As a lifelong rider, I have long been intrigued by the role of bodywork in helping our four-legged partners maximize their performance. A few years ago my own Thoroughbred, Regal, was injured and massage was an important part of his recovery. I have continued to see benefits with massage in maintaining his comfort and performance as he ages. This led me seek training myself. of the Bancroft School
of Massage, I have been trained in traditional massage, myofascial, stress/trigger points, and sports massage. I also am certified in Shoden Reike 1 and Reiki with Animals Training from Circle of Peace, with Linda Crabtree. This allows me to select the best combination of therapies for my patients, and to adjust as needed for the individual. The most fascinating part of being a massage therapist is seeing how each horse responds, and what they “tell” me about what they need. Some horses have conformation that predisposes them to soreness, or perhaps a prior injury or illness. Other horses may have more emotional responses to things that lead to muscle tension. Most show a combination of the two. But all of them will demonstrate by their responses to my work what they need to feel their best. The blink of an eye, a change in breathing pattern or depth, a shifting of weight, or of course the sought-after licking, chewing, and yawning are all clues that help guide me. What can you expect from a session with me? First, we will talk about your horse's history. What are you noticing on a day-to-day basis? What has charged in his performance, behavior, or lifestyle? Any prior injuries? Changes in shoeing/trimming, diet, or exercise type? Next I will do a gait analysis and a whole body assessment. This will help guide me to the areas that need to be prioritized in that days massage. Usually I recommend light work the day of the massage - either hand-walking or a light ride - to help the horse adapt to the charges the massage will have made in how the horse uses it’s muscles. For subsequent sessions, we'll talk about what you've noticed, what may have changed, and we will see what your horse tells me. Most of the time, what needs to be done will vary as one problem area releases and other locations - that may have been compensating for prior soreness - show themselves. Our horses are athletes and much as high-level human athletes employ a variety of techniques to help their bodies function best, so do our horses benefit from this. Routine veterinary care, good farrier work, sometimes chiropractic care, and regular massages all help to keep equine athletes in harmony with their riders. I would love to be part of the team to help keep your horse balanced, comfortable, and happy in their work!
