Manual Therapy Horses
Meet Matthias Agneessens, a dedicated equestrian enthusiast with a lifelong passion for horses and biomechanics.
His journey began many moons ago, as a certified manual therapist for humans, but as he sat in the saddle one fine sunny day and watched his fellow riders’ horses move, it dawned on him that his equine pursuits should become more than just a hobby in his life.
The world of equine therapy was no only equally fascinating, but also in high demand.
Determined to do his part in helping horses feel healthier and happier, he pursued further education in equine physiology.
As he delved deeper into the equine industry as a human and equine therapist, questions poured in from riders seeking solutions, sparking his interest in biomechanics, a field not as widely explored in those days as it is today.
As thousands of horses melted under his hands relaxing and changing body shape for the better, Matthias gained the trust of their owners and riders, and became known as the goto expert for addressing issues like neck and back problems, muscle strains, and more.
However, Matthias realised that although horses and riders were benefitting, and the effects carried over into the ridden scenario, they did not necessarily achieve harmony between horse and rider.
His journey took a significant turn as he began to study rider biomechanics specifically, recognising the critical interplay between rider and horse.
It was then that he embarked on a mission to train riders to move correctly by engaging the right muscles and developing the feel for how their equine partners moved beneath them, resulting in effective body communication and harmony.
How Manual Therapy can help your horse:
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increases overall mobility and suppleness
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improves posture and coordination
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strengthens muscles
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improves disposition, strength and stamina
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prevents connective tissue adhesion
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removes lactic acid and other waste
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optimises vital functions
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strengthens the functioning of the central nervous system
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strengthens the immune system
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increases the production of synovial fluid
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improves blood and lymphatic fluid and circulation and the production/absorption of cerebrospinal fluid
Prevention is better than a cure...
Horses participating in a structured tune-up programme demonstrate measurable improvements in athletic skill, posture, and willingness to perform. A tune-up is an essential part of routine care, before and after events, throughout the competition season.