Free Flow Equine Therapies - Susan Rousak

I'm extremely humbled to be nominated for the ETAA Therapist of the Year (ACT). Thank you to whoever sponsored me, it means so much ♥️

I started doing equine bodywork to help horses, driven from trying to help my own horses. Running a business and trying to have a career in a field you are passionate about is both rewarding and extremely difficult. I'm so lucky to have a lot of amazing clients and friends who support me 😊

Thank you also to for organising these awards. It can be lonely out there as a sole trader but ETAA provides support, guidance and helps drive the standards of equine professionals. We are lucky to have such a great organisation behind us!

**Prevention is always easier than repair.**

One of the biggest misconceptions about equine bodywork is that it's only needed when something has already gone wrong.

The reality? Horses are masters at compensating.

A small restriction in the body today might not show up as a major problem for weeks, months, or even years. Instead, your horse quietly adjusts. They shift weight, alter movement patterns, and recruit different muscles to keep doing their job.

The challenge is that compensation comes at a cost.

Over time, these small changes can lead to:
🐴 Reduced performance
🐴 Muscle tension and soreness
🐴 Difficulty with specific movements
🐴 Changes in behaviour under saddle
🐴 Increased wear and tear on joints and soft tissues

Regular bodywork isn't just about fixing issues—it's about identifying and addressing minor restrictions before they become major problems.

Think of it like servicing your car. Most people don't wait until the engine fails before getting it checked. Routine maintenance helps keep everything functioning as it should and can prevent bigger, more expensive problems down the track.

Your horse's body deserves the same consideration.

Bodywork won't prevent every injury or issue, but maintaining mobility, comfort, and body awareness can help your horse move more efficiently, recover better from work, and stay happier in their job.

The horses that often benefit the most from bodywork aren't the ones that are obviously struggling—they're the ones whose owners are committed to keeping small issues small.

✨ Prevention is rarely as dramatic as rehabilitation, but it's usually far more effective.

What's the first subtle sign your horse shows when they're starting to feel uncomfortable? 👇

When you tape up the horse and then realise the tape and rug are matchy matchy 😆