Helen is a former Head Girl of a 45-horse mixed livery yard and has been involved with horses for 30 years in various capacities, including instructing. 

 

Following up a long term interest in physical therapy and rehabilitation, and completion of an HND in Equine Studies with the University of Hertfordshire, Helen qualified as a human sports massage therapist in 1998 and ran her own busy private clinic for human remedial massage clients for two years.  She then undertook the International Therapy Examination Council Diploma in Equine Sports Massage, delivered by eminent Veterinary Chartered Physiotherapist Mary Bromiley, FCSP, graduating with Credit.   Helen moved to Scotland and gained valuable experience as an equine sports massage therapist working with a wide variety of horses & riders including many Advanced and PSG level dressage horses on the North East Scotland scene.  Helen also holds an MSc in Animal Manipulation from the McTimoney College (in conjunction with the University of Wales), which she uses to augment the sports massage treatment to provide a truly comprehensive approach to the treatment of animals she sees.

Research Interests


Helen has completed two research theses:


An investigation in to the effect of topical applications on horn moisture levels and growth rate

(Undergraduate, University of Hertfordshire)


The effect of a prescribed programme of unridden dynamic suppling exercise on range of motion of the hock joint and hindlimb stride length in the riding horse

(Postgraduate, University of Wales)


Further details of either are available on request.


Helen was recently featured on BBC Spotlight and in the Western Morning News; read the article here.

Location


Helen is based in Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple.  She will travel throughout Devon and Somerset to clients.  Small animals may, if wished, be brought for treatment to Bratton Fleming.

Helen Tompkins    07970 619906

MSc (An. Manip.) Dip ITEC (Equine) MMAA BCMA (Regd)

helen@helentompkins.co.uk


About Helen Tompkins

01598 710513 or 07970 619906

helen@helentompkins.co.uk

Helen lectures in practical and theoretical aspects of Equine Massage Therapy to the students of the ITEC Equine Sports Massage Diploma as delivered by Mary Bromiley, FCSP.  She retains a particular interest in exercise therapy (dynamic and passive), rehabilitation from long term injury and development of the horse to ensure optimum performance, including ground exercises for the horse.

 

In addition to her husband, child and four legged family of dogs, cat and children’s pony, Helen has a 7 year old racehorse being rehabilitated to a riding horse, and the former Huntsman’s horse from the Dulverton West, who is enjoying a much deserved retirement.

Sponsorship


Helen is pleased to sponsor Lucy Loughton, who has has just won the 2011 National Young Riders Championship on Butterfly.