You know your horse.

So when they start moving, performing or behaving differently,

you’ve noticed.

even if you can't put your finger on it.

Maybe you're noticing:

• Changes in movement or transitions
  Your horse is struggling with transitions, especially into canter, finding one lead harder, tripping more than usual or simply not moving as freely as they normally do.

• Resistance under saddle
  They're reluctant to go forward, resistant to bending one way, struggling with certain movements or suddenly making work that used to be easy feel difficult.

• Negative behaviour around riding or saddling
  Girthiness, becoming tense when saddled, reacting differently to being ridden or showing new resistance that wasn't there before.

• Back, hind-end or stifle concerns
  They're sore after work, sensitive through the back, showing recurring stifle or hind-end issues, or you're noticing that something isn't quite right behind.

• Loss of topline or fitness after injury or time off
  You're bringing your horse back into work after an injury, rehabilitation, illness or period of rest and want to support them as they return to normal movement.

• Or you simply know something has changed.
  They don't feel like themselves. Their way of going is different. Their performance has dropped. You can't explain it , but you know your horse.

Here’s how a bodywork session can help…

I assess your horse's posture, movement and areas of muscular and soft-tissue tension before and after treatment,

looking at the horse as a whole rather than simply treating the obvious area where the problem shows up.

Each session is tailored to what your horse needs on the day, using a combination of Key Equine Therapy, myofascial release & gentle stretches and mobilisations to restore range of movement.

The aim is to support

• comfort,

• freedom of movement,

• range of motion and

• functional use of the body,

  and give you practical recommendations to continue your horse’s progress between sessions.

  You don't need to know what's wrong before you book.

  If you've noticed a change in your horse's movement, behaviour or performance,

  now is the perfect time to get on top of it.

  We'll assess what what’s there,

  work with what we find

  and give you practical next steps.

Who am I?

Hi, I’m Karen Olsen, a certified Key equine Therapist & in training to become a Certified Equine Massage Therapist.

I learned about equine bodywork through my own Thoroughbred gelding Aro who has kissing spine and hip arthritis.

I wanted to know how to help keep him comfortable, moving well and sound long into his senior years.

So I took on the old saying that “Movement is Medicine” and started learning how to support my horse through regular bodywork, massage, targeted exercises and developing good postural balance.

I initially trained in Key Equine Therapy and then studied equine functional posture, with further training in myofascial release and currently working towards my Certfication in Equine Sports massage.

My background as a registered nurse also shapes the way I work and the level of professional care your horse receives.

I'm trained to observe closely, assess the bigger picture, work methodically and recognise when something needs further investigation or veterinary attention.

I've worked with OTTBs, STBs, rescue horses, performance horses and wild brumbies,

and have developed a particular interest in applied dressage for rehab, postural development and helping horses build strong bodies capable of their work.

One of my future goals is to study Equine Osteopathy and also Equine Cranial Sacral Therapy.

For bookings

or to discuss your horse’s needs:

Contact me on 0438510413

or via FB or IG @kolsenequinebodywork

Please Note: Bodywork is complementary care and does not replace veterinary assessment or treatment. If your horse is lame, acutely injured or unwell, please contact your veterinarian first.