July saw the return to work for horses after having been out of action for some time. Several horses were on medium and long term rehabilitation programmes designed specifically by me for each individual horse, and included regular visits to support owners and their horses through their programmes. It was therefore pleasing to see the hard work and dedication by owners over weeks and months (mostly undertaken through the cold winter and spring months) finally paying off and horses making successful returns to ridden work, following serious injuries, surgery and veterinary treatment.

Trevor receiving regular treatment to keep him in good shape for his next dressage competition. Good luck to Trevor and Gail for your next outing.

This month my clients have been very varied, and include horses, dogs and an alpaca, and have taken me across Staffordshire, Cheshire and the West Midlands from Rugeley, Enville and Pattingham, to Bromsgrove, Sedgley, Stourbridge and Kinver. My clients have been based in alI four corners of Shropshire in from Oswestry, West Felton, Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth, Telford, Shawbury, Newport and Edgmond to Ludlow and Leominster. I have many new clients in Cheshire based in Chester, Shavington, Nantwich and Northwich busy on the competition scene in the North West.

Hands on

All animals benefit from hands on contact from their owners on a daily basis. Treatment of injuries or regular support for animals working hard competing or coping with physical problems can be supported by owners providing massage and stretch exercises for their animals regularly.

What are the many benefits of massage and stretch exercises for animals?

• Massage can help your pet's physical and mental health
• Increases circulation and helps eliminate toxins and wastes from the body to reduce recovery time and promotes general all round health.
• Improves joint and muscle flexibility and muscle tone.
• Improves all round performance so beneficial to those with active lives, working animals and older animals.
• Improves balance and co-ordination which reduces risk of injury or re-injury.
• Improves attitude and ability to focus, which can affect behaviour, training, and performance.