* All horses require a post massage walk lasting approximately 5-10 minutes. This helps to alleviate post massage muscle soreness while allowing the horse’s muscles to reeducate themselves and develop new muscle memories which will increase the effectiveness of the massage session.
* Payment is expected at time of service in the form of either cash or check.
* As a courtesy to other clients please have your horse waiting in a stall or small paddock for his appointment. He does not have to be spotless but there should be no major mud, a good brushing is just fine. I cannot massage a wet horse so please don’t feel the need to bathe him before his appointment.
* I will NOT massage a horse that has unexplained heat or swelling, a symptom or gait abnormality that is not normal for that individual, skin lesions possibly caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, dehydration, a significant injury less than seven days old, a short course of medication (not maintenance medicines), or has received vaccinations within three days of the appointment. These rules are for the safety and comfort of your horse. If your horse is experiencing any of these conditions please reschedule your appointment.
* Please add $35 travel expenses if you are located outside the normal area. Occasionally I will be in outside areas due to prior engagements at which time I will waive the travel expense. Please contact us or visit our Facebook page to arrange your appointment during one of these times. The travel expense will be waived for 3 or more horses.
Initial Session - The initial session typically lasts 2 hours in order to make time for the initial evaluation to establish your horse’s baseline. We will observe your horse while standing and in motion in order to provide a through evaluation and determine his individual needs. If you are experiencing issues under saddle as well we will also observe your horse while being worked though this will require additional time so please plan accordingly. Additionally, horses may be sensitive for a day or two after the primary massage. With proper massage maintenance this won’t continue to occur.
Standard Session - All home sessions are full body massages utilizing a combination of sports massage and other techniques. A typical massage generally lasts 1 to 1 ½ hours, depending on the horse and what individual issues need to be addressed. This allows me to check for issues that may have not previously existed and to place an emphasis on full body well-being as opposed to just targeting problem areas alone. At the end of the massage we will leave you with our evaluation form which you can keep for your records and share with the other members of your healthcare team. We may also specify some at home massage or stretching techniques to help maintain your horse between sessions.
Rehabilitation Massage - Horses undergoing rehabilitation can benefit from massage as not only does it help arrange scar tissue in a more flexible manner it can also decrease swelling and healing time. Massage also provides anaerobic workout for your horse to help maintain muscle tone. All horses requiring rehabilitation massage must receive the permission of their veterinarian before a massage can be scheduled to ensure that massage is appropriate for the horse. We will work with your healthcare team to focus on your horse’s individual needs.
Demonstration Clinics & Seminars - These generally run anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on the number of people participating and the topics covered. Always included are proper massage and stretching techniques. Demonstration horses will be used and must be provided by the event coordinators unless otherwise noted. Seminars are shorter in length and can be tailored to your group’s needs. Please contact us for more information.
Pre-Purchase Evaluations - Similar to our initial evaluation. Please obtain permission from the horse’s owner before scheduling an evaluation. This is only applicable for horses within the normal area. If it’s not possible to view the horse in person or the horse is outside of the normal area assessments are as accurate as possible when good video footage is provided as a substitute. For more information please contact us.
Show Specific Services:
Pre-Event Massage - Shortens your pre-show preparation by helping to warm up your horse’s tissues faster. Typically scheduled for within 30 - 40 minutes of competition and taking approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
Post-Event Massage - Decreases recuperation time and helps to remove lactic acid from the muscles to decrease delayed onset muscle soreness. Includes targeted massage and stretching techniques. Scheduled for within 20 minutes post-competition and taking approximately 30 minutes to complete.
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