What kind of training do you have as a massage therapist?

I am certified by Advantassage. I also participate in continuing education programs which focus not only on massage, but also on stretching, joint release, anatomy & other subjects relating to horse care.. I also read & do research because I want to keep my knowledge up-to-date.

Are you insured?

Yes. I carry comprehensive liability insurance.

Do I have to be present when a massage is performed on my horse?

No, you do not need to be there, but it is helpful if you are, at least for the first session. Before the massage I will gather a history of the horse & any problems to date. Then after the massage, I will discuss with you what I have found & I will work with you to develop a treatment program that works for you & your horse.

How do I get my horse ready for a massage?

When I arrive at the horse's facility, he or she should be clean & dry. A good grooming is essential prior to a massage because dirt can irritate the horse & makes it more difficult to correctly interpret what the muscle is telling me. After the massage, plenty of fresh water should be available for the horse since horses tend to drink more & it also helps to flush the system of toxins & wastes released by the massage.

Where is the massage performed?

The massage will be performed wherever the horse feels most comfortable whether in the stall, or on cross ties preferably during a quiet time at the barn.

How will I know if my horse is enjoying the massage?

Every horse is different, but many will close their eyes, yawn, chew, lick, rest their hind leg or even turn their head around & try to "groom" me, geldings may "drop". I can also tell the horse is enjoying the massage because his muscles will start to relax & soften & any hot spots that I may find will start to dissipate. Some horses show no response during their first massage because they are unsure of what is happening, but once they realize that it feels good, they will show it!

What happens during the session?

When I begin the massage, I will introduce myself to the horse & get to know him & how his body will react to the massage with the relaxation routine. I will then start the deep muscle massage, working with each muscle individually to find any hot spots or stress points, which are signs of a muscle spasm. I will then use different techniques to release the spasms so the muscle can return to normal function. If I do not find any hot spots or stress points, I will simply massage the muscle which will increase circulation & make the muscle feel better in general. After I'm finished I will discuss with you what I have found & what I believe the best treatment course is for the horse.

How long will the appointment take?

The initial appointment usually lasts around an hour & a half. Subsequent appointments, because I will already have an understanding of the horse's background & physical issues, if any, will take about one hour. If the horse moves around a lot or has many trigger points that need to be released, the session could last a little longer. I like to take my time with the horse & get to know him, so that he can receive the maximum benefit from the massage.

Can I ride my horse after a massage?

Yes, especially if I have found a spasm that needed to be released.

When should massage NOT be performed?

Since massage increases circulation, there are certain times when it should not be performed. Specifically, you should let me know if your horse has any of the following: 1) a fever; 2) an infected wound; 3) a recent open injury; 4) severe swelling; or 5) a skin condition such as rain rot or ring worm. If, after you make an appointment for a massage & any of those conditions develop, please give me a call asap so we can re-schedule.

Do you give multi-client discounts?

Yes! If there are numerous horses at the same barn, please call me & I will come up with a discount plan for everyone. And please check my website often for specials.

My horse is not lame. Can he/she still benefit from a massage?

Absolutely - Massage can not only correct acute & chronic muscle problems, it is also a great way to prevent problems from developing. Massage increases circulation, which nourishes the muscles with oxygen & nutrients & enables them to perform better. If the muscle is healthier, it will be less prone to injury. It is far easier to prevent an injury than to correct one that has already happened!

Will massage ever cause discomfort to my horse?

No, massage should never hurt a horse or make a condition worse. However, when stress point therapy is applied to a muscle spasm, there may be slight initial discomfort, but I will adjust the level of pressure to suit the horse & will only go as far as he will let me, increasing pressure gradually as the spasm breaks apart. Once the spasm is released, pain immediately vanishes.