How I Can Help Your Horse

I practice equine bodywork with all breeds and disciplines of horses to support each horse in finding their natural balance. Using a unique blend of healing techniques such as Equine Massage, Equine Craniosacral Therapy, Equine Structural Integration (aka myofascial release), and energy work (Reiki), pain is relieved, and the horse’s mood may even improve. This powerful combination helps horses to move, respond, and perform better—because they feel better. As simple as it sounds, the results can be profound. Many horses discover the pleasure in bodywork and the releases it brings, and as we build a relationship based on trust and respect, allow me further in with each session.

We want our horses to feel better, perform better, heal, endure stall rest, or whatever is ailing them. With this insight, I approach each horse respectfully whenever I enter their personal space. They usually relax more easily into the bodywork as they get to know me. If I have learned anything—and I learn something new from every session and every horse—it’s that horses are different every day and moment. After a detailed assessment of your horse, I select the best combination of therapies to realign and rebalance the body.
All services are suitable for all equines and work safely alongside Veterinary medicine.

Please email me to schedule a complimentary 20-minute call. We’ll use this time to discover if we are a good fit to work together.
Questions? Please call or email to ask. I am happy to talk with you.

“They say an elephant never forgets. The same is true of horses, which is why it’s important to treat them with the utmost sensitivity, and above all, to strive to do things right the first time.”
—Linda Kohanov, author of The Tao of Equus

What is Equine Bodywork?

Bodywork is an umbrella term that encompasses many forms of holistic treatments, such as body massage, acupressure, and more. Not all bodies are created equal, including horses. Like human clients, an excellent equine bodywork specialist personalizes the treatment to the horse's needs. It is essential to pinpoint the exact cause of a horse's discomfort to ensure successful treatment.

There are many types of bodywork, each having different strengths. In my experience, there is no one-size-fits-all with horses and bodywork. Just as individual as people are, some horses love strong, deep touch, while others prefer the lightest palpation. And their preference may change from session to session or what part of their body is being treated. Bodywork engages with the body's tissues to release stress and tension to rebalance itself so the horse can change towards greater freedom of movement and balance.

Bodywork benefits all horses, especially equine athletes in training, riding horses needing support to move better, horses on stall rest or rehab, and older horses getting stiff.

In my practice, I use nothing but my hands to feel the muscle tension. I customize each treatment to each horse while at the same time massaging the whole body from head to hoof.

In addition, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and Reiki are non-invasive techniques used in the session as needed. Each horse is evaluated, and techniques are determined during the session.

Massage is not a substitute for veterinary care. I work closely with you, your vet, your chiropractor, and your farrier to benefit the whole horse.

  • Equine Massage Therapy

    Equine Massage Therapy uses various massage techniques and strokes to stimulate blood flow to different areas of the horse's body. This encourages blood flow and brings in oxygen and other nutrients while removing lactic acid buildup and eliminating other metabolic waste from the body, encouraging injured muscles to heal and healthy muscles to stay flexible and pain-free.

    Proper alignment and balance mean a healthy horse with lower rates of injury, lameness, or chronic problems. Everything begins in the muscle. If muscles are atrophied or too tight, they do not stabilize the vertebrae or allow proper movement. Areas of scar tissue can also benefit from massage. Massage loosens scar tissue gradually, helping the horse move more freely and reducing pain.

  • Craniosacral Therapy

    Craniosacral Therapy is a very safe and gentle manual therapy that works on the central nervous system and the connective tissue called “fascia.” The light touch technique is used to help stimulate the body’s own healing properties along with lessening the restrictions found in the nervous system. Working with the craniosacral system which holds and protects the brain and spinal cord, Craniosacral Therapy can have a profound calming and rebalancing effect on the whole horse.

    The aim of the therapy is to increase the activity in the parasympathetic or “rest and digest” part of the nervous system and decrease activity in the sympathetic or “fight or flight” part. It is through this process that the body can allow healing to occur and relieve internal stressors.

  • Reiki

    Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) is a holistic energy healing system in which the practitioner channels healing energy from the universe through the hands. It works by balancing the energy of the body, mind, and spirit, supporting self-healing on all levels.

    Equine Reiki is non-invasive and uses no pressure or manipulation. Horses (and dogs and cats) love it, and it is a gentle therapy when more direct touch is not appropriate. Reiki can help maintain your horse’s health, speed the healing of illness and injuries, and even ease the transition between life and death. Because the nature of Reiki is to create and support energetic balance, it can do no harm and can be used safely on its own or as a complement to other healing therapies.

CONTACT MARY

“We realize Stan is a work in progress, but without Mary’s help with her energy work and her dedication to helping Stan, we would not be able to keep him.” — Melanie V., Client.”

“We realize Stan is a work in progress, but without Mary’s help with her energy work and her dedication to helping Stan, we would not be able to keep him.” — Melanie V., Client.”

"Mary, Thank you from me and especially from Rockett, Gracie and Othello! You have worked wonders with them and it has strengthened my relationship and understanding with them. You had Rockett so completely relaxed he went to his knees!!! I have learned so much from you and am so thankful you are in our lives!!rce

"Mary, Thank you from me and especially from Rockett, Gracie and Othello! You have worked wonders with them and it has strengthened my relationship and understanding with them. You had Rockett so completely relaxed he went to his knees!!! I have learned so much from you and am so thankful you are in our lives!!rce

"Mary's integrated approach respects the sensitivity of the horse and their different personalities. Luna enjoys Mary's patient, noninvasive, yet very effective techniques. "- Kathleen L., Client

"Mary's integrated approach respects the sensitivity of the horse and their different personalities. Luna enjoys Mary's patient, noninvasive, yet very effective techniques. "- Kathleen L., Client

Signs Your Horse May Need Bodywork

  • Trouble bending

  • Short-strided

  • Girthy or cold-backed when saddling

  • Reluctance to move forward during exercise

  • Difficulty picking up leads

  • Increased spookiness

  • Uncharacteristic behavior: rearing, bucking, kicking, biting

  • Head tossing

  • Tendency for colic or tying up

  • Mystery lameness

  • Trouble focusing

  • Stall rest

  • Pre or post-surgery

  • Pre or post- competition

Benefits of Equine Bodywork

  • Remove knots, adhesions, and correctly position muscles and ligaments

  • Increase range of motion and flexibility

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Increase circulation

  • Improve digestion

  • Speed wound healing

  • Restore mobility to injured muscle tissue

  • Reduce stress and anxiety

  • Early detection of skin and health problems

  • Positive desensitization to touch


Disclaimer: Equine bodywork is a complementary therapy that is meant to assist self-healing. These therapies are not a replacement for veterinary care. Massage professionals are not qualified to treat, diagnose, or give a prognosis for any injury or illness. Please consult your veterinarian for concerns about your animal’s health.

Pricing

  • Farm Calls & Mileage Fee

    No mileage charge for appointments closer than 30 miles. After 30 miles, $0.30/per mile will be added.

  • Bodywork Sessions

    $90.00 per horse, per session. (Includes evaluations.)

  • Multiple Horse Discount

    $10.00 OFF each horse for appointments with over three horses at one location.

  • Group and Club Demos

    You can customize an educational experience for your group. Please contact me for details and pricing.

  • Referrals

    $10.00 OFF your next appointment for referrals resulting in a completed appointment. New customers must give your name at the time of booking.

  • Gift Certificates

    Share the love! Gift the magic of equine bodywork to your horse-loving friends and family. Available in any amount.

Contact Mary

Contact Mary

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me using the form below to schedule a complimentary 20-minute call.
We’ll use this time to discover if we (you, me, and your horse) are a good fit to work together.