About
Natalie Smith
I’ve been an Equine Bodyworker for 19 years 🐴💆♀️.
When my Trakehner mare was tight and sore, I investigated options to make her more comfortable and that is when I became interested in equine massage. At the time, there were only 2 people in Sydney who provided equine massage. I took my first course looking to help my mare. I soon, realised I could help others and my journey began. I have made it my mission to educate horse people about the benefits of massage and “the muscles tell the bones what to do”, so it’s not always necessary to have the Chiro as your first point of call 🧐.
My quest to help my mare led me to Equinology. I was lucky enough to organise Equinology courses in NSW and be a Training Assistant. This gave me access to the best educators and leaders in their field worldwide 🌎. My bodywork encompasses the Equinology® Approach, which includes a combination of sports massage, soft-tissue mobilization, stretching, range of motion and positioning exercises, muscle activation techniques, focal point work, along with myofascial release. I conduct static and dynamic assessments before the session and provide a report outlining what I have found and in what areas 📝. I will also quite often leave you with homework. 😊
As my body is starting to feel its age, I’ve been looking for something to augment my massages. My search led me to the new modality of “Equine Cryotherapy” ❄️. Equine cryotherapy uses a hand-held device that allows me to target any part of the horse with an ice cold spray. Whilst it makes a little noise, the horses soon learn to love the releases and the experience 🥰.
I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk with my Trakehner gelding “Crispy,” who I bred. We are training Elementary/Medium dressage 🏇. My experience with Crispy and my previous horses has given me a wealth of knowledge, allowing me to relate to what the rider is feeling and experiencing.
Life isn’t boring as besides bodywork, I run boutique agistment on our property at Wyee where I live with my husband, parents, my other horse Blossom, 3 cats, 2 dogs, and numerous chooks 🐓🐱🐶”
Qualifications
Education:
2003 – Introduction to Equine Massage with Catherine Bird
2004 – EQ100 Equinology Equine Body Worker Certification – Debranne Patillo – Host and Student
2005 – EQ100 Equinology Equine Body Worker Certification – Host and TA to Debranne Patillo
2005 – EQ1100 Equinology Myofacial Release – Ruth Mitchell Golladay– Host and Student
2006 – EQ1200 Equinology Craniosacral Therapy – Gail Wetzler PT, EDO, BI-D – Host and Student
2007 – EQ100 Equinology Equine Body Worker Certification – Host and TA to Debranne Patillo
2007 – EQ700 Principles of Saddle Fitting and Shoeing Dynamics – Dr Kerry Ridgeway DVM– Host and Student
2007 – EQ103 Equinology Advanced Equine Massage Techniques – Debranne Patillo
2008 – EQ300 Equinology Equine Biomechanices – Dr Barb Crabb DVM– Host and Student
2009 – EQ100 Equinology Equine Body Worker Certification – Host and TA to Debranne Patillo
2009 – EQ103 Equinology Advanced Equine Massage Techniques – Debranne Patillo– Host and TA to Debranne Patillo
2011 – Barefoot Blacksmith Introduction to Barefoot Trimming – Andrew Bowe
2011 – Equine Dissection Course – Sharon May Davis
2014 – Biomechanics – Dr Kerry Ridgeway DVM and Manolo Mendez
2016 – EQ1110 – Equinology Equine Myofascial Release Techniques Level II – Ruth Mitchell Golladay
2022 – December – Equine Cryotherapy Training with Kassen Equine
2023 – May – Human Cryotherapy for Athletic Performance and Recovery – New Wellness Pty Ltd
Associations:
Founding Professional Member IEBWA
International Equine Body Workers Association Australasia
Membership Co-ordinator and Chairperson
Equestrian Australia Member