Sarah Linton

Introduction

I believe that by just doing one type of therapy you are limited in helping the whole horse. Each therapy works in a different way. By offering a range of therapies I can help with many issues that your horse may have.

With my love for horses (and other animals) one of my goals is to help educate horse owners to help their own horses – in horse care, training and bodywork - and learn to know the signs of pain and discomfort - before it becomes a major problem. We are the caretakers of our animals and we should respect that responsibility.

When I see a horse for the first time I will take a full case history. This involves finding out what the background is of the horse, what the horse competes in now and previously, what accidents or traumatic events he may have had and also if he is currently being treated for by your vet.

Does the horse have any behavioral issues or bad habits? I like to see the horse move and assess his gait. What is normal for him? How does he stand? What is his conformation like? How are the condition of his feet? Has he had his teeth done recently? Where does he live? Stabled or yarded or out in a paddock? Does he get a variety of exercise or is he stuck doing the same thing day in and day out? How is his saddle fitting? Is he having any performance issues? What goals does the rider have with this horse? All of these questions help me to build a picture of what is going on with the horse and what the rider is wanting from the horse.

Depending on what is required - I then go right over the horse with massage and then use other therapies to assist problems that may arise.

The saddle will be checked and if needed I will get the rider to show me how the horse goes when ridden. Recommended follow up treatments, stretches and exercises etc are also discussed. All of this takes between an hour and two hours.

Sarah Linton - Equine Therapies & Saddle Fitting does not replace veterinary treatment.