What is the Equine Touch?

The Equine Touch is a system of bodywork developed in Europe  by  Mr. John Ruddock and Dr. Ivana Ruddock, a veterinary surgeon and equine specialist. The Equine Touch is soft tissue manipulation. Gentle , vibrational moves are made at particular points on the horse's body, in a choreographed series, stimulating the fascia- the thin membrane which covers every surface of the horse's body, from the smallest muscle to the largest organ. The Equine Touch draws on both eastern and western understandings of medicine and the body. The objective of ET is to assist the body in regaining its natural state of balance and health.

 

What can it help with?

The Equine Touch is beneficial on many levels and amongst the many issues it may assist with are:                          

  • underperformance
  • recovery from past poor management
  •  hypertonic muscles

  •  general malaise or failure to thrive 

  • interruption of the pain spiral                                   

  • postural change

  • imbalances

  • pain related behavioural issues                                  

  • injury rehabilitation

  • the release of spasms

  • changes in soundness, behaviour and temperament

  • non-specific lameness                                                    

 

 Can any horse receive The Equine Touch?

Yes, the Equine Touch is for all horses. Even newborn foals have received and benefitted from ET.

 

What about stretching?

When some stretching is needed as part of the ET session, it is incorporated. You can book an extended stretching session to complement your ET session , or you can book a straight stretching and passive mobilisation session which will include some ET.

 

What do I need to do to prepare for a visit from you?

Have your horse ready or easily accessible (catchable) shortly before our scheduled time.

A good handler: To ensure my safety and that your horse receives the full value of the session, the person handling the horse needs to be aware of what the horse is doing and what I am doing at all times and be able to work with me when necessary. It is especially important that the horse is able to focus on me and what I am doing. It is preferable that the horse is not distracted by other horses or by people. For this reason there is a "no patting" rule. That also means no scratching, tickling or chatting to the horse whilst we are working together unless it is necessary!

A work area: A quiet area to work in, free from obstacles and distractions. Shelter/shade: In summer, a source of shade in this area is very much appreciated. In winter, shelter from the rain and wind will be appreciated by the horse receiving bodywork. If this is not possible we can work around it.

Tie up: Once I have established that it is possible, I usually prefer to work with the horse one on one. A secure, safe means of tying up (preferably not cross tying) is required for most horses and for those with whom I can work at liberty a contained area is highly desirable.

A clean(ish) horse: The horse does not need to be washed, but it is better that his coat is free of dust and loose hair- a quick brushing is usually sufficient.

Water: It is vital that the horse has access to abundant clean drinking water after a session. I also need a source of water for washing my hands after a session and between horses.

Information: To register your horse as a client, I need certain information; gathering this information is usually part of your initial consultation. I need to know who your vet is, a little of your horse's health history, details of current issues, information about farriery, dental work and saddlery. If it is not possible for someone with this information to attend the first session, then I need to obtain the information from you by email before I visit.

 

How much time is required for a session?

Your initial consultation and bodywork session may extend up to 2-2.5 hrs, depending on the horse and what is required by the horse. Please allow for this when booking. It is recommended to allow for 1-1.5 hrs for subsequent sessions, though this will vary according to the needs of the horse. (See below)


What about follow up visits, repeat sessions and regular programmes?

Each horse is different. The needs of each horse are different.

Ideally, my objective is to return the horse to a balanced or significantly relieved or improved state before switching to a maintenance programme. Sometimes it takes one session before the switch to a maintenance programme, sometimes it takes several.

Follow up visits are timed to optimise the effects of bodywork on your horse. For some horses it is ideal to schedule the initial visits very close together (i.e. one at 3 days, one at two weeks); in other cases they will be scheduled further apart.

Unnecessary extra sessions or inappropriate timing of sessions compromise the positive effects that my work has on your horses. As such, you will always receive an honest assessment of when your horse needs a follow up or repeat visit and how their regular sessions should be spaced.

 

Are you insured?

Yes, I have full public liability and professional indemnity insurance - a certificate of currency is available on request.

 

Can you advise on things like diet or other areas of horse care?

I do not advise in areas I am not professionally or educationally qualified in though I actively pursue further education and constantly add to my "toolbox" of skills and knowledge.

If I feel that there may be a problem in a certain area, such as nutrition, I will advise you to seek assistance or advice from your vet and a professional qualified in that field.

As the feet and teeth have a very strong effect on the horse's body and on the work that I do, I will advise you to seek dentistry or farriery if I believe it is necessary.

During bodywork sessions I am also able to recognise the effect of saddle and girth type and fit but for confirmation of specific issues and for solutions you will need to seek professional assistance from a qualified saddle fitter.

I enjoy working in conjunction with these professionals - nutritionists, farriers, vets, dentists and saddle fitters to help your horse achieve optimum health and performance.

 

Are you a vet?

No, I am not a vet.

 

Can I use you instead of my vet?

My work is strictly non-diagnostic and is never intended to replace consultation with or treatment from a veterinarian. If you suspect or are aware of a serious problem or injury requiring medical attention please call your vet. If at any point I feel uncomfortable working on your horse without a veterinary consultation or veterinary permission, or if I feel your horse should see a vet before we proceed further, I will stop the session and let you know.

 

Should I get you to visit before calling a vet out?

If you suspect or are aware of a serious problem or injury requiring medical attention please call your vet. My work is strictly non-diagnostic and is never intended to replace consultation with or treatment from a veterinarian. 

 

Should I call my vet before booking your visit?

If your horse is currently being treated by a vet or you have any other reason to think you should check with your vet before engaging my services then do so. If your horse has any serious injuries or health problems please contact your vet about contra-indications before proceeding to engage me. I will not work on a horse when the veterinary surgeon believes that bodywork is contra-indicated. Please let me know when booking the session if your horse is receiving any medication, prescribed or otherwise, or undergoing veterinary treatment.

 

Will you work with my vet to help my horse?

The details of any veterinary treatment your horse is undergoing and any significant treatment your horse has received form part of the records I create for your horse. I also record the name and contact information of your veterinary surgeon.

I am happy to consult with your vet if you are interested in combining bodywork with veterinary treatments, or if your vet would like to participate in the development of your horse's bodywork programme.

I welcome the opportunity to work with other professionals such as your vet, farrier, dentist, or nutritionist to help your horse achieve optimum health and performance.

 

What if my vet doesn't know about The Equine Touch?

The Equine Touch was developed by Jock and Ivana Ruddock. Dr Ivana Ruddock is a veterinary surgeon and an internationally renowned lecturer in equine anatomy. Many vets around the world, particularly in Europe, are training in The Equine Touch or enthusiastically support it and can testify to its benefits.

If your vet would like to know more about The Equine Touch I am happy to provide materials developed specifically for vets, explaining what The Equine Touch is and why it works so well. To request brochures and other materials please use our contact form.

  

What if my vet doesn't believe in bodywork or complementary therapies?

Bodywork and massage have always had a place amongst the accepted methods of maintenance and care for horses - even when they took different forms and went by different names, the principles were the same or similar.

If you would like a general overview of the value of bodywork and the holistic approach, speaking with several vets from different practices is often worthwhile - many vets completely support the use of bodywork and of complementary therapies.

An increasing number of vets are being trained in holistic modalities, including bodywork and massage. I am happy to provide a demonstration for interested vets.

  

Who can give my horse The Equine Touch ?

People who hold a Practitioner Diploma issued by The Equine Touch Foundation are qualified and authorised to offer The Equine Touch on a professional (paid) basis. They are also permitted to use the title "Equine Touch Practitioner".

To earn the full diploma requires a high level of tuition, study, examination and the completion of clinical work in the form of case studies.

Equine Touch Students are authorised and able to perform The Equine Touch on horses they are using as case studies, but are not permitted or qualified to offer The Equine Touch as part or the whole of any professional/paid service.