the acupressure points that Sarah provides along with homeopathic remedies such as Arnica. I have been using massage therapy for my horses for several years now and know one thing for sure – My horses love it!

Michelle Pike

Thank you Sarah for your time coming to massage Bensen. He moves a lot freer and is heaps more active in his trot work.

His jumping has improved almost instantly. He is not on his forehand anymore I believe that the reason is from him having the massages from you. Thank you so much for improving his comfort and my happiness.

Sharon Linton

I purchased my Arab X Quarter horse 5 years ago and for the first two years struggled to find a saddle to fit him, when I finally managed to get that right we had two years of back pain to get rid of.

Sarah had just started out with her massage and was requiring test cases Oscar seemed to fit the bill, I was amazed at the ease with which Oscar took to Sarah, it may sound strange but horses like her (which is not always the case with some "horse experts"). Oscar, myself and Sarah have developed a relationship which works well for all of us, in the sport of Endurance it is important that back, girth, hindquarter areas are all in tip top shape due to the fact that over 100km we see the vet 5 times and the slightest hint of soreness puts us out, at the recent N.Z Nationals held over Easter Oscar finished 12th out of 30 starters and I have no doubt that Sarah's help played a big part in that.

Ginni Thurston

I have had Sarah treat various horses with very different problems and temperaments.

I have found her to be very thorough in her background work and also researching more into extras that may be of assistance. Sarah is very patient with the horses and is always looking for the "why" into behavioural and temperamental issues. She is very prompt and willing to come at short notice for emergencies.

Melanie Hibbard

My horse has an old injury that can make his muscles tight and sore and he also has emotional problems that have also been caused by the injury. So the decision to get Sarah to have a look at him was very easy.

With all her experience in so many areas we could treat him on a physically and on an emotional level at the same time. I loved the fact that he chose the aromatherapy oils that he liked and needed. I also liked that Sarah showed my how to do it myself so that he could get the best benefit from ongoing regular treatment. She also showed me how to do acupressure points to release muscles and stress for him. If I was even a little bit unsure of this therapy as soon as I tried it you could tell that something was working as he would just freeze sort of like a trance and when he had had enough he would give his head a little flick. I was utterly amazed. He would tell me when I got it right and when he had had enough!! I have found all of the treatment to have amazing results and after every treatment I have received in the mail notes on what we had found and covered with that treatment so we can clearly follow his progress. The whole experience has been very professional and beneficial.

Nita Edwards

I have employed Sarah to massage my endurance horse after a long distance ride.

I have found that Miss Millie loved being massaged and was very relaxed and happy throughout the whole procedure, she also enjoyed the essential oils that Sarah used and I am sure she was pleased to be able to choose her own oil. I also found the follow up literature to be very informative Sarah worked with the horses in a relaxed and yet professional manner and I would certainly recommend her to anybody who is considering giving their horse or pony the benefit of a professional massage.

Lisa Green

I first contacted Sarah Linton when I noticed my horse Willie was feeling quite stiff in his front legs and wouldn’t stretch out. He responded very well to the massage, aromatherapy and pressure points and within a few days he was back to his normal self and feeling a lot happier.

A year later I got Sarah again as Willie had been turned out for a while and as I was bringing him back into work he started to feel a bit stiff and sore. Once again the massage, aromatherapy and pressure points worked wonderfully and because Sarah showed me what to do and how to massage him properly his fitness has increased at a much faster rate. I also had a pony who had been in season for almost 2 months quite badly and she became naughty to brush, saddle and ride. Sarah gave her some aromatherapy treatment with pressure points and I was amazed at how quickly it worked. She calmed down and was good to handle again. I recommend Sarah’s natural therapies if you feel something out of tune with your horse or pony. Not only do the horses love it but they seem to respond to it quite quickly.

Grada Dixon

My babies are doing well, I've been riding Lollie in my old saddle and he is much happier. Prinnie is also feeling a little better and Megan might start riding her again in the next week weather permitting of course.

They're all really funny, as soon as they smell the oils, they all hang around for their turn at a massage. The most interesting one has been Tarka who has been a little minx with catching but since starting the regular massages, she's been an absolute sweetie and no problems with catching, in fact she'll now come towards me which is wonderful. Thank you so much for opening up a new level of understanding from me towards my horses, it's been great.

Vonnie Kordell

As a therapist, Sarah's work and dedication to the needs of her clients (horses) is remarkable.

Sarah sees to their problems and goes out of her way to treat every horse with the utmost care and attention as the individuals they are.