A HORSE-LOVER who specialises in human and horse massage is saddling up for a new venture.

Tracey Cracknell, who lives in Ipswich, launched her new business, Equinox Massage, this month and is currently offering equine and human massage across Suffolk.

“I’m able to treat both horse and rider pre- and post- show,” she said, explaining that massages can help relax the rider and horse, reduce warm-up time and increase the horse’s range of movement.

“It enhances their performance and lessens the chance of injury too.”

“As a rider myself I can really see the benefits,” she added.

Tracey has been riding since she was eight years old and started her own business after realising she could combine her hobby and her career.

She completed a diploma in equine sports massage with renowned chartered physiotherapist Mary Bromiley MBE this year – an experience she described as brilliant, but also slightly daunting.

The training has helped her understand horses more fully, and she can now offer suggestions as to why a horse may be showing behaviour problems.

Tracey is also qualified in Swedish massage, Indian head massage and hot stone therapy.

“Feedback so far has been really good. Everyone says how great they feel the next day,” she said, adding that the horses are really receptive.

“Once the horses relax, they love it,” she said.

“You can really see that they’re enjoying it too.”