Supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in horses
Equine Shiatsu with Sue Relaxing & Calming Healing with energy
Shiatsu can benefit all types of horses
What is Equine Shiatsu?
Equine Shiatsu is ‘Japanese Finger Massage’, a non-invasive holistic approach to treating a horse. Shiatsu is based on ancient oriental medicine principles (similar to acupressure and acupuncture) and stimulates the body’s natural healing ability. Shiatsu addresses the cause, not just symptoms, for helping acute and chronic conditions. Shiatsu is effective to enhance and maintain optimum performance, support recovery from illness or injury, manage or prevent stress, maintain general wellbeing, and promote calming and relaxation.
Most horses love shiatsu and find it deeply relaxing
Shiatsu uses a combination of working energy along the main body meridians, gentle massage working on fascia and muscles, rotations and stretches. The aim is to balance, restore and maintain energy so that it flows freely along the meridians, to prevent build-up of stress and to release tensions held in the body.
Shiatsu affects the circulatory and lymphatic systems, making it effective for reducing inflammation, easing muscles and joints and relieving stiffness and pain. Shiatsu also affects the autonomic nervous system, enhancing the parasympathetic system promoting relaxation and calmness.
Recent research in equine anatomy, primarily in Denmark, identified Myofascial kinetic lines, interconnected chains of muscles, myofascia and other fascial structures, responsible for the movements of the body. The locations of these myofascial kinetic lines correspond well with the meridian locations. It’s now accepted that fascia lines and fascial planes correspond with the energy meridians of eastern medicine. Fascia can transmit electrical charges, and therefore energy, around the body.
Shiatsu does not replace veterinary treatment and it is an often welcome complementary treatment. We ask you to contact your vet before booking Equine Shiatsu to check they are happy for your horse to receive treament.
Benfits of Equine Shiatsu
- Promotes relaxation
- Releases tension
- Improves proprioception
- Effective myofascial release
- Promotes physical, mental and emotional balance
- Works with energy intuitively with your horse to stimulate the body’s own self-healing abilities and work with the whole body
- Bespoke treatments to each horse focusing on what they need in that moment
What conditions benefit from
Equine Shiatsu?
- Pain and tension in muscles, joints and tendons,
- Back pain, cold-backed, kissing spines
- Injuries, box rest and recovery
- Arthritis
- One-sidedness and/or lack of flexibility
- Lameness and laminitis
- Hormonal and Endocrine problems (e.g. EMS, PPID, stroppy mare)
- Girthiness, ulcers, EGUS, hind gut dysbiosis and digestive problems
- Skin conditions
- Respiratory problems, allergies, COPD
- Anxious, nervy horse
- Unexpected change in behaviour
- Manage stress (e.g. travel, competition)
- For general maintenance and wellbeing
About Sue's Horse Shiatsu
Sue Mitchell is a qualified Equine Shiatsu Practitioner, having completed the three-year diploma with the Scottish School of Equine Shiatsu, is a member of tESA, the Equine Shiatsu Association and is insured through Balens Insurance. Sue is based in Midlothian and works with horses where you are in Midlothian, Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian and the Borders.
Equine Shiatsu Sessions
About Sessions
Shiatsu sessions work best in a quiet environment where there is not too much going on that distracts your horse. We can work in the stable, barn, or outside, keeping in mind that a dry and sheltered environment provides for a more effective session. The process is gentle and peaceful, encouraging your horse to release tension and relax. No session is exactly the same as the treatment responds to the way the horse presents in that moment.
The first session is longer, normally about 75 to 90 minutes, to give time for an assessment of your horse. Sue will discuss with you about your horse's history as well as the current situation, and observe your horse standing, in walk and trot, depending on the circumstances. Then the horse is assessed for enegetic imbalances, stiffness, asymetries and tension. Follow up sessions are typically about 45 minutes of Shiatsu plus 10 minutes for catchup at the start and recomendations afterwards.
While your horse is symptomatic, follow-up sessions may be recommended every week to 3 weeks depending on the horse and the situation.
Many owners get sessions every month to six weeks to maintain optimum health and performance, prevent injuries and save on vet bills in the long term.
Please call or message Sue to ask about shiatsu and book a session for your horse
Telephone or WhatsApp 07809 672859
Email sue@horseshiatsu.com
When will my horse benefit from Shiatsu sessions?
Recovering from injuries or operations
Lack of flexiblity
Stiffness to one side
Difficulty transitioning into canter
Sore back
Tight lumbar region
Sore neck
'Girthy' - does not like the girth done up
Ulcers
Breathing problems
Lameness
General loss of performance
Spookiness
Stress
Perhaps most importantly, Shiatsu is beneficial for general maintenance and wellbeing which helps to prevent distress, stress and injuries.
Shiatsu Session
45-60 min£40
Dec 2024
usually £50
Equine Shiatsu session. This is typically 45 to 60 minutes. Before our first session we will ask you to complete a short form to understand your horse's history and situation. Sessions start with a holistic physical and energetic assessment plus approx 45 minutes shiatsu session and recommendations after the session.
Gift Voucher
45-60 min£40
Dec 2024
This makes an ideal Christmas Present! Looking for a gift for your spouse, partner or friend with a horse? Why not treat them with a gift voucher for a wellbeing Shiatsu session for their horse. Each voucher is valid for one Equine Shiatsu Session lasting 45-60 minutes. Vouchers are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
Groups
3 to 5 horses
Why not co-ordinate with other people at your yard or stables, and arrange for your horses to have shiatsu sessions on the same visit. Group discount rates apply for three to five horses in one visit.
About Sue Mitchell
My shiatsu journey started when my pony, Rythem, was on box rest for months with a tendon injury and I was looking for something we could still do together. I started with a massage book and YouTube videos. I loved what it was doing, but you can't properly learn hands on techniques just from a book.
I found the Scottish School of Equine Shiatsu and their weekend introductory course for horse owners was just what I was looking for... then Covid put a pause on everything! After the Introductory Weekend module in 2021, Liz said this was also the first module for the professional diploma... did I want to carry on with the next modules? That wasn't the original plan! But oh YES... I just love the connection and the difference shiatsu can make for horses. So of course, I continued on this fascinating and exciting journey learning shiatsu.
As a scientist, I used to not quite believe in acupuncture and related processes, but still I was curious enough to follow this journey. I enjoy working with horses in this way and can see they love it too. Two stand-out moments convinced me that the effects are not just psychosomatic.
The first happened near the start of the diploma course. My new horse, Tito, tended to sometimes drag the toes of his hind hooves instead of lifting them properly, and we couldn't get to the bottom of what was really wrong, though sacro-illiac, stifle and hock issues were suspected. X-rays came back clear - of spine all down the neck and back, hocks, even hooves. I felt there was nothing to lose with giving him a focused shiatsu session. Tito walked in toe-dragging both his back hooves and walked out lifting them normally and striding forward. I could hardly believe the difference.
Please call or message Sue to book sessions and ask about shiatsu for your horse
Telephone or WhatsApp 07809 672859
Email sue@horseshiatsu.com
The second moment that showed me just how much energy work makes a difference was when I had badly hurt my lower back. All the muscles were in spasm. It was absolute agony and I could hardly move. My physio could not do anything manual until the inflammation had gone down, but then she said she also did acupuncture and would I like to try that to relieve the pain? Well. I've always hated the idea of needles, but right now anything was worth a try. Amazingly, I didn't feel the needles going in, just an incredible feeling of release and calm - nothing like I had expected at all. What was more, I was amazed how quickly that agonizing muscle spasm simply disappeared.
After the second year exams it suddenly occurred to me that I am actually achieving my childhood dream to work with horses. How amazing is that? At school my teachers said "You can't possibly work with horses. You need to go to university." I loved my time in university and the adventures and interests that enabled me to follow in my 'day jobs' since then. Though isn't it interesting how a childhood intention to work with horses kept burning in the background, drawing on my life-long love of horses to make it happen! I earned my Diploma in Equine Shiatsu in October 2024 and am now starting Sue's Horse Shiatsu. I am a member of the Equine Shiatsu Association and insured through Balens Ltd.
Contact Sue's Horse Shiatsu
Serving Edinburgh
East Lothian, MidLothian
West Lothian and
The Borders
