Equine Bodywork Frequently Asked Questions
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Please try to schedule an appointment 7-14 days in advance. If there is an emergent issue that arises, please contact me to discuss scheduling.
How soon can I schedule an appointment?
How should I prepare for my horses appointment?
Please make sure your horse has eaten. Try your best not to schedule the appointment around feeding time at the barn. If that isn't possible, you should feed them before I arrive. A hungry and distracted horse isn't going to relax or enjoy the session, and neither will you!
Please clean your horse before I arrive. They do not need to be show ready. A quick brush to remove mud, dirt, dust, and a clean face will do. Please pick your horses feet too. They might possibly have a rock or manure stuck in their hoof. This makes a difference in how they stand and affects their level of comfort. Please clean those feet!
If you have ridden/worked your horse prior to our session, please have them cooled down.
I love to see new horses 3 times within 10-15 days. I know that isn't always doable for everyone. However, if you can do this, it benefits all. The more your horse and I get to be comfortable with each other, the more their tissues will let go and respond faster for deeper work.
Once a baseline is established and depending on the desired goals…
For performance horses, 1-2 sessions every 4-6 weeks is likely appropriate.
For pleasure horses, 1 session every 4 - 6 weeks is likely appropriate.
How often should my horse receive bodywork?
I will begin by introducing myself to your horse. I’ll then start collecting ‘data’ which provides me with the information I need to begin our bodywork session. I will assess your horse by observing and feeling their body. I also like to see the horse’s movement in certain gaits. I may ask you to lead them in walk, trot or canter on level ground for assessment.
The horse’s body starts to tell me a story and dialogue with the owner helps me to connect answers to the questions. I'm looking to see how these answers match and how they differ in my observation and touch.
Depending on what I’m finding, I may start at the horse’s head or at their hindquarters. Each session is unique. Many horses love my approach and immediately realize that I am there to help facilitate their needs . Others can be a bit guarded at first, but as the session progresses they become deeply relaxed. Depending on the horse and if they have ever had bodywork done, their reactions will be different. I strive to make every session a positive experience for the horse.
Sometimes the horse will nod off for a little nap, others will yawn, some will blow out their nose. This is called processing. They are letting tension go, releasing, and letting those "feel good " hormones flood in. Sometimes they can get distracted, playful, nippy. This too, is all part of the process. I equate this to them not knowing what to do with the information that is flooding their body. It is all a process of exploration. I take notice and try to guide them and their nervous system to a place of better understanding of what is happening.
It may look like I'm rubbing their nose, tapping their head, talking softly to them or asking them to choose an essential oil. It's about giving them time and also giving them a choice. Many horses are not given enough time to think on their own or even know they have a choice. I am here to help to facilitate all of these things. This can really help develop a deeper connection to your horse.
At the end of the session I will ask you to walk your horse. I'm looking for a softer, more extended body than when I first started. I will also ask the owner if they feel a similar sensation too.
We typically wrap up a session with stretching. I usually ask the owner to bring carrots for this part of the session. I like for you to participate and this is likely the homework I will have you and your horse do between sessions. Stretching, when done correctly, is a big part of the aftercare. It helps their tissues stay hydrated and unstuck. Once they get the hang of it, they will start incorporating it before you ask.
What can I expect in a session?
How long does a session last?
Our first session will usually run 90 minutes. This includes an intake history, watching the horse move, and getting to know your equine partner.
Following sessions usually are 45-60 minutes.
Typically I will ask you to hand walk your horse for 10-15 minutes after a session.
Unless stall rest is prescribed by your vet, you can likely enjoy a light ride the following day.
When can I ride/exercise my horse?
Do I need to be there?
Yes, yes and yes. I understand situations come up and sometimes you cannot be there. If you cannot be there, please have someone you trust be there to hold the horse. I do NOT like to tie a horse while working. Ideally, I love for owners to be present, so they can answer any questions I might have. I also like owners to see in person how their horse is responding. There might be an exercise or stretch I want to teach you to incorporate into your routine. Please try and be there for your equine partner.
Please refrain from petting, feeding, and even talking to your horse. During a bodywork session, the horse and I are having a very intimate conversation. Since they cannot speak, I am listening to them in other ways. Their reactions and tissues guide me to where I need to work. Your job is similar to a vet tech. You are to hold a safe space for them but not intrude. This is such an important job and I appreciate you being there to do that for them. It’s HUGE.
That being said, petting, treats and talking to them can be extremely distracting. I would equate it to this... Let’s say you are having a very quiet moment, maybe meditating or even getting a massage, you are relaxed, feeling good and in the zone. It is juicy and feels so good. Suddenly, someone comes up to you and slaps your neck, rubs your head, tickles you and starts talking your ear off. Boom...you immediately snap out of that Zen space and now you find yourself irritated and annoyed.
I know how hard it is to not pet and love on them while they are in this space but being with them in this quiet space, without touching them, is just as magical once you get the hang of it. Many call this the heart connection. I am more than happy to share more information with you in person.