Equine Bowen Dubai FAQ
How many sessions will my horse need?
Changes are usually observed after the first treatment. A typical course of treatment for a given problem typically involves 2-4 sessions 5 to 10 days apart, however some problems that have been long standing can take longer to address. In the case of re-injury, treatment can be given immediately, it is unnecessary to wait 5 days. Some horses with chronic conditions benefit from regular treatments to manage their symptoms. Owners often choose to follow a maintenance programme of treatments at longer intervals between, depending on the horse.
Active sports horses with a demanding schedule may be treated more frequently. Many owners like to book a session before a major event or competition, and it’s also a good idea to book a session for the day after as well, to aid in recovery.
What reactions can I expect from my horse after a treatment?
There are no contra indications from Equine Bowen Therapy, so there should be no negative side effects.
Whilst being treated horses often display signs of ‘release’, which include licking and chewing, yawning, sighing, stretching, head shaking and rolling. Most horses become very relaxed and sleepy, and even the most aggressive horses over one or two treatments can become very calm and amenable.
Like people, all horses are different and can show different reactions and responses to treatment. Some horses following Equine Bowen Therapy will feel fresh and energised straight away, and will be raring to go with a new found zest and vitality. Or more typically, others may be more tired and sleep for longer periods for a couple of days after treatment as their body goes into a parasympathetic healing state. They may be a little stiff and sluggish, this being due to a release of lactic acid from the muscles. These responses usually clear after a day or two. Riders/Trainers are encouraged to assess the individual horse’s reaction and comfort following an Equine Bowen Therapy treatment. A couple of days later most horses become fresh and full of life, with a more forward going action and larger more powerful stride. With your horse now moving without pain and restriction, this may take a little getting used to for a rider, especially if a horse has been compromised for some time.
During and after treatment the horse may drink more than normal, and urine and droppings may be darker or stronger. This is a good sign and shows the body is releasing and removing the build up of toxins in the body. Likewise some horses may show symptoms such as a discharge from the eyes or nose. Please consult your veterinary surgeon or contact me if you are concerned.
On average, the more chronic a problem then the longer it takes for the body to rebalance, but this is not always the case.
Do I need to be present for the treatment?
It is preferable that you be there for the first appointment so we can discuss the horses history together and I can give you a copy of the aftercare information. However I understand that this may be difficult to coordinate when people are busy, so I can send an online client information sheet to fill in and submit in advance, and can also send the aftercare information over email. For the first visit if you cannot make it then if you can arrange for a groom to lead and trot the horse up so I can do a dynamic conformation assessment that would be helpful.
For subsequent visits it is not necessary for an owner or groom to be present unless you wish to watch, which of course you are welcome to do.
After treatment I will write up a report and scan it and send this over email, and please feel free to call or message to discuss any further questions you may have.
Can I ride my horse after an Equine Bowen Therapy session?
In order to gain the maximum benefit from the treatment, depending on the individual horse’s work routine, it is preferable that no strenuous exercise be conducted in the 2-4 days following the treatment. If a horse is in a strict routine of daily exercise it is possible to work them the following day, but for optimum results, it’s preferable the horse receives a few days recovery (days off or light work). Ideally where possible, it would be best to schedule treatment before your horse’s weekly rest or easy day. Extreme exertion following treatment will not give the horse’s body the full amount of time it requires to heal effectively. After the horse’s first treatment, avoid lunging, tight circles or jumping. Work the horse long and low, in straight lines for a few days. Riders/Trainers are encouraged to assess the individual horse’s reaction and comfort following an Equine Bowen Therapy treatment.
This is especially important after a first treatment, and once we are familiar with how a horse responds we are able to work out how close to an event/show or race we can schedule treatment to maximise performance.
It is advisable that the horse be allowed to walk out for at least 20 minutes on the day of treatment, or to be turned out in a paddock. Do not keep the horse in a confined space continuously where he cannot move freely about.
Can my horse be shod on the same day as treatment?
To gain the maximum benefit from EBT, it is advisable not to book treatment on the same day as a visit from your farrier. The same applies to equine dentistry or vaccinations from your vet, as well as administering worming drugs. The least interference to the horse, the greater opportunity their body has for positive changes to occur.
Should I have Bowen Therapy in addition to my horse?
By using Bowen to address muscular stiffness or imbalance in the horse and the rider, the horse is allowed to perform at his best. Any correction of a horse’s problem may not hold if the rider is causing re-injury through crookedness or poor posture. Very often imbalances in the horse are reflected in the rider and vice versa. If you are having treatment for your horse it absolutely makes sense to have Bowen Therapy yourself. Bowen for riders can reduce the likelihood of injury, improve the position in the saddle through postural awareness and can enable the body to absorb shock and cope with trauma in the event of a fall. Riders often report feeling ‘taller’ and ‘straighter’ in the saddle, with their horse moving with more suppleness and freedom underneath them. And the horse will appreciate a balanced weight on his back! Horse and rider discount packages are available.
How do I know my therapist is properly qualified?
It’s important to check your human or equine Bowen Therapist is properly trained and is qualified to practice Bowen Therapy. I have trained in human Bowen Therapy with The Bowen Association of Australia, and am registered with Bowen Association UK. Only Full Members are listed on the website. In order to be a full member, practitioners need to be fully qualified and certified Bowen Therapists, study and pass Anatomy and Physiology, hold a current First Aid Certificate, and undertake Postgraduate Continued Professional Development (CPD) every year. This is the assurance Bowen Association UK give the public if they publish a practitioner on the site. Asterisks next to a practitioner’s name indicate that they have undertaken post graduate courses in Specialised Bowen Procedures. You will find my details here
I am also listed as a registered practitioner in Equine Bowen Therapy with The European School of Equine Bowen Therapy in the UK. In order to be registered on this list, qualified Equine Bowen Therapists must:
Have trained for, and graduated from, the European School of Equine Bowen Therapy Diploma Course. (A pre-requisite of attending this course is that they be qualified Human Bowen practitioners. This ensures students have a complete understanding of the technique and prior experience of implementing it). The course consists of extensive practical & theoretical training, 20 equine written case studies, 3 rider written case studies, hundreds of hours of practical work, with a rigorous three part examination pass required to qualify (2 practical & 1 written). The examinations are supervised and marked by a Veterinary Surgeon.
Registration is valid for one year – and in any one year practitioners must:
Attend two CPD (Continued Professional Development) days Hold a valid First Aid Certificate
Have agreed to work within a strict Code of Conduct
You will find my details here
View My certificates here