Why Merisha Massage Therapy? - Guest Article by Bryony Huggett

‘Tranter.’

That is basically how Chilli and I would scramble around a course of show-jumping. Not trotting, not cantering, but sort of something in the middle which consisted of a lot of wobbling, breaking, disuniting and circling. We worked hard, practised, jumped weekly at clinics, at home, competed – just had fun! After all, that is exactly why I have a horse. But we weren’t really ‘improving.’ Gaining confidence – certainly. Trusting each other – 100%! But bobbling around in a rather hollow ‘tranter’. Totally.

We spent just over 18 months in this trantery style – even getting ourselves round a handful of BE80’s last season! We were loving life, but I needed something to ‘click.’ To be able to start asking more, of both of us! Chilli now had a couple of years of riding experience and I wanted to start doing ‘big girl’ stuff! Enter C.M.P Therapies.

Chilli had her first treatment from Chloe of C.M.P Therapies on 5th November 2017. Unsure how she would respond to the different massage treatments available under her Merisha Massage umbrella, Chloe applied a range. Joint mobilisation, light therapy and vibrational therapy were all greatly received by Chilli; she demonstrated huge releases throughout and was practically asleep by the end!

The following weekend we went cross country schooling and she flew! She was free, floaty and bold. No tranter, definite canter and lots of galloping over solid obstacles. It was brilliant! Coincidence? Maybe. Time would tell!

Since then, Chilli has received monthly massages from Chloe: in that time, the difference in my horse has been phenomenal. We still work hard, have lessons, attend clinics and compete as and when we can; the only changing factor has been incorporating Chloe’s massages into our routine. Myofascial release and light therapy have become integral to her sessions, keeping her loose, supple and with freedom of movement. And I cannot express just how much my little mare has improved! Her best dressage to date has been achieved, the tranter is slowly starting to dissipate and she just feels so ‘up for it’!

To demonstrate what my words may be failing to convey, I have put together a little photo-timeline of Chilli and her progress following involvement from Chloe and C.M.P Therapies:

1 - Demonstrating the ‘tranter.’ Not always forward, disengaged in the backend, hollow and wobbly (as stated on the scoresheet!!) (Feb 2017)

2 - Scopey, but unstable between fences and losing both balance and rhythm. (Jan 2017)

First dressage outing of 2018 and her best one to date, following 4 months of C.M.P. Therapies treatments! The walk and trot is really starting to come together! Couldn’t be happier with the ponyo! (March 2018)

Chilli’s most recent outing – flying, forward and hungry for the next fence! And the best bit – no sign of the dreaded tranter!! We are finally feeling the ‘click’ - and all thanks to excellent support we both receive! (April 2018)

It has only been four months since C.M.P Therapies came into our lives, and we are already feeling the benefits! I knew that Chloe would help my horse, her performance and enhance her general well-being, but never for one second did I think that the outcomes would be this pronounced this early on. Thank you Chloe – Chilli and I are so proud and so grateful to have you as our sponsors and to spread the C.M.P Therapies love wherever we go!

Watch this space – with the help of Chloe (plus an added bit of grit and determination) we aim to make the coming months the best ones yet!

- Bryony Huggett and Chilli