03/06/2026
Student Spotlight: Gemma
This week we are celebrating Gemma, one of our IAAT Equine Massage Diploma students.
Horses have always been a huge part of Gemma’s life. From riding & competing when she was younger, to studying for her BHS qualifications & later diversifying her work with young people, her passion for both horses & education has continued to grow.
Gemma’s decision to train as an Equine Massage Therapist with IAAT came from two very personal experiences.
Three years ago, her daughter’s pony underwent surgery & being part of her rehabilitation journey sparked a real passion for understanding movement, biomechanics & how we can support horses physically & emotionally through recovery. Working closely alongside physios, chiropractors & treadmill rehabilitation specialists opened her eyes to the importance of collaborative care & rehabilitation.
The second reason comes from Gemma’s work with students. She loves teaching & supporting young people and has found that they are incredibly eager to learn & understand how horses move and function. Training as an Equine Massage Therapist allows her to combine both passions — supporting horses while also helping educate others in a practical, compassionate way.
After qualifying, Gemma’s goal is to support horses through massage therapy with a horse-centred approach, helping improve comfort, movement & wellbeing, while continuing to inspire & educate the next generation around equine care.
The Equine Massage course has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding for Gemma. Throughout the course, she has gained a huge amount of knowledge & developed a deeper understanding of the horse’s body and wellbeing.
Most importantly, it has reignited her passion for learning and continued professional development. She is excited to keep building her skills & expanding her knowledge so she can provide even better support for horses in the future.
A note from Gemma’s tutor:
Gemma has worked incredibly hard throughout this course. I am really proud of the progress she has made.
Well done, Gemma — you should be very proud of yourself.
Please join us in celebrating Gemma & her journey.
Green Stables