Sharon Bronsveld’s first horse was difficult. So much so that it inspired her future. “My horse had both psychological and physical issues, and I was looking for someone to give him a treatment; he wouldn’t allow a dentist, farrier, therapist or vet to go near him,” explains Sharon. “No one, that is until I met a craniosacral therapist.

“I wasn’t familiar with this type of treatment at the time, but this particular therapist was the first person that was able to treat him. So when I saw this, I was inspired to learn more and eventually, after a two-year study, I became a certified craniosacral therapist myself.”

Therapeutic modalities are on the rise in Ireland, but still aren’t as popular or well-known as in other EU countries. Sharon used to live in the Netherlands, where her practice was a lot busier than it has been so far in Ireland, but she does think the tide is turning and clients have increased in recent months.

“Craniosacral therapy is an energy-based therapy,” Sharon says. “We work on releasing restrictions in the musculoskeletal system and fascia (connective tissue) of the horse. It is a gentle, non-manipulative therapy, and it encourages the body’s natural self-healing mechanism. It has a positive effect on the entire being. We work with the whole body – bones, muscles, nerve system, lymph, connective tissue and organs. As a result, horses become more relaxed, both physically and mentally.”

When Irish Country Living asks Sharon to expand on the specifics of her work, she reveals that living energy is at the heart of what she does.

“Both craniosacral therapy and the biotensor I use are a way of working with energy. People find that vague, but everything consists of energy. Albert Einstein already proved that. An energy field surrounds every living thing, and we all have our unique frequency.

“Just like you can tune into the radio and listen to music. I pick up on the horse’s frequency and work with my hands or the biotensor to find out what is going on and where the horse needs support. Like the radio, I pick up on the frequency and then broadcast the message to the owner.”

The biotensor Sharon uses is an analytical device; it is a sensitive and reliable measuring instrument that has been used for centuries to test bio-field, chakras and meridians, but can also used for checking compatibility with products such as feed and supplements.

“In some cases, I will feel emotions as well. Such as sadness, stress or pain.” Sharon reveals. “We have all experienced walking into a room full of people, and without exchanging a word, you will get a vibe to stay away from someone or maybe have the opposite and feel an energetic attraction. You pick up on energy that does or doesn’t suit your vibration. It’s as simple as that.”

Jack of a few trades

Adding to her skills when she can, Sharon trained in equine nutrition; she has also began to study equine epigenetics and orthomolecular medicine. As well as hands-on therapy, she currently offers an online nutrition course delivered by nutrition expert Dr Christina Fritz, a biologist with a doctorate in animal physiology and neurobiology.

Like any good therapist who appreciates a team approach to our horses’ health, Sharon works with other equine professionals, such as vet, horse trainer, barefoot trimmer and massage therapist.

“Together, it is our goal to get horses healthy again. I also provide custom made nutrition plans and herbal mixes to provide exactly what the horse needs. I am only on the road two days per week, and the other four days, I am testing horses remotely with the biotensor.”

Some horses have a lasting effect on their therapist, and for Sharon it was a foal. “One case that really stuck with me was a foal who was only a few weeks old. She had windswept hind legs. The owners didn’t think she would ever walk normally, but they didn’t give up.

“I treated her with craniosacral therapy a few times; she also got some treatments from a chiropractor. She was on a custom-made herbal mix that helped with discomfort, inflammation, joint support, and strengthening connective tissue. Two years later, she is doing amazingly well! Her hind legs have straightened, and her movements are amazing. As if nothing ever happened. Both the owners and horse are happy, and that is what I love about my job.”

A craniosacral session with Sharon costs 55 Euro and lasts around an hour. This includes assessing, looking at the movement, saddle check and management.

“I always advice to get a health check done as well,” she points out. “This includes a measurement with the biotensor to find out what nutrients the horse might be lacking, what herbs it needs to support the horse and what diet suits the horse best.

“The diet must be right. If the diet doesn’t suit the horse, it can be more prone to injuries or metabolic issues. If the diet isn’t right, then the horse will never be 100% healthy.”