Name: Alexa Murphy

From: Kenmare, Co Kerry

Job title: Holistic Equine Massage Therapist

What qualifications do you hold? FETAC Level 5 equine anatomy and physiology, diploma in holistic equine massage therapy, sports therapy, NAREMT. Diploma in equine and canine acupuncture. BHSI instructor.

How many years did you study for your profession? Over a period of seven years.

What’s your equestrian background? I have always been involved with horses since an early age, horse riding and taking part in the stable lifestyle since I was five-years old. Horses were always my passion and it was a clear path for me to study equine studies after I finished school. I trained in a stud farm in Cork while in college in Cork. After this college, I spent several years teaching horse riding and training young horses in Mayo, Galway and Kerry. I then went on to work and further my study in the UK at Amersham. I managed a hydrotherapy rehabilitation yard on the farm while furthering my study in training horses. This work gave me the impetus to train in equine massage therapy. Once I had completed my studies, I came home to Ireland to make my roots here in Kenmare. Working as a holistic massage therapist pushed me to again further my study into equine acupuncture. I currently do freelance work and work occasionally in All Creatures Veterinary Centre in Kenmare.

Do you see an increase in people looking for treatments for their horses: Yes?

Have demands on horses seen an increase in more problems for horses? Yes, the equine industry is producing top quality horses in Ireland making competition between each other more intense so horses have to be in top condition all of the time in order to be at the top of their profession. The higher the ask of the horse, the higher the risk of injury.

What areas in the country do your cover? Kerry and Cork

What are the typical equine cases that you deal with? Under performing, lameness, horses acting out of character due to pain issues.

What do you enjoy about your job the most? It is a highly rewarding job, the connection between me and the horse while in treatment is a unique experience each time and it is amazing to feel the horse communicate where they are experiencing problems with their body language. When we give a horse what he needs, they give us their heart. Therefore, I love what I do!

What advice would you give someone hoping to entry this profession? Get as much practice as possible, be open to the horse, trust your instinct and back it up with your knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opionon in some difficult cases. The care of the horse should be first. I am currently developing a new and exciting business – Equinetik. It is a mobile app for equine practitioners and equine yard health record management systems. My goal is equine welfare and I hope to improve the life of the working horse in today’s world.

Alexa Murphy was in conversation with Emer Bermingham