EQUIVALENCE LTD.
Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Therapy
INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS
Please see below information which will help all appointments run smoothly, and allow us to get the best out of our time with your horse.
BOOKING POLICY
To ensure appointments can go ahead, I do ask that the following is adhered to by clients:
All bookings are to be made by phone call/text.
All bookings are subject to a cancellation policy.
Cancellation 24-48 hours before appointment - 50% charge
Cancellation 24 hours or less before appointment - 100% charge
Invoices for cancellation charges will be issued via EquiGate and paid by card.
Repeat cancellations or last minute appointment changes may result in us requiring payment upfront for future appointments.
Owners/handlers must be present for all appointments unless this is arranged in advance with us.
Horses must be in, clean, dry and free from mud/sweat prior to their appointment. We are unable to treat wet, dirty, sweaty or muddy horses.
Horses will need to be treated in a safe area that provides enough space, and is free from obstacles.
If clients fail to advise us of any of the below contraindications (scroll down), fail to seek Veterinary Permission when necessary, or fail to follow the booking policy, and we are unable to treat the horse when we arrive - a charge will be applied. An invoice will be sent by EquiGate and payment will be made by card.
If you have any questions regarding any of the above, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
THE VETERINARY ACT
The Veterinary Act is an important piece of legislation that all therapists are governed by. Please ensure you fully understand the below prior to your appointment.
As therapists, we are part of a vet-led team for your horse, so it is incredibly important that we work very closely with and strictly follow the guidance outlined within the Veterinary Act.
In simple terms, if your horse is in good health and requires a maintenance treatment (for example, they do not have any chronic or long term conditions and have not suffered any recent injuries) then you do not need to obtain consent from your vet prior to me treating your horse.
However, if your horse is suffering with an injury, undiagnosed lameness, a long term or chronic condition, or is currently being seen by the vet for anything, then permission from your vet will need to be granted before I can carry out any bodywork.
By adhering to the guidance, I can ensure that your horse is safe at all times and that any treatment they receive is suitable for them.
Please see an extract from the act below:
"Musculoskeletal maintenance care for a healthy animal, for instance massage, does not require delegation by a veterinary surgeon. However, the animal must still be registered with a veterinary surgeon. Maintenance should cease and the owner of the animal should be asked to take their animal to a veterinary surgeon for clinical examination at the first sign that there may be any underlying injury, disease or pathology. Alternatively, the musculoskeletal therapist may ask the client for formal consent to disclose any concerns to the veterinary surgeon that has their animal under their care."
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO EQUINE THERAPY
Please see below a list of situations where I would not be able to carry out bodywork on your horse.
Bodywork can not be performed at all if any of the following issues are present:
Raised temperature (fever) over 102F or 39C
Severe forms of functional nervous disease (e.g. Tetanus)
Acute nerve problems or nerve irritation (neuralgia)
Inflammatory conditions (e.g. Phlebitis)
Fungal skin conditions (e.g. Ringworm)
Infectious conditions (e.g. Poll-Evil, Fistulous Withers)
Infectious disease (e.g. Strangles, Pneumonia)
Viral disease (e.g. Equine Influenza, Equine Herpes)
Low Level Laser Therapy can not be performed at all if any of the following issues are present:
Epilepsy
Cancer
Pregnancy
Horses must not be treated with any therapies for 72 hours following vaccinations. Please ensure appointments are booked at least 3-4 days following any jabs.
For any other complaints that are not mentioned in the two lists above, veterinary permission must be sought prior to treatment. If you're in any doubt, it's best to check with your vet.