There may be times when massage therapy is not appropriate for your horse due to underlying issues.  (please note this is not an exhaustive list)​

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• wet horse

• horse has had a hard feed (2 hrs need to be allowed after hard feed before massage and another 2 hrs after the session - hay is fine).  This must be adhered to otherwise there is a risk that massage will divert blood flow away from them digestive system increasing the risk of colic

• horse has been vaccinated within the last 72hrs.  Please allow 3-4 days following vaccinations for any appointment

• horse is in a state of shock or exhaustion

• horse has just worked (he/she will need sufficient time to return to a state of homeostasis/normal vital signs)

• bacterial infections present such as abscesses

• viral diseases (equine influenza, equine herpes)

• contagious diseases (strangles) 

• skin conditions/pathologies (sarcoids, tumours, ringworm).  Areas that are free of such conditions may be worked on with caution

• horse is sweating

• horse is overtly lame and hasn't been assessed by a vet

• horse has a fever (raised temperature over 102F or 39C)

• horse is dehydrated

• signs. of colic are present

• horse is in the early or late stages of pregnancy

• acute inflammation from injury is present

• acute trauma such as torn muscle or internal bleeding

• diarrhoea is present

• horse has functional neurological condition

• broken/bleeding skin (a wound that is less than 7 days old)

• sever forms o f functional nervous disease (tetanus)

• acute nerve problems or nerve irritation (neuralgia)

• inflammatory conditions (phlebitis)

• discharge / mucous from the eyes or nose

• laboured respiration

• cushings

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low level laser therapy cannot be performed at all if any of the following conditions are present​

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• Epilepsy

• Cancer

• Pregnancy

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for any other complaints that are not mentioned above, veterinary permission must be sought prior to treatment.  If you're in any doubt please check with your vet