Showing
I began to work with Nicola Keeting- Bell in 2008. At that time her home produced mare was beginning a new training programme to develop her physique and capabilities further as a rounded riding horse.
My initial muscular assessment of the mare ‘Innish Verdel’ highlighted muscular strain to the hamstrings and groin area of the mare. Releasing this area was the key to enabling the horse’s muscles to facilitate her canter stride and develop her back end and the powerful gluteal and quadriceps muscles needed for her athleticism. A maintenance programme was established targeting the resistance in her neck and lumbar back and tweaks and strains along the way in her targeted areas as she continued to compete and train. Working with Nicola and Margaret Green and demonstrating sports massage techniques they could employ between treatments supported the mare to her achievement with Nicola at the Horse of The Year Show in 2009.
“I first met Dawn at a demo where I asked her to look at my 7 year old recently broken mare that I was unable to get to canter correctly; Dawn worked with me over the next 5 months getting Verdel not only fit for competition but calm and content in her work. In the first year of her training we qualified for the Festival of Champions at the Yorkshire Show ground where she won her class and the overall horse championship, appearing in the Equestrian Life magazine, it was a great achievement as she is homebred and trained by myself, Dawns work had a big impact on not only her physical state by her mental one as well, thank you Dawn”
Point to Point
I began working with trainer Alison Christmas in 2009. Support the training work of Alison in partnership with the Veterinarian, Farrier and horse care management on her yard.
Initial muscular observations indicated muscular spasm under the forelimbs in the pectoral area, common in jumpers and horses in equestrian disciplines requiring full limb extension and who sustain forelimb concussion at speed. In the hind end the biceps and hamstrings were tight in the nearside a compensatory action had developed in the horse across the right diagonal. Regular monthly work resulted in the removal of the pectoral spasm and a freeing up of the hind end muscles enabling the horse to work evenly and to fully engage his hind end. Pre and post-race muscular Equine Body Sessions supported the release of muscular tension developing in the neck, chest, back and hamstrings as a result of training and racing. In Spring 2010 'In to Win' won to the delight of all involved. We are all looking forward to his successful season this year.
"Dawn has been part of our team for this season keeping 'In To Win' in great physical shape both before and after his runs. I feel massage has been beneficial to him as he has been tight in muscular areas because of the nature of point to point racing."
