My name is Elana Veevers, I am a British, and have lived in the Netherlands for approximately 10 years. I completed my Equine Studies in the UK, to HND level, and have since began to specialise in sports massage for horses. I am certified via MassageHippique as a Sports Masseur for Horses.
Horse@Home offers not only massage but also training, including support and coaching for the rehabilitation of horses.

Why Sports Massage for your horse?

We ask our horses to perform; whether it be in dressage, jumping or recreational, we are asking them to perform a sport, therefore we should see them all as athletes. As for humans, sport also takes its strain on our horses, it is up to us to keep them in good shape. If the muscles of our horses are fit, healthy and well taken care, we can try to prevent injury.

Here are just some of the advantages of massage:

Increase range of motion
Improves disposition
Enhance Performance, gait quality
Improves Circulation, and due to the increased circulation massage can well assist in the elimination of waste products (ideal for horses on a limited exercise regime)
Loosen and Stretch muscles, tendons and minimalize scar tissue formation
Stimulates Lyphatic flow
Reduces stress, and can help overcome tactile/touch defensiveness

As well as the above, through massage the horse can learn about his body and how to use it correctly, it also enables us to access the horse's condition on a regular basis. Assessing your horses condition i.e. changes in the muscle bodies, atrophy etc can be indications that can lead to a later injury if not dealt with in time.

What to expect in a massage session:

A normal massage session usually takes 1.5 hours, an assesment is also made for your horse during this time and noted. If required basic moves/homework will be left with the client for follow-up.

Horses that are recovering from injury can really benefit from massage, however, a vets diagnosis and permission to work on the horse is required.

Horse@Home also offers training and coaching, especially during rehabilitation or for bringing horses back into work after a break. This is all done at the horses pace, and a programme is made where applicable. For horses returning to work after injury, where neccessary, Horse@Home  believes in the philosophy in working as a team, this team comprising of a physiotherapist, your normal instructor and veterinarian, and likes to work in conjunction with these professionals to better the well being of your horse.

Further......

Horse@Home very much believes in education.... and therefore offers "Basic Anatomy, Mechanics and Passive Massage for Horse's" workshops. These workshops give owners and others wanting to learn, an opportunity to learn more about the equine body and our requests on it, and includes hands on touch and passive massage techniques.
If you would like to organise one of these very interesting and practical workshops please send an email to: info@horseathome.com



(Massage is in no way a replacement for a veterinarian, nor can a sports masseur diagnose. If in doubt regarding the health or soundness of your horse, always seek veterinary advice)