Michelle O'Connor
Horses have always been an important part of my life. I learnt to ride at the age of nine and competed up to national standard in the disciplines of working hunter, showjumping, showing, dressage, one-day events, hunter trials and racing, and also hunted with the Carlow Farmers Hunt. I also prepared yearlings for the thoroughbred sales at Goffs and Tattersalls, Ireland’s premier sales venues.
My studies began with a degree in Analytical Chemistry from Dublin City University, followed by postgraduate research and a doctorate. This was followed by a First Class Honours qualification in Equine Sciences through the University of Limerick. I continued my involvement with horses in the areas of schooling and competition at various equestrian events. Highlights included competing at the Dublin Horse Show, representing Leinster in Working Hunter and awards for Connemara ponies.
In 1996, I decided to go back to working with horses full time, particularly in the area of therapeutic interventions for the management, reduction and resolution of equine sports injuries.
I realised I would have to initially train and work as human sports therapist. The first stage involved qualifying with a Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Massage. This was followed by a Diploma in Human Sports Therapy and finally a Diploma in Sports Therapy Equipment before going on to study for a Diploma in Equine Sports Massage Therapy under Mary Bromiley in the UK. Once qualified, I established a business providing a mobile Equine Sports Therapy service throughout Ireland dealing with clients from the world of racing, showjumping, eventing, dressage, driving, hunting, riding clubs and pony clubs.
My work takes me all over the country and predominantly involves working with equine athletes who have shown a sudden deterioration in performance, or horses requiring some assistance in their preparation prior to and after events.
I have been invited to make presentations on equine sports therapy at high profile public meetings around the country. I have written articles for various equestrian publications. And I have conducted “clinics” for riding clubs and other equestrian groups on the topic of “care and management of the equine athlete”.
I continue my involvement with horses at a personal level through competition and breeding. I’m still studying aspects of the management of the equine athlete, including anatomy, physiology and the therapeutic techniques that are being developed in conjunction with modern human sports therapy management. It is essential to maintain a current knowledge of advances in the area of the management and care of the equine athlete and participate both locally and internationally at conferences, seminars and other relevant meetings.
I am also embarking on a M.Sc. through the University of Limerick where I will focus on Equine Sports Therapy.
I firmly believe in a team-based approach to the management of the equine athlete, working closely with other professionals attending the animal (veterinarians, farriers, works riders, grooms, etc). I am committed to providing a quality service when working on the horse, but also in terms of follow-up clinical reports, provision of treatment/rehabilitation programmes, further investigations should they be required and ongoing support to owners. An efficient and effective return to performance or an improved performance is what I aim for with all my equine clients.
I am a member of Equine Sports Massage Association (ESMA), the Irish Massage Therapists Association (IMTA) and EMBODY, a Professional Association for Therapists. By being a member of these organisations, I undertake to adhere to a code of Code of Professional Conduct, Continuous Professional Development and carry appropriate Insurance.
Having a strong scientific background, and many years of hands-on horse experience means that I offer a unique and professional service to my clients who can be assured of a consistent, quality service.