Helping Horses Move Their Best
Relieve tension, restore balance, and help your horse move with comfort and confidence.
Welcome to Empowered Equine Massage – Equine Sports and Rehabilitation Massage based in Leicestershire, Uk
Hello and thank you for visiting. I’m Laura, based in Leicestershire, and I specialise in equine sports and rehabilitation massage therapy for horses and ponies of all ages, disciplines and backgrounds. With 30 + years’ experience around horses and a recent accredited qualification in equine sports and rehabilitation massage, I offer a service that combines experience, professional training and a genuine love for horses. Passionate about ensuing that your horse or pony can move and work free from pain or restrictions I will create a tailored treatment to ensure that they receive the exact help that they need based on their individuality.
My Story
Since childhood I’ve been riding, caring for and studying horses – their behaviour, their movement, their welfare. After A-Levels I went on to gain a degree in Equine Science. Although I then took a detour and have spent several years working in he logistics industry the pull of working with horses never left me.
In 2025 I completed a fully accredited qualification in equine sports and rehabilitation massage (through Wolds Equine Rehabilitation and Training, Rural Skills UK accredited) – which included over 50 hours of practical hands-on training, extensive online coursework, case-study submissions and several exams. I’m now ready to bring all of that – the equine science, the years with horses, the business experience and the massage therapy training – into my own therapy business.
What I offer – My approach and services
I come to your yard, I assess your horse (movement, musculature, condition, history and current work) and deliver a tailored massage/rehabilitation session that aims to support your horse’s performance, well-being or recovery. Then we talk about what to watch out for, how you might support your horse between sessions, and whether follow-up work would be beneficial.
Some of the things I’ll cover include:
Initial consultation: understanding your horse’s history, workload, discipline, any issues (stiffness, behavioural changes, uneven stride, reluctance, ageing, box-rest, etc)
Observation: movement in hand, perhaps walk/trot/canter if safe, palpation to assess muscle tension, symmetry, areas of interest
Tailored massage session: this may include techniques such as soft-tissue mobilisation, myofascial release, joint-mobilisation adjuncts (where safe and appropriate), stretching, and guidance for owner/carer including simple stretches or warm-up/cool-down recommendations
After-care advice: what to keep an eye on, how your horse responded to treatment, tips for turnout, warm-up, work patterns, maintenance
Follow-up recommendations: we’ll discuss when the next session might be helpful and what to monitor
I’m based in Leicestershire, smack bang in the heart of the Midlands, which means I’m ideally located to be able to reach lots of different areas bringing my service to existing yards, private homes, competition stables and small-holding settings. I blend professionalism, gentle communication and respect for each individual horse.
Why choose equine massage?
Whether your horse is a competition mount, a leisure hack, a youngster, an older pony or recovering from injury or inactivity, equine massage can offer real benefits. My approach is holistic: I look at the horse’s history, current work and condition, musculature, movement and preferences, and tailor each session accordingly.
Here are some of the key benefits:
Improved range of motion, stride length and flexibility – Research shows that massage applied to hind-limb muscles increased protraction (forward movement) of a horse’s hind limbs. (science-equine.com)
Reduced muscle tension, soreness or spasm – A review of the evidence found benefits such as reduced muscle tension, reduced spasms, greater flexibility and increased sense-of-well-being in horses. (equinemassageassociation.co.uk)
Enhanced circulation, reduced fatigue and better recovery – The compression/release patterns of massage help with blood and lymph circulation, which is especially useful for stall-bound horses or those in heavier work. (dvm360.com)
Support in injury rehabilitation or prevention – While massage is not a substitute for veterinary care, it can play a useful role alongside vet and physio work in promoting soft tissue health and aiding recovery. (Equine Massage)
General wellbeing, calmness and improved performance – Many horses show a relaxed demeanour during and after massage; for those with nervous temperaments or uneven work patterns, massage can be part of the toolkit to help them feel better and perform better. (Stable Hands Equine Massage)
Why work with me?
There are plenty of options out there. Here’s what makes me different:
Deep equine background – 30 + years of being around, riding, caring for and studying horses gives me a strong, instinctive feel for how a horse moves, thinks and works.
Academic and professional training – I hold a degree in Equine Science and a fully accredited qualification in equine sports and rehabilitation massage (including hands-on practical training, case studies, exams and more) with the reputable training provider Wolds Equine Rehabilitation and Training (Rural Skills UK accredited).
Holistic perspective – I don’t just work on a muscle or a single issue; I look at the bigger picture: your horse’s workload, lifestyle, age, past history, relax vs performance mode, environment and future goals.
Friendly, approachable and clear communication – I know that as an owner or rider you want to understand what’s going on. I’ll explain in plain English (no jargon) what I’ve found, what I’m doing and why.
Fully insured - I hold full insurance through Balens
Member of professional bodies - such as IAAMB and IAAT
Constantly learning - through monthly UK Rural Skills accredited CPD training
Based in Leicestershire and working locally – I am committed to ensuring your horse gets the help they need.
Who will benefit?
My equine massage and rehabilitation work is suitable for a wide range of horses and ponies, including:
Competition horses (show jumping, dressage, eventing, endurance, etc) who need the edge in performance, suppleness and recovery.
Leisure hacks and companion ponies who may have stiffness, unevenness, low-level discomfort or age-related changes.
Riding school horses and ponies who have a varied workload and may suffer from stiffness / imbalances due to having multiple different riders at different skill levels.
Horses returning from injury or box rest who need support for muscle tone, circulation and movement restoration – please note if an injury/illness is under active care of your Vet then I will need their permission to work on your horse.
Older horses whose workload may have changed, but who still deserve comfort, mobility and good quality of life.
Nervous or sensitive horses in need of help with muscle tension, behavioural changes or simply feeling better in their body.
Young horses whose muscle development, stride, movement and general balance are still evolving.
Let's Talk
If you’re interested in arranging a session or simply having an informal chat about how equine massage might benefit your horse, please get in touch. I’m very happy to come and visit your yard, meet your horse, discuss your goals and explain how I work. I look forward to helping your horse feel better, move better and perform better.
I’m based in Leicestershire, and I serve the surrounding counties and yards. Whether you’re a yard in Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire or within reachable range, I’m happy to discuss travel and availability. My aim is to build strong local relationships and provide a trusted, regular service so that your horse can benefit all year round.
