Equine ConTact C.A.R.E Flinchlock Release® · Horses · Auckland region

ConTact C.A.R.E for horses

I offer ConTact C.A.R.E for horses across the Auckland region, working with horses at their own paddock, yard or stable. I'm a fully qualified Equine ConTact C.A.R.E practitioner, and I work with the surprise impacts horses can carry, using precise, specific contact that works with flinchlocks at the horse's own pace and without force.

A disciplined way of working with surprise impacts

Horses experience plenty of impacts throughout their lives, in the paddock, during transport, in training and competition, and simply through being horses. ConTact C.A.R.E focuses on surprise impacts. Read how ConTact C.A.R.E began, and what a flinchlock actually is.

I trained with Camille Nelson specifically for the equine side of the work, and I assist on the foundation-level Equine ConTact C.A.R.E course. See my full training and qualifications.

I locate the horse's flinchlocks and follow the pressure trail they leave through the body, working without force.

When owners bring a horse for a session

Sometimes there's a clear history behind it, a fall, a collision, a fright. Often there isn't, and that's fine. I work with whatever the horse is holding now, not with a story about how it got there.

A session doesn't need a specific problem behind it. Many owners include it as part of the ongoing care of a working, competition or much-loved leisure horse.

Horse, rider and gear

A horse and rider continually influence each other, and when a surprise impact happened while your horse was tacked up, recreating those original conditions matters: saddles, bridles and other gear are often exactly where flinchlocks come to light, even when very little shows up without them. My training included horse-and-rider pressure, the relevance of gear and tack, and the patterns of compensation that can follow a surprise impact, so where it's relevant, I'll bring that gear into the session too.

What happens during a session

Every session is different, shaped by the flinchlocks and pressure trails I find in each horse. I use controlled, specific contact rather than manipulation, working at the horse's own pace and without force.

Equine ConTact C.A.R.E across Auckland

Equine sessions are mobile: I come to your horse at its own paddock, yard or stable within the Auckland region. A session is 60 minutes, $120 NZD, with travel included within the Auckland region. If you're unsure whether I cover your area, get in touch before booking.

Looking for a dog, cat or other small animal instead? See ConTact C.A.R.E for Pets.

Does ConTact C.A.R.E involve manipulation or force?

No. I use controlled, specific contact rather than manipulation, locating and following the horse's flinchlocks and their pressure patterns. Precision does the work, not force, which is very much in keeping with ConTact C.A.R.E's foundations as a martial arts based discipline. Read how it works.

What should I tell you before the session?

Anything that feels relevant, like past falls, collisions or accidents, changes in movement or behaviour, difficulties under saddle, sensitivity around gear, transport incidents, or anything that just doesn't feel usual for your horse. You don't need to work out what caused it first.

Do you look at the saddle or other gear?

My training covers how gear and tack relate to the horse-and-rider picture, so where it's relevant I may factor that in. It isn't a substitute for professional saddle fitting or veterinary assessment.

Can you work with the rider as well?

Yes, ConTact C.A.R.E works with people too. If you'd like a session for both you and your horse, get in touch so we can allow the right amount of time.

Will my horse need time off afterwards?

It depends on the horse and the session. I'll talk you through anything I notice, and you stay in charge of decisions about your horse's work and care.

Is Equine ConTact C.A.R.E veterinary treatment?

No, my work is complementary and isn't veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse is injured, acutely unwell, significantly lame, or you have any concern about its health or welfare, please contact your vet.

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Book an Equine Session ConTact C.A.R.E in Auckland