What is EMRT for horses?

The original form of this therapy for horses stems from Bowen Therapy, which is a therapy based on the manual application of gentle non-invasive moves, which the Australian Tom Bowen developed at the end of the seventies for humans with physical medical conditions. The Australian Alison Goward adapted this therapy for horses and has been using it successfully since the 1990’s. She named it EMRT, which is short for: Equine muscle Release Therapy.

Horses are athletes and just like humans they suffer from strain and pressure, which can lead to problems and illnesses which can be expressed in physical, emotional or mental symptoms. EMRT helps to correct these and supports the body in finding ist own natural balance on all levels.

 

The technique consists of a succession of gentle, sensitive, manuel moves, which stimulate the fascia or connective tissues in specific key places within the horse body. The fascia returns back to its original supple condition and the natural function of muscles, circulation, nerves and organs is reestablished.


  • EMRT also works on the level of the nervous system which actively works on functions like respiration, digestion, metabolism, hormonal system, circulation and especially on the mental condition. The natural balance becomes reestablished
  • EMRT also supports harmonising meridians. Accupunture points become stimulated and support body, mind and soul to balance. The series of moves are characteristically interrupted by small breaks, which are important in order for the body to  process the healing impulses.
  • EMRT is the only worldwide recognised Bowen Therapy for horses and is founded on fifteen years of intense research. EMRT is a therapy which according to FEI and EFA, may be used on the day of a competition.

Treatment and fees

In order to achieve optimal results, a minimum of three treatments should be given. A treatment needs an average of an hour, depending on how the horse reacts and how many pauses are needed.

Duration

1,5 hours

First consultation

2 – 3 times 1 hour

Follow up consultations


Fees

CHF 120.–

First consultation

CHF 100.–

Follow up consultation

70 Rappen

per kilometer (travel expenses)


Frequently asked questions

When can EMRT be recommended?
  • Malpositioning of the physical body
  • All forms of lameness
  • Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
  • Back pain
  • Pelvic obliquity, pelvic displacement
  • Onesided tailholding
  • Differing hoof abrasion
  • Sport injuries or paddock injuries
  • Metabolic problems
  • Eczemia
  • Laminitis
  • Cushing disease
  • Equine metabolic syndrome
  • Horses inclining to colic
  • Recessive pharynx blockage, choking
  • Aggressive or depressed behaviour towards other horses or people
  • Recurring listlessness and or weakening of performance
  • Obviously chronic diseases like arthritis will never be completely healed. However often by releaving the tension of the muscles which help to stabilise the joints, a massive reduction in pain can be observed and the gait improved prominently.
  • EMRT can generally be used not only to ease and alleviate illness or pain, but also as a preventative.
  • EMRT frequently used on foals and yearlings has proved to be an excellent support for health protection and a benefit for healthy development. Riders and trainers of competition horses use EMRT for their horses as a frequent support for training, in order to keep the horses permanently supple and well balanced.
  • EMRT also has its limits, so a veterinary doctor must be consulted when serious dieseases or damaged organs, or anything of this kind is suspected. The most satisfactory thing would be for the EMRT practitioner to work hand in hand with the vet.
How is EMRT used?

Bowen Technique is a non-invasive manuel technique. The following requirements should be observed for optimal results:

  • The treatments should be done in the environment the horse is used to, either in the stable or outside, depending on where the horse feels more comfortable. I will travel to the horse to treat it, because in my experience the horse will be able to relax most where it feels most secure and safe.
  • During the treatment the horse should feel as comfortable and safe as possible, so that the muscles over which the moves are done, are as relaxed as possible, i.e. maximal release.
  • Choose a place where your horse feels most relaxed and comfortable. A nervous horse can sometimes settle down easier by feeding it hay during the treatment.
  • Loud noises and anything which will disturb the horses relaxation, should be avoided during the treatment.
  • If possible the horse should not be touched at all during the treatment, apart from the necessary moves.
  • The horse should not be shod or vaccinated for four days prior to a treatment. Also try to prevent the horse from having dental treatments, immunisations or being shod, in the four days after a treatment. Obviously if the horse injures itself or falls ill, veterinary help takes precedence.
  • Diarrhea during or after a treatment is one of the possible reactions of a horses body to the treatment. Sweating, hyperactivity, the wish to lie down or yawning are also possible reactions.
  • After the treatment, give your horse the time it needs to process all it has experienced on a physical and mental level. So leave it to rest until you can visibly see that it has recovered. Don’t place it back in the herd immediately. The horse should not be ridden, worked or lunged for four days after a treatment.