Massage therapist Sophie Brise was a professional event rider running a small event yard before it became more stressful than enjoyable.
She says: “As the pressure of competing at the high levels grew it became less about enjoying my sport and more about winning. In the end I wanted to do something I love but at my own pace.”
During her 6 years of competing Sophie was impressed with the work that went in to keeping her and the horses healthy. She had regular massages and the horses had physiotherapy.
She explains: “I thought if I am going to leave something I have done my whole life I would like to continue to work with athletes and keeping people healthy.”
After she had qualified as a massage therapist, Sophie was taking a sports diploma to specialise in sports injuries when she met osteopath Paul Moody.
Osteopath Paul and massage therapist Sophie Brise were the first to offer treatments at the Wellbeing Centre when they began treating from an old office at Hever Castle Golf & Wellbeing in 2018 to see if there would be any interest.
Following the success of their treatments refurbishment works took place to create the Wellbeing Centre which opened in April 2019 alongside The Waterside Bar, Restaurant and Terrace.
It offers a range of classes such as pilates, yoga and paracise™ and treatments including physiotherapy, massage and beauty therapy.
Sophie has subsequently undergone training in pregnancy massage and found learning about what the body goes through during pregnancy fascinating:
“I’ll continue to take courses like these to help me understand better how the body works in all walks of life and through that how I can better help every day people in all walks of life. It’s not just athletes who need to keep their bodies healthy,” she says.
As well as working at Hever Health & Wellbeing, Sophie also does offers a mobile massage service for those who can’t get out of the house.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.