Equine Shiatsu Practitioner
About Dr Sue Mitchell
Peace of Mind
Professional qualifications, insurance, & registered at tESA (the Equine Shiatsu Association) and IAAT (International Association of Animal Therapists). Dr Sue Mitchell
My purpose is to enhance the quality of life for horses and their owners through equine shiatsu sessions Dr Sue Mitchell
A Little About Me
Sue Mitchell
I'm a qualified and insured Equine Shiatsu Practitioner based in Midlothian, Scotland, working with horses across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Borders.
Shiatsu works with the whole horse to rebalance the body's systems, drawing on the principles of traditional oriental medicine to re-energise weak areas and reduce tension in the body. Shiatsu affects how physical systems in the body function, such as the nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems, which supports the body’s natural self-healing abilities and promotes a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
I use sensitive, mindful quiet touch to rebalance energy along meridians, give acupressure on specific points and release sticky fascia so that the body and muscles can glide and move smoothly as they are meant to. I also use gentle massage, manipulations, rotations and stretches to help your horse feel and move at their very best.
I work with horses of all types, from happy hackers to competition horses and ex‑racehorses, and from young three year-olds just getting started to your elderly master who's 'been there and done that'. I'm typically called out for stiffness in joints, muscles or movement, a horse that's ‘just not quite right’, a sore back, a sore or stiff neck, difficulty on turns or in ridden work, lameness, recovery after injury or surgery, and very often for regular maintenance which helps to prevent injury and keep your horse performing at their best.
I also specialise in supporting horses that struggle with weight, and with metabolic issues such as EMS or PPID (Cushing's), and muscle disorders such as PSSM and MIM. My Equine Shiatsu Diploma project explored how shiatsu can support horses with EMS, including acupressure points that are known to reduce glucose and insulin levels and support weight loss in people with type II diabetes.
My Story
How I Got Here
I've been around horses for most of my life, ever since my grandmother gave me a riding lesson for my 5th birthday. School holidays were spent riding friends' ponies and helping out at the local riding school and livery yards in exchange for time in the saddle. As a teenager, my sister and I shared a pony who lived in the field at the end of our road — bliss!
I wanted to work with horses when I left school, but my teachers had other ideas and insisted I go to university instead. No regrets though. I loved university and the opportunities it opened up for continuing my fascination with biology and behaviour as well as travel with my work, even though it meant long stretches without horses in my life. At other times, I was lucky enough to help exercise and keep fit some wonderful horses along the way.
Then, in 2015, I finally found Rythem, my very first horse of my own. She set me on the path that led me to equine massage, the Masterson Method, and eventually to Equine Shiatsu.
In 2024, my childhood dream to work with horses finally became reality: I completed my professional three‑year Diploma in Equine Shiatsu. Dr Sue Mitchell
Credentials
Equine: Training & Professional Registration
- Diploma in Equine Shiatsu (3 years), Scottish School of Equine Shiatsu
- Certificate in Equine Myofascial Kinetic Connections, with Dr Vibeke Elbrønd
- Certificate in Fascia Release Techniques, with Gillian Higgins, Horses Inside Out
- Full horse dissection over two days, Becks Nairn / EquiEd
- Equine Functional Posture, a two-month programme with Dr Raquel Butler MRCVS, Integrated Vet Therapeutics
- Introduction to Barefoot Trimming and Hoof Wear Patterns, with Nick Hill
Professional member, Registered Practitioner and Committee Member (Vice-Chair) of tESA, the Equine Shiatsu Association
Registered therapist with IAAT, the International Association of Animal Therapists
Fully insured with Balens Insurance
I attend frequent equine shiatsu, behaviour, training and therapy CPD events — in person and online — including tESA members' events and conferences.
Scientific Background
Other Relevant Qualifications & Experience
My path to shiatsu has been shaped by a strong scientific background. I hold a BSc in Zoology, that included physiology, animal behaviour, psychology and neuroscience, and a PhD in Evolutionary Ecology.
For five years (2007–2011), I was the external consultant for project research design and analysis on two MSc courses (Equine Science, and Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare) at the Dick Vet School, University of Edinburgh.
Beyond Shiatsu
Mindset Coaching & Speaking
For rider and owner mindset coaching: I'm an experienced executive and leadership coach specialising in mental toughness and the author of “The Authority Guide to Engaging Your People.” I hold coaching and leadership qualifications, including a coaching diploma (2009), and I bring this experience into my rider and owner mindset coaching — helping you build confidence, resilience and a deeper connection with your horse.
For demonstrations and talks: I'm an experienced speaker and trainer, and a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland. I've delivered events in rooms of all sorts, from hundreds of people in conferences or lecture theatres, to a select few in a training room — indoors, outdoors, online, and even underwater, as a National Instructor with the British Sub Aqua Club!
The common theme unifying my diverse hats is my philosophy that lasting change begins with awareness, trust and alignment Dr Sue Mitchell
Get In Touch
Contact Sue's Horse Shiatsu
Call, Text or WhatsApp
Based in Midlothian, Scotland
Serving Edinburgh, East & West Lothian, Midlothian and the Borders