FAQs
Q) How should I prepare for a session?
A) Horses should be in an area in which they are comfortable and protected from the elements. Horses should be relatively clean and dry to best benefit from the hands on techniques.
Q) How long are the sessions?
A) The initial session will take around 1.5-2 hours. I will observe the horse and get a history and background information from the owner. This is to ensure we have a documented baseline for comparing the horse to itself as we continue working together. Then I will thoroughly observe and palpate the horse's musculature, conformation, and posture for symmetry, tone, abnormalities, range of motion, sensitivities, etc. I might also ask to observe them move. The initial observations will be abbreviated on subsequent sessions so sessions after the first one will be 60-90 minutes of hands on bodywork.
Q) What should I do after a session?
A) It is recommended that within 2 hours after a bodywork session, the horse either be hand walked (walked with intent, not hand grazed etc) for 10 - 15 minutes. Completely dependent on the horse, I might suggest you not to ride them for 24 hours. Many want to drink water after their session(always provide clean water to your horse.) I will give clear instructions to the owner for after-care and your individual horse's plan which will also be stated on their SOAP chart.
Q) What is included in the session report?
A) 1 - 2 days after your session, I will email you a detailed session report with muscle diagrams indicating my findings, what techniques were performed, and the changes made. I will often include detailed instructions on how to do follow up exercises and massage techniques custom tailored to your horse's specific needs. The chart will also include your horse's maintenance, performance, or therapeutic plan.
Q) How often should my horse get bodywork?
A) It is most ideal to receive bodywork as part of a routine maintenance program and have a session every 4-8 weeks. We will discuss frequency more specifically after your horse's initial session as each horse varies due to many factors.
Q) Should I expect a dramatic difference in my horse after the first session?
A) Typically, no. Horses will often respond favorably during the bodywork session with slow blinks, sighing, cocking their hind leg, relaxing, or sometimes yawning. Just like when people begin a new stretching program, results are often not seen after the first time. It is not the intention to apply great pressure or force a horse to stretch beyond their comfort zone in order to obtain quick results. This would typically cause the horse to be guarded and possibly even sore. Receiving bodywork regularly will gradually produce improvements as the horse accepts deeper work and riding and training support the adjustments. The goal is to give the horse exactly and no more than they need in order to create meaningful and long lasting change.
