Our Services
Servicing Oaklands Junction, Macedon Ranges, Pakenham, Mornington Peninsula and outer Melbourne regions*
Each bodywork session, in conjunction with the owner/trainer, begins with a careful assessment of the horse’s physical condition, joint / limb range of motion, and behaviour, both under saddle and on the ground, including directional idiosyncrasies in each gait from left to right, hind and fore leg placement, poll and bit resistance.
From there, a personalised treatment plan is designed to address specific concerns, support recovery, and enhance performance.
Drawing from her extensive toolkit, Emma blends methods and techniques such as Photonic light Therapy (Red, Near infrared, Green, Blue), Phototherapy patching, soft tissue mobilisation, stretching, trigger point therapy, and energy modalities. This tailored combination ensures each horse receives the precise care it needs on the day — whether that’s deep muscle release, improved flexibility, or gentle nervous system regulation.
ESM’s treatment sessions are entirely bespoke — no two horses are the same, and neither are their needs.
Benefits of Regular Bodywork
Bodywork is cumulative with each session building on the last, shortening the time to achieve training goals.
Tension release
Methods and Modalities
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![A person giving a massage to a horse, focusing on its back, in a stable.]()
Sports Massage
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![An equine therapist administrating treatment with a handheld light therapy tool.]()
Trigger Point Work
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![A person holding a handheld light device emitting red and blue light therapy onto a horses hoof.]()
Photonic Light Therapy - Red/Blue
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![A brown horse with a halter, sleeping with its eyes closed in a barn or stable after bodywork session.]()
Photonic Light Therapy - Green
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![Close-up of a person's hand applying a white adhesive patch to dark brown horse.]()
Photo Therapy Patching
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![A person's hand releasing tension in a horse.]()
Tissue and Fascia Mobilisation
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![A brown horse with a blue halter leaning its head against a wooden stable wall, with eyes closed whilst receiving bodywork therapy.]()
Energy Modalities
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![A person is tending to a black horse, administration bodywork therapy.]()
Stretching and Range of Motion Work
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![A woman using a light therapy treatment device on a horse's shoulder.]()
Phototonic Light Therapy - Flex Pad
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![Person administrating red light therapy to the underside of a horse.]()
Photonic Light Therapy - Red
Session preparation
During the session
Initially, a minority of horses can be a bit aloof. It can take time to build trust and confidence, particularly if they have come from a challenging background. However, usually by the second or third session, they understand the process, feel the benefits, and enjoy the certainty of consistency.
Occasionally, a nervous or anxious horse may hide behind the handler. Please do not be offended if you are asked to step away.
For your horse to receive the full benefit of treatment:
Do not engage in activities that may distract them, such as
Making feeds
Giving treats
Grooming or brushing
Injecting or administering medications
Moving other horses
Using loud machinery (e.g. garden tools, power tools)
The handler must remain calm and neutral.
Please do not interact with your horse during the session. Let the practitioner and horse connect without interruption.
Before the Session
Shelter: Let us know at the time of booking if you do not have an undercover area available for the session.
Ready to Go: Please have your horse caught, un-rugged, and ready before the scheduled time.
Clean & Dry: Your horse should be dry and reasonably clean. Please wipe or wash muddy legs and hooves—but do not oil the feet.
Post-Exercise: If your horse has been worked beforehand, make sure they are properly cooled down and dry before the session begins.
Feeding Time: If the session overlaps with feeding time, offer half the feed 30 minutes before the session and the other half 30 minutes afterwards. Grass or hay is fine before and after.
Post session care
Following our session, we’ll advise you about the appropriate timeline and recommended intensity for exercising your horse. We’ll also share our insights on what we believe is best for your horse’s future care.
We will schedule follow-up sessions, as well as regular check-ins, since preventive care is far more effective than treating problems after they arise.
| Type of Session | Recommended Rest Time |
|---|---|
| First-Time | 1 to 3 days (depending on the horse’s needs) |
| Maintenance | 12 to 24 hours |
| Competition Prep | No rest needed – ready to go |