EQUINE MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY

A holistic approach to equine bodywork and massage

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A holistic approach to equine bodywork and massage

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A holistic approach to equine bodywork and massage * A holistic approach to equine bodywork and massage *

A Whole-Horse Approach

We treat every horse as an individual—with unique needs, preferences, and sensitivities. Our approach honours the horse as a whole, not just addressing symptoms, but aiming to restore balance, comfort, and confidence in their body and mind.

Equine Myofunctional Therapy is a full-body experience that can have profound physical and emotional effects. That’s why sessions are approached with care, patience, and consent. We foster a two-way partnership between horse and human—built on trust and communication.

Our commitment to ethical, sustainable, and evidence-informed care ensures your horse receives the highest quality treatment possible, helping them thrive and enjoy life to their fullest potential.

What is Equine Myofunctional therapy?

Equine Myofunctional Therapy (EMT) is a hands-on, holistic approach that blends physical therapy, massage, and bodywork to support the health and performance of your horse’s soft tissue and musculoskeletal system. It combines remedial and therapeutic techniques to release muscle tension, enhance mobility, and improve overall wellbeing.

EMT sessions may include:

  • Manual soft tissue techniques

  • Targeted stretching

  • Pole work and cross-training exercises

With a deep understanding of equine anatomy and physiology, EMT addresses the horse as a whole—not just isolated symptoms. This comprehensive approach supports long-term health, helping prevent injuries, aid recovery, and improve performance across all equine disciplines.

  • EMT supports horses of all ages, breeds, and activity levels, from performance horses to retirees.

    Benefits include:

    • Reduced muscle tension and pain

    • Improved range of motion and flexibility

    • Enhanced circulation and lymphatic flow

    • Faster recovery from injury or strenuous work

    • Support for stress relief and emotional wellbeing

    • Better posture and overall movement patterns

    When one system in the body isn’t functioning optimally, others compensate—often leading to imbalances. EMT works to restore harmony between systems, supporting the horse as a whole.

    • Improved Muscle Function: Tight muscles restrict blood flow and oxygen delivery. Releasing tension restores circulation, helping muscles function efficiently and recover faster.

    • Fascial Release: Tight fascia can limit joint movement and compress nerves. EMT helps release fascial restrictions, improving flexibility and range of motion.

    • Joint Support: Healthy soft tissue supports healthy joints. EMT helps maintain joint mobility, reducing stiffness and protecting against over-extension or injury.

    • Injury Prevention & Recovery: EMT addresses underlying causes of movement dysfunction, reducing the risk of injury and aiding rehabilitation after trauma.

    • Enhanced Nervous System Function: Nerve damage or impaired communication between systems can slow healing. EMT promotes proper muscle tone and nerve signaling for better coordination and balance.

    • Whole-Horse Wellness: By assessing the entire body, EMT ensures that compensatory patterns or minor dysfunctions don’t develop into long-term issues.

  • Why Choose EMT?

    Equine Myofunctional Therapy is not just about treating what’s wrong—it’s about supporting what’s right. It enhances your horse’s comfort, movement, and quality of life by working with their natural physiology rather than against it.

    Incorporating EMT into your horse’s wellness routine means you’re investing in their long-term soundness, health, and happiness.

  • Each Equine Myofunctional Therapy treatment includes:

    • Visual assessment & gait analysis before treatment to identify movement patterns and possible areas of dysfunction.

    • Soft tissue evaluation to assess muscular and myofascial health.

    • Hands-on massage therapy, adapted in real time to the horse’s requirements.

    • Post-treatment observations to note changes in movement and body language.

    • Recommendations for post-treatment care and exercises, allowing your horse to rest and reap the benefits.

    Sessions typically run 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the horse. Please allow up to 2 hours for your first appointment, so we can take the time to understand your horse and build a trusting connection.

    We recommend giving your horse a few days off work to let the full effects of the treatment settle in. Your horse might be more lethargic after the treatment, this is normal. If you have any concerns regarding your horse pre or post treatment please let us know.

    • $95 per treatment

    • Travel billed at $0.90/km each way

    • Complimentary travel within a 10km radius of Willunga

    Group regional bookings available—contact us to arrange and reduce travel costs.

    Payment:
    Payment is required prior to your appointment via direct debit. Details will be provided upon booking confirmation.

    Cancellation Policy:
    A cancellation fee applies for appointments cancelled within 24 hours.

  • We ask that you read through our approach and values to ensure we're the right fit for you and your horse.

    To book:

    • Please complete the form below
      (If you have multiple horses, submit a separate form for each.)

    • We’ll be in touch within 48 hours during our working week.

    Need to book urgently?
    Call us directly on 0402 883 908

    Emergency?
    Please contact your local veterinarian.

Why Choose Us?

At Holistic Horse Wellbeing, our mission is to support the physical and emotional health of every horse we work with—through ethical, evidence-based, and holistic therapies.

Ruby, founder of Holistic Horse Wellbeing, is a certified and fully insured Equine Myofunctional Therapist, trained through the Animal Naturopathic Medicine Educatum. She is currently advancing her studies to become a qualified Equine Naturopath, continually expanding her knowledge to better serve horses and their humans.

Ruby also offers positive reinforcement coaching, giving horses genuine choice and freedom in their learning. This is woven into every session, guiding how bodywork is delivered and ensuring the horse feels safe, heard, and respected throughout.

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