Heather Wallace- Animal Bodywork

Heather Wallace- Animal Bodywork Premiere holistic wellness provider offering soft tissue therapies, cold laser, & Craniosacral therapy, for performance animals and pets.

Saddle Fit Evaluations for Horse & Rider, all disciplines. A holistic wellness practitioner who focuses on connection and partnering WITH the animal for the best benefits. Offering massage therapy, cold laser, thermal imaging, craniosacral therapy, and aromatherapy for pets, performance animals, and livestock throughout Central New Jersey.Let me show you why I make a difference in the lives of your animals. Visit me at animalbodywork.com to learn more.

Animals are masters at hiding pain until they can't anymore. Proactive bodywork catches problems before they become emer...
06/01/2026

Animals are masters at hiding pain until they can't anymore. Proactive bodywork catches problems before they become emergencies.

It's Friday! That means time to answer a Frequently Asked Question. Do you have questions? Ask them below. ...
05/29/2026

It's Friday! That means time to answer a Frequently Asked Question. Do you have questions? Ask them below.

I’ve seen this more times than I can count. I’ll work on a dog and remove knots, adhesions, and imbalances only to have ...
05/28/2026

I’ve seen this more times than I can count. I’ll work on a dog and remove knots, adhesions, and imbalances only to have the owner thank me and in the same breath, pick them up by the front legs to go home. I always stop them and show them the best way to pick up their animal for their safety. However, if the owner keeps doing this, then it’s a huge red flag.

Misconception #3: My saddle measures 8 inches in the gullet or I measured “Dot to Dot” When viewing sales photos in Fa...
05/27/2026

Misconception #3: My saddle measures 8 inches in the gullet or I measured “Dot to Dot”

When viewing sales photos in Facebook groups, often sellers will include a ruler to measure the width of the gullet. This is a great practice because this fit is incredibly important. However, most sellers measure incorrectly, too low and buyers end up with a saddle that does not fit their horse. The trouble is most people do not understand where they should measure. Today I saw a post for a 9 inch gullet!

The measurement should be from where the tree points end on the inside, where they contact the horse.

In an English saddle the tree point is usually a few inches below the “dots”. Looking at the front of your saddle, bend the panels into the center. Where does the panel crease? That is the tree point. Measure there where it contacts the horse to find your gullet width.

In a Western saddle, the tree is marked by the conchos on either side. Measure from concho to concho on the INSIDE of the contact area.

Walking is the best thing you can do with your animal. No, that’s not because I’m lazy. It’s a proven fact that soft tis...
05/26/2026

Walking is the best thing you can do with your animal. No, that’s not because I’m lazy. It’s a proven fact that soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments become stronger with the walk over a variety of terrains. More, for my horse riders out there, your best balance is at the walk. Focus on fine-tuning this gait and everything else will fall into place more easily.

I love my four-legged clients! But don’t just trust my word for it- let’s see what they are saying about ME. After all, ...
05/26/2026

I love my four-legged clients! But don’t just trust my word for it- let’s see what they are saying about ME. After all, it’s .

05/25/2026

Carrot Stretches are 50/50

I often like carrot stretches, but they are often used incorrectly, and can cause additional damage if the horse has any subluxations to the spine (requiring a chiropractor). As such, I don't suggest them for the horse owner unless the person has significant experience with them.

That being said, there are some best practices when using them.

1. Always do so at liberty (no halter, no bridle).
2. Never force a position.
3. Start slow and small. Like any stretch, your horse must work up to the big things like a full bow or touching their hip.
4. If your horse says no- listen.

Disclaimer: these gentle techniques are homework for the horse owner and not intended to replace veterinary care or bodywork/massage therapy with a professional. This is simply small tool you can use at home!

Three sessions in and your dog is playing again, your cat is grooming normally, your horse is soft through the bridle. T...
05/25/2026

Three sessions in and your dog is playing again, your cat is grooming normally, your horse is soft through the bridle. This is why we do what we do. ❤️

Saddle Fit Misconception #2: The gullet width is the same as the tree bar. The gullet is the front of the tree. Have ...
05/20/2026

Saddle Fit Misconception #2: The gullet width is the same as the tree bar.

The gullet is the front of the tree. Have you heard of saddles with adjustable gullet bars? These affect how the saddle fits at the wither and shoulder in front, but not the tree of the saddle. These are two separate parts. The tree is the stabilizing area of the saddle that distributes the weight of the rider evenly. Often, these measurements do match, but don’t take it for granted because many saddle brands have gullet sizes associated with tree widths. In Western disciplines, most (but not all) Semi Quarter Horse Bar Saddles will have 6.75 inch gullets.

Western Saddles
Gullet Size (Generally In Inches)

Arabian Bar 6-6.5 inch
Regular Tree 6.5 inch
Semi Quarter Horse Bar (SQHB) 6.75 inch
Full Quarter Horse Bar (FQHB) 7 inch

English Saddles
Gullet Size (Generally In Inches)

*High end brands will measure dot to dot while more cost effective versions will sell regular and wide that have their own measurements.

Narrow 6”
Medium or Average 6.5”
Wide 7”
Extra Wide 8”

There are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule. All brands are different and it is important to measure correctly, especially when buying a used saddle. Most people measure wrong and it’s easy to buy the wrong size. Saddles are hard to return. Don’t waste your time- hire an independent saddle fit evaluator today.

Are you walking your dog too far? I get it, we’re busy and have very little time to walk our dogs. Often we tell ourselv...
05/19/2026

Are you walking your dog too far? I get it, we’re busy and have very little time to walk our dogs. Often we tell ourselves it’s best to take one long walk at the end of the day together, and spend quality time. However, that means you and your dog are probably sitting around most of the time. This can lead to poor circulation, stiff joints, and lack of endurance. Think about doing something a little different next time. Instead of one long walk, break that down into 2-3 shorter walks throughout the day. Maybe during lunch and then after dinner? Not only will it encourage you to get up and moving, but in the long-term your dog will be more fit and healthier for it.

-therapies

Address

26 Main Street
Keyport, NJ
07735

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 12pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17327847195

Website

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