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Equine Bowen Therapy & Technique, frequently asked questions
Equine Bowen Therapy is based on The Bowen Technique, a therapy which is widely used to treat many human conditions. The Bowen Technique was developed by Tom Bowen who was born in Geelong, Australia in 1906 and it is believed he initially worked on greyhounds and racehorses, achieving remarkable results with one horse in particular who came second in the Melbourne Cup.
Like the human form of Bowen, Equine Bowen Therapy is a simple, non-invasive hands-on therapy which promotes healing and pain relief. By treating the whole horse, the therapy addresses the whole central nervous system, helping to release muscle spasm, relieve congested kidneys and stimulate the lymphatic system. Bowen is subtle and relaxing and many horses fall asleep during the treatment.
All Equine Bowen therapists are qualified human Bowen Therapists. This ensures that all Equine therapists have a complete understanding of the Bowen Technique.
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The same way as for humans. The therapist uses thumbs and fingers on precise points on the horse’s body which disturb the muscles, soft tissue and energy within the body. These small movements help to release endorphins, a natural chemical in the body which encourages relaxation. At regular intervals during the treatment, the horse is left to rest for short periods of time, allowing the body to absorb the treatment.
Many owners are surprised at the effectiveness such small moves have on their horse, and many horses fall asleep during their treatment. Equine Bowen is NOT massage and there is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue as no force is used or needed. There is no need to have your horse sedated.
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There are many reasons to try Equine Bowen Therapy, not least because:
a) Bowen is a very gentle therapy which works with the body's own systems to promote healing. As a result, the effects are usually long term, since the therapy deals with the root cause of the disorder, as well as the symptoms
b) most horses enjoy Bowen because it is so gentle, subtle and relaxing. There is no manipulation of hard tissue and because no force is used or needed, anxious or nervous horses do not need to be sedated. Many horses that dislike other forms of therapy often enjoy - and benefit from - Equine Bowen Therapy
c) it can help with persistent and intermittent lameness
d) it helps to realign musculoskeletal problems and normalize the respiratory, digestive, lymphatic and circulatory systems
e) it helps to improve wind, flexibility and muscle tone
f) for the competition horse it helps to fine tune the body and can increase energy.
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Before a Bowen therapist can treat your horse, you must obtain the permission of your vet or veterinary practice. It is illegal for anyone to treat your horse without your veterinary's consent.
A treatment normally takes around one to 1 ˝ hours, depending on whether or not the therapist needs to see you ride. At the very least, they will ask to see your horse led up in hand. After the treatment, it is ideal if you can turn your horse out and it is recommended that you allow your horse to rest the day following treatment. Depending on the condition being treated, two or three treatments at weekly intervals are usually enough to achieve lasting relief - although in some cases, you may wish to consider a 'top-up' treatment every few months as part of your maintenance plan.
Equine Bowen is a holistic treatment and following a detailed discussion with you as the horse's owner/carer, all treatments are tailored to individual needs.
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All types for horses can benefit from a Bowen treatment from foals, to competition horses to older retired horses.
Bowen helps to relieve pain and tension and to stimulate the horse's own healing mechanism. As with other forms of treatment, including conventional medicine, there are no guarantees but conditions which respond well to Equine Bowen include:
- uneven wear of shoes
- unlevelness, disunited gait or irregular action
- intermittent lameness
- muscle atrophy or uneven development
- 'cold' or sore back
- uncharacteristic change of temperament e.g. biting, sensitivity when grooming or tacking up, or when shoeing, etc
- sluggish lymphatic system or weakened immune system
- stiffness resulting from old age, being cast, slipping, badly fitting saddles or rugs
- wounds and injuries, old and new
- respiratory problems
- mud fever
- allergies
- lymphanigitis
- head shaking
- circulatory problems
- urinary problems
- behavioural problems
- starting gate injuries in racehorses
Mares being prepared for breeding and after they have foaled can benefit greatly from Equine Bowen Therapy. Initially it adds balance and well being to the mare and skeletal alignment giving the best possible chance of conception - through to helping the mare cope with the strain of breeding, realigning her body again and helping to ensure good quality milk production.
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No, all horses can benefit from a Bowen treatment; irrespective of whether they have a specific problem, the horse will just take from the treatment what it needs. Bowen works on the nervous, lymphatic, digestive and respiratory systems and is therefore generally beneficial to the well being of your horse.
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Yes, Bowen helps with the repair process as it stimulates all of the systems in the body which help with the healing process - e.g. increased blood flow, which helps with cell reproduction and so on. We would always recommend giving your horse a Bowen treatment as soon as possible after he has suffered a trauma e.g a fall, or injury. This also applies to riders who have suffered a fall or injury!
Bowen is excellent for horses on box rest as it stimulates the body's natural immune (repair) system. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which is particularly beneficial for horses whose movement is restricted and who as a result, are not able to naturally easily expel any toxins which may be building up in their system due to lack of movement.
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All horses are different so it is difficult to say how your horse may react. Some horses may be very sleepy both during and after the treatment, but this should be seen as a good sign, as the healing process is more effective when the body is relaxed. Some horses drink a lot after treatment and some may be a little stiff for a day or so after their treatment due to the release of lactic acid and toxins in the body, but this too, is quite natural.
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The only thing you must do before I can treat your horse is to obtain the permission of your vet. This is usually just a formality but I will happily talk to your vet if he would find it helpful. I can also send him a report after treatment if required.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons have recognised Equine Bowen Therapy as a manual therapy, under the Veterinary Surgeons (Exemptions) Order 1962.
Not really. The only thing I need is somewhere level so I can assess your horse and if I need to see you ride as well, access to a level field or ménage.
I prefer to treat horses in their stable so they are in a familiar, safe, secure environment and can relax; they may have a hay net during treatment but try to avoid arranging an appointment close to or at feed time at the yard, as this can be unsettling for the horse.
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Very often an imbalance in the horse is reflected in the rider and vice versa, so treating both at the same time can have excellent results. An unbalanced, crooked rider often results in an unbalanced, crooked horse, so if you are thinking of investing in a Bowen treatment for your horse, you should perhaps consider one for yourself too!
Common problems addressed in riders include:
- lower back pain
- neck and shulder injuries
- hip/pelvic pain
- headaches, including migraine
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The Bowen Technique has also been successful in treating many other conditions including asthma, eczema, psoriasis, sinusitis and respiratory problems.
If at all possible you should be present at the first treatment, but as long as there is someone who can lead the horse up for me, then I can treat your horse without you being there. However, my insurance does not cover me for bringing your horse in or turning him out after treatment, so you will have to arrange for this to be done.
I can do some appointments at the weekend and in the evenings - please call me for availability.
All practitioners should be registered with their appropriate school or college.
I am registered with the European School of Equine Bowen Therapy (ESEBT), the European College of Bowen Therapy (ECBS) and the Bowen Therapists European Register (BTER), and to remain on these official registers I must be fully insured, hold a valid First Aid certificate and attend regular training courses every year to ensure my skills are kept up to date.
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