The Evidence
Servicing Oaklands Junction, Macedon Ranges, Pakenham, Mornington Peninsula and outer Melbourne regions*
Examples of how bodywork and the correct training amplifies a horse’s success
Flowervale Sancierra & Kaitlyn McGill
I had always been led to believe that success stemmed solely from good training. I viewed bodywork as an excuse for bad training or evasive behaviours, or something nice you treated your horse with like a carrot.
I met Emma in 2021. At the time, Cierra’s training had plateaued and I felt stuck with the Advanced requirements, particularly suppleness in the half passes and collection for the canter pirouettes despite working with knowledgeable coaches. In Cierra’s first session with Emma, she was noticeably tight and sore, especially around her left lumbar spine. Emma identified key areas of tension and treated them, as well as pointing me in the direction of reassessing the saddle fit. After one session I felt a remarkable difference in Cierra’s suppleness and willingness to travel forward, so I committed to weekly sessions with Emma. Over time with the support of Equine Sports Massage, Cierra became stronger, softer to ride, recovered faster from intense training sessions and in turn, more easily performed the higher-level dressage movements.
In 2022, we claimed Advanced Champion at the Victorian Youth Dressage Championships. Not long after, we debuted at Prix St. George scoring over 70%, and 69% at Intermediate I. We even placed 8th overall at the Australian Dressage Championships—amongst professionals!
Two years on, we won our U25 Grand Prix debut, placed second in our first open Grand Prix, and competed at our first CDI-W with respectable scores.
Emma’s intuitive feel, profound understanding and holistic approach unlocked Cierra’s full potential and helped us reach far beyond my original goals.
- Kaitlyn
Regency Lola & Kaitlyn McGill
Photo credit : One Eyed Frog Photography
We met Lola in early 2022 as a 15-year-old Novice horse. Originally intended for Emma to ride, we soon saw Lola’s potential and I took over the reins to campaign her in EA shows. We did a season at Novice averaging scores around and over 70% before bumping up to Elementary with scores up to 69%. Lola showed no signs of wanting to slow down, and at 17 years old learned a flying change and had her first Medium start for 66%. With the support of regular bodywork and correct training, we were able to maintain Lola’s body to progress through the levels despite her age - Kaitlyn
Felix Da Vinci
I partnered up with Felix in 2019 when he was a 19-year-old semi-retired Small Tour horse. He exemplifies the profound impact that bodywork and holistic management can have on riding, wellness and longevity. I have tested various therapeutic modalities on him including different bodywork techniques, photonic light therapy, phototherapy patching and body wrapping. Felix is bursting with energy and vitality; he thrives in his work, still loves teaching me the Small Tour movements, hacking out and even jumping small logs. He is a prime example of how consistent bodywork compliments holistic equine management to ensure they remain happy, healthy, and capable of performing at their best for years to come.