Massage is not just for humans. Horses have the same muscles as we do and muscle tissue is muscle tissue, no matter the mammal. The healing power of massage is beneficial to both humans and animals and has been for thousands of years. Harvard Medical School has said that “massage therapy can help relieve pain, speed recovery from injury or surgery, and reduce stress.” For more information, please look at the 'benefits of equine massage'.

My fee is $75.00 per session, not per hour. I do not charge by the hour because I like to give my horse clients what they need – if it takes me a little more time to get to all of the issues and/or they are particularly enjoying their massage, do not charge for that. It takes some horses a little longer to trust and relax, so I believe charging by the session is fairer. I am very thorough in my approach and focus on the body as a whole. My massages usually run between 60-75 minutes. I take the time needed to take care of your horse’s issue.

I ask that you be there for the initial session so we can go through your horse’s history and particular issues. We will discuss the intake form and your goals. I would also like to see your horse in motion and would ask for your assistance in lunging her so I can observe. You do not need to be present during the entire massage (unless you would like), but for the initial intake session, it is best that you are present to get the full benefit for your horse.

For the first session, please have your horse brushed, dry and haltered. Then we can decide where he is most comfortable environmentally - outside, stall, paddock, etc. Every horse is different.

Massage is not just for humans. Horses have the same muscles as we do and muscle tissue is muscle tissue, no matter the mammal. The healing power of massage is beneficial to both humans and animals and has been for thousands of years. Harvard Medical School has said that “massage therapy can help relieve pain, speed recovery from injury or surgery, and reduce stress.” For more information, please look at the 'benefits of equine massage'.

My fee is $75.00 per session, not per hour. I do not charge by the hour because I like to give my horse clients what they need – if it takes me a little more time to get to all of the issues and/or they are particularly enjoying their massage, I am not about to charge you for that. It takes some horses a little longer to trust and relax, so I believe charging by the session is fairer. I am very thorough in my approach and focus on the body as a whole. My massages usually run between 60-75 minutes. If your horse requires manual lymphathic drainage massage, then this usually takes a bit longer as very slow stokes are required. I take the time needed to take care of your horse’s issue.

I ask that you be there for the initial session so we can go through your horse’s history and particular issues. We will discuss the intake form and your goals. I would also like to see your horse in motion and would ask for your assistance in lunging her so I can observe. You do not need to be present during the entire massage (unless you would like), but for the initial intake session, it is best that you are present to get the full benefit for your horse.

For the first session, please have your horse brushed, dry and haltered. Then we can decide where he is most comfortable environmentally - outside, stall, paddock, etc. Every horse is different.

Well, it really depends on your horse’s issue. If she is geriatric and stiff from a more stationary life, you will notice a little more pep in her step after the first session. If your horse is performing and has years of hypertonicity (tightness) built up in her muscles, then a few sessions are needed before you will notice the difference in the muscle memory. Soft tissue responds relatively slowly, so one massage will not solve all of your horse’s problems. It’s a process and an investment in your equine athlete, but you will find the results more than worth it.

This depends on the issue that your horse has. In performance horses, once the initial imbalance is addressed, your horse can go on maintenance massage every 2-4 weeks to keep her supple and fluid. If you have a geriatric buddy that you want to keep feeling good and keep fluids moving, then every 2-3 weeks is recommended.

It is best to give your equine partner 36-48 hours before riding to let the lactic acid and other toxins that are released with massage dissipate from the system. Again, it depends on the horse – some will be raring to go afterwards and some will take a while to rejuvenate. You know your horse best.

My intent is to create a trusting bond between me and your horse which will allow him to calm down during our sessions. If your horse has a nervous disposition, this is a more systemic problem that is best addressed with your veterinarian. There are many reasons that horses exhibit agitation or nervousness. Massage will not address the systemic problem, but a good massage therapist will create a safe and comforting energy for your horse to relax in.

If your horse is having trouble getting up from sleep, avoiding moving in certain directions, acting uncharacteristically painful when asked to do something or during saddling, it may be a good time to consider massage for a soft tissue problem/assessment.

Many horse owners utlilize maintenance massage on a 2-3 week basis to keep their older equine friends moving and in tip top geriatric shape. Regular massage prevents many injuries from occuring and helps keep your horse’s musculo-skeletal and immune systems working smoothly.

Depending on your horse’s issue, she will simply move and perform better and more comfortably. We can measure range of motion and reassess movement as we go along. However, it is a more intangible realization that you will notice - I have had human clients tell me that I have “given them their horse back.” Your horse will have more energy, confidence in their movement and overall happiness because they feel better.

I rode for a while, but found that I enjoyed doing ground work so much more because it really enhanced my relationship with my horse as a partner. I have been massaging animals for years, so it was a natural progression for me to become certified. I love bringing comfort and healing to horses. I am a graduate of the Northwest School of Animal Massage in Vashon, WA. I am fully licensed and insured in Washington State. As a member of NBCAAM (National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage), I am certified to practice equine massage anywhere in the United States.