Any questions?
Answers to all your questions
Straight from the horse's mouth
What is Reiki?
What is Equine Reiki?
Do horses like Reiki?
What can Reiki do for my horse(s)?
What to expect / what happens in a Reiki session?
What happens / should I do after a treatment?
How many sessions?
What if I have more than one horse?
Reiki sounds amazing, can I have it as well?
What areas do you cover?
How much do you charge for Reiki?
Are you Qualified and insured?
What is Equine Reiki?
Equine Reiki is simply where a Reiki practitioner shares Reiki with a horse, donkey, ass or mule. In my experience, and that of many others, equines love Reiki and its many benefits.
Do horses like Reiki?
Horses of all types respond really well to receiving Reiki and do indeed seem to like it (especially if it's on their terms). This applies equally from:
- the fittest thoroughbred race horse or show jumper
- the happy hacker or retired ride
- the cheeky full of life type
- the nervous and highly strung individual
- the biggest shire horse
- the smallest shetland pony
It also applies regardless of age or current health condition as there are many beneficial effects other than just physical healing. And don't forget donkeys, asses and mules they love it too.
What can Reiki do for my horse(s)?
The most common and obvious thing Reiki does is to calm and relax your horse. But as a healing therapy Reiki has also been shown to help heal or overcome physical conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Colic
- Injuries – including recovery from surgery
- Lameness
- Laminitis
- Loss of appetite
- Sweet Itch
- Wind sucking
However, Reiki works on many levels ( at the same time ) and so can also be highly beneficial and help with emotional and psychological issues such as:
- Improving horse and rider relationships and bonding
- Lowering stress, including competition stress for both horse and rider
- Easing anxiety
- Calming nervous or easily spooked horses
- Enhancing performance
- Decreasing loading problems
- Reducing separation issues
- Overcoming the loss of a loved companion
- Preparation for their own passing
Above all Reiki is a natural and gentle holistic therapy. It is completely safe and can not do any harm, even to horses who are receiving veterinary treatment.
What to expect / what happens in a Reiki session?
Initially I will need to come and meet your horse(s) and you to get a good idea of their current health condition, age, emotional state, daily routine and diet as well as any other factors that you feel relevant. This can be, and usually is, incorporated into the first treatment.
Ideally the treatment will take place at a quiet time ( something to think about when booking a session ) so that there are minimal disruptions. Depending on the horse and the situation at the time, treatments can be given with the horse tied up, loose in a stable/yard or even loose in a field, provided it does not compromise my own safety.
The actual treatment will vary for each horse and potentially each time, but I start by connecting to Reiki energy and then to the horse. Sometimes this can take half an hour or so, sometimes the horse is very receptive and it happens very quickly. I work intuitively so I then allow the horse to lead the session. This can be whether they would prefer the treatment to be done hands off or hands on. It certainly allows them to choose how much Reiki they get and where they receive it. They will often physically move to present the relevant body part to me for treatment.
Horses usually become very calm and relaxed during their treatment and often display signs such as lowering their heads, sticking their tongues out, yawning or even laying down.
Treatment times are usually determined by the horse but typically last between 45mins to an hour or more.
Please note: That if your horse is currently receiving veterinary treatment for any injury, illness or health condition, I will need approval from them before I can treat your horse. This is a legal requirement. Permission can be obtained verbally in a quick call to them or in writing. This can be done by yourself but I will need you to sign to say you have obtained this before I can start.
What happens / should I do after a treatment?
Reiki carries on working, some times for a day or two after the actual treatment from me has finished. Horses are often tired or sleepy following a treatment, and may even want to lie down and sleep. Others feel an almost instant boost and will charge around if let loose. Reiki works in different ways for each horse and so you should remember that even those that appear relatively normal will still be processing and adjusting to the energy.
It is best if you can allow them to do whatever they need to do in their own time and way. You should continue to provide plenty of fresh water and feed and if possible, refrain from riding, lunging or any other strenuous activity for a day or so to allow this to happen.
How many sessions?
There is no right or wrong answer here as it will vary for each particular horse and their individual circumstance at the time. Reiki works cumulatively though, so If your horse has suffered an injury then obviously more treatments over a relatively short period will be more beneficial. If, on the other hand, you use Reiki as a way to calm and relax your horse then you will probably find that you will quickly come to know when it's time for them to receive another treatment from me. I will be happy to discuss this with you at or following an initial meeting and treatment.
What if I have more than one horse?
No problem, I will have to complete an initial consultation for each and every horse I treat, but I offer packages or even day or half day rates so I can treat a number of horses within any one visit if necessary.
Reiki sounds amazing, can I have it as well?
Absolutely you can. I am a fully trained Reiki Master/ Teacher and have been treating humans for many years. I even offer a 6 leg special – to include Reiki treatments for your horse and you in the same visit. I will bring a massage table for you so you could, if you wanted, receive your Reiki right by your horse for a unique bonding experience.
What areas do you cover?
I am based in Taunton, Somerset and any treatment within a 12 mile radius is included. Outside of that I am happy to travel, with costs charged extra. I keep costs as low as possible and will be happy to advise on and discuss costs for this with you before any treatment.
"Are you qualified, insured and registered?
The simple answer is yes, to all three.
I am a fully qualified Reiki Master / Teacher.
I sought out my own teacher, Mary Barrett, as I wanted to train in the traditional Eastern style of Reiki which aims to be as true to the original teachings of Mikao Usui as possible. I completed my Master/Teacher level with her several years ago. Since then I have added an Advanced Equine Reiki Practitioner qualification with Sarah Beresford at the Epona Equine Reiki Centre.
I am fully insured with Holistic Insurance Services – I will be happy to discuss the details of this or provide you with a copy of my insurance certificate if required.