Nadine spent 10 years training with the great Master, Nuno Oliveira (regarded by many as the best dressage rider of the 20th Century).

“I think all dressage should be classical”, says Nadine. “You must achieve the right balance and lightness, from the very beginning of your training, until the end.”

When:       Friday 7th, Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th October, 2011

Where:     Hunter Valley Equestrian Centre

Cost:          $120 per 45 min lesson (inc arena hire, morning/afternoon tea)
(min 2 lessons – Young Horse to Grand Prix)

Contact:   Natalie Smith – 041 111 3045 or
email:  natalie@equinemassage.com.au

Additional Information on this clinic
Nadine’s Biography
Booking Form PDF

Booking Form Word

N.B.  Reserve your place asap as positions are limited.
Thurs 11th August – there are now only a few sessions left.  Once these are filled I will be starting a reserve list.

Shivers

Shivers is not a common condition in horses.  In the past it was mainly linked to heavy horses, however other breeds such as warmbloods, standardbreds and thoroughbreds have been known to have Shivers.

Shivers in the early stages may be difficult to notice.  The horse in the above video, raised questions when he had difficulty lifting his hind legs for the farrier.  Typically, Shivers is characterized by tremors and exaggerated flexion of the hind limbs, most noticeably when backed or in this case when the hind legs are picked up.  As seen in the video, the horse will also raise it’s tail during an episode.  Pony breeds do not generally develop Shivers.

Science is still out as to the exact cause of Shivers.  Some research believes that it is caused by an abnormal response in the nerves that sense position and tension in muscles and joints.  Another field of thought is that it there is a genetic component.

Shivers can be misdiagnosed as EPM and PSSM.  EPM and PSSM horses respond well to diets high in fats and low in carbohydrates.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for Shivers.  Shivers is a progressive and debilitating condition with no happy endings at the present time.

As a natural part of aging, the muscles in the body begin to weaken and waste away.  The wasting of the abdominal muscles and supporting topline muscles cause the midsection of the back to sink and give the swayback look.

Despite the appearance, lordosis does not have a direct influence on the horses health or soundness provided it is not of the genetic form.  Swaybacked broodmares are able to carry and deliver foals normally.  Swaybacked riding horses are able to be ridden.  The main issue when riding a horse with lordosis is saddle fit as it can be difficult to fit a saddle correctly.

Reyner was an aged horse who had been used as a show jumper in his earlier life.  He was now being used as a weekend dressage ride and his owner was having problems with saddle fit.  Over a period of months we were able to change Reyner’s posture and improve the lordosis in his back.  We started off with fortnightly massages, progressing to monthly visits.  In between massages his owner performed stretching exercises and tummy lifts to help strengthen the abdominal muscles.

The scar was cosmetic and didn’t interfere with his saddle fit.  During his regular massages over several months I would work on releasing the surrounding scar tissue.

The result was a softening of the area and the depth of the scar reducing dramatically.

Rosie, being a young pony who has only been broken in for about 10 months, has been using muscles she previously has not used before in the process of building up her topline. Consequently she can become quite sore and stiff through her back and neck. Natalie has been amazing in restoring her suppleness and relieving this tension. The effects of this are dramatic and you can clearly see Rosie enjoying the pampering! I really like Nat’s holistic, natural approach and her obvious passion for the comfort of her equine clients. I would highly recommend Nat for any horse displaying any signs of discomfort or as a treat for your equine best friend!

Elizabeth Howard
Mingaletta Park

Natalie has been massaging ‘Toby’ once a month for about a year. He responds well to massage with improved performance immediately post-massage. In this time the issues that have been resolved with ‘Toby’ include asymmetrical muscle development of the shoulders and tightness of various muscle groups which relate directly to his work.

Regards,
Ilona
www.noahsarkvet.com.au

Just thought I’d let you know that Ninja was acting a little like his old happy snuggly self yesterday.

I thought there was something wrong with his face when I was mucking around giving him scratches.

I was surprised to discover that there wasn’t anything wrong with him at all – His jaw was relaxed, and that’s something I haven’t seen in a long time! Usually he clenches it, even without a bit in his mouth, and grinds his teeth.

None of that yesterday!

Also, things are making a little more sense now with his back end.

Since I’ve had him back from the trainers he always canters disunited on the left rein. And when he is united, he swaps and changes his hind lead. He got so good at it; it almost feels comfortable and looks comfortable for him to be disunited on the left rein.

It also makes sense that he is an expert at counter canter on the left rein, but not so much on the right.

So, thankyou so much for opening my eyes to the fact that my boy was in so much pain.

Nicole & Ninja

The overnight change in Ben’s whole self is amazing, I can’t express how I feel. You have given me the kind, gentle horse I always knew was in there somewhere.

The fear in his eyes is gone and he came up yesterday and put his head into my arms for the first time.

Thanks You.

Kind Regards,
Karen Aimes

Regards,
Clair Osbourne

Thought I would let you know that our vet has arranged for Tigerlily to have an x-ray at Agnes Banks Equine Clinic this Wednesday. I did mention to the vet that you would be happy to work with him if needed and he said he would be happy for that to happen if her problem proves to be muscular related. Could be a first to have a bovine vet working with an equine masseuse and Tigerlily is the girl to do that with.

You made such an impression on her that she almost lines up now for our amateur efforts at keeping up your good work.

Regards,
Chris