About Equusential Therapies

About Equusential Therapies

Founded in 2016, Equusential Therapies, led by Yvette Waller, provides expert Equine Myofunctional Therapy (EMT) (horse sports massage), Saddle Fitting, and Bit Fitting services across East Gippsland/Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Based in Bairnsdale, Yvette offers a professional and personalized approach to optimizing your horse’s comfort and performance.

About Yvette

Yvette has extensive experience in equine therapy and a strong educational foundation:

• Equine Myofunctional Therapist - qualified and trained at the National College of Traditional Medicine
• Saddle Fitter - certified and trained with Peter Horobin Saddlery
• Bit Fitter - certified and trained with Bit Bank Australia

With a loyal clientele and a passion for equine health, Yvette is dedicated to helping horses move, perform, and feel their best.

Services and Pricing

Service Areas

Yvette offers EMT, Bit-Fitting and Saddle-Fitting services during the week within a 30 minute drive of Bairnsdale, Victoria. For locations further afield in Gippsland, Yvette travels by request for group bookings of 5-6 services in the same area and on the same day. Travel charges may apply for exceptions.

To ensure the best experience, please have your horse caught, brushed and ready for their booking time.

Equine Myofunctional Therapy (EMT)

What is EMT?

EMT is the therapeutic application of massage techniques to improve muscle function, mobility, and relaxation in horses. It is also known as equine sports massage, equine myotherapy, or horse massage.

How can EMT help my horse?

EMT stimulates the body's natural healing processes, providing benefits such as:

• Pain relief
• Reduced muscle fatigue & tension
• Increased relaxation
• Improved circulation & blood flow
• Enhanced posture & range of motion
• Decreased inflammation & prevention of adhesions
• Better muscle tone & athletic ability

After an EMT session, Yvette may recommend stretching exercises or a polework program to maximize results, improve proprioception, strength, and muscle tone.

Services and Pricing

• First visit: $100 AUD per horse
• Follow-up sessions: $80 AUD per horse

Saddle Fitting

What is Saddle Fitting?

Saddle fitting involves a thorough assessment of your current saddle to ensure optimal fit and comfort for both horse and rider. This includes evaluating:

• How the saddle sits on the horse
• Potential pressure points or discomfort
• Rider balance & weight distribution

If needed and suitable for the type of saddle: adjustments such as gullet widening/changing or wool flocking can be made (additional costs apply). If a saddle cannot be adjusted to fit, Yvette will provide recommendations.

For your session, please have all saddles needing assessment ready.

How can Saddle Fitting help my horse?

• Prevents discomfort & injuries from poor saddle fit
• Enhances relaxation & willingness to work
• Reduces anxiety when ridden
• Decreased anxiety when ridden
• Improves performance through better gear fit
• Enhances communication through seat aids

Pricing

• Saddle Fitting Assessment: $150 AUD per horse.
• Additional adjustments (e.g., gullet changes, wool flocking) priced separately

Bit Fitting

What is Bit Fitting?

Bit fitting involves a detailed assessment of your horses current bit, mouth shape, and comfort level to find the most suitable option.

• Examination of the horses oral conformation
• Trialing different bits to assess response & comfort
• Ridden (preferred) or groundwork assessment (please have your horse tacked up if a ridden assessment is booked)

How can Bit Fitting Help My Horse?

• Prevents discomfort or injury from incorrect bits
• Encourages relaxation & acceptance of the bit
• Improves communication & rein aids
• Reduces anxiety & resistance
• Enhances performance with a better-fitting bit

After an assessment, Yvette may recommend suitable bits from Bit Bank Australia's range if you don't already have an appropriate option.

Pricing

• Bit Fitting Assessment: $100 AUD per horse.

Education & Training

Yvette has completed the fYvette has completed extensive certifications, training, and ongoing education to ensure the highest standard of care for your horse.

Certifications & Courses

National College of Traditional Medicine

• Equine Anatomy & Physiology
• Equine Myofunctional Therapy
• Equine Nutrition
• Herbal Medicine for Horses
• Equine Pasture Management

Saddle Fitting

• Peter Horobin Saddlery - Certified Saddle Fitter Training
• Saddle Fit 4 Life Certified Equine Ergonomist

Bit Fitting

• Bit Bank Australia - Accredited Bit Fitting Specialist Course

Additional Training & Research

• Sharon May-Davis ("The Bone Lady") - Dissecting the Facts, 3-day clinics (x2)
• Animal Rehabilitation & Health Academy - Equine Exercise Rehabilitation, Photobiomodulation (Light Therapy)
• Dr Shelley Appleton Teaching People to Work with Horses

Yvette also regularly participates in webinars and training related to:

• Equine rehabilitation
• Horse health
• Pasture management
• Muscle function and therapy
• Horse Training

Affiliations

Yvette is proud to be associated with

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About Our Team