Kate Dowton-Smith
Equine Massage & Rehabilitation for Health & Performance
Berkshire · Hampshire · Oxfordshire
Get the edge on the competition with pre-event muscle preparation and mental relaxation. Increase stride length, flexibility and muscle tone.
Relieve muscle tension and stiffness caused by exercise or injury, reduce pain and spasm, remove lactic acid build-up and prevent scar tissue formation.
Prepare muscles for work to ensure optimum function and posture, improve tissue elasticity and encourage blood circulation for healthy body function.
Alleviate tension caused by tack placement and rider loading, improve posture and provide your horse with a well-deserved pampering!
My therapy involves a thorough analysis of the whole horse – from posture, conformation and movement through to exercise regime, behaviour and owner management choices – in order to select the most suitable therapeutic intervention for that individual.
A variety of techniques are brought together with the aim of increasing comfort, relaxation, range of motion and well-being. My approach is an amalgamation of sports massage, myofascial release, acupressure, trigger/stress point therapy, joint mobilisation, active/passive stretching and core strengthening, along with tailored rehabilitative exercises for owners.
I carry minimal kit, preferring my hands as my most effective tool. However, I also utilise a heat pad to ease tense muscle prior to massage, a massage gun for deep tissue loosening over large muscle groups, and kinesiology taping for longer-term support, relaxation or strengthening of specific muscles or joints.
I aim to make sessions as relaxing and therapeutic as possible – studies have shown that certain music types have a calming effect on horses, so I have a selection of appropriate music available during sessions if desired.
Tailored equine therapy for every horse and goal
I embarked on this qualification having experienced first-hand the power of massage, both physically and mentally, in a veteran horse struggling through a difficult winter. Feeling helpless, I began researching basic massage and stretching techniques to make this well-loved mare more comfortable – and the results extended well beyond my expectations.
After just one hour of very rudimentary massage attempts, I was amazed to see a visible change in mood, posture, appetite and behaviour. The closeness and gratitude I felt from this usually unaffectionate mare was remarkable and very special. With regular massage interventions, she thrived through to a very happy summer and beyond – and I knew what career I was destined for.
I feel incredibly lucky to work within this industry. For over 25 years, horses have been my passion, and the more I've learned, the more driven I've felt to pass my knowledge on and help ensure that our equine partners receive the attention they wholly deserve. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes and a trained pair of hands is all that's needed.
When not working, I enjoy time with my own beautiful Gelderlander cross mare, Jules, who I love to hack and test new techniques with!
She felt straighter, her saddle wasn't sliding to the right and she wasn't rushing and tense like she was last week. Her canter was also much stronger.
He seemed to settle in his unfamiliar stable without the usual box-walking, and had shavings all over him this morning, so must have had a good rest! He was amazing today. Super pleased with him.
Hacked him out today and normally he'd have a short choppy stride until he warmed up, but today he was striding out and much freer – your work is massively helping.
Managed to do clean changes and saddle not slipping. Oh and no spooking! It's made a huge difference.
Covering Berkshire, North Hampshire & South Oxfordshire
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