Equine Massage Services
About me
I got my B.Sc. for the University of Western Ontario in 2014 in Psychology and Biology before completing my studies in osteopathy at the Cleege d'etudes osteopathiques in 2018 (I.O.) and completing my research to earn my D.O. in 2022.
I always loved animals and working with them in many ways (training, volunteering, pet ownership). As an osteopath I began having requests from people to treat their horses. Having always loved horses and their energy, I decided to take a course to become a certified equine massage therapist (CEMT) in 2022 in order to increase my equine anatomy knowledge, horsemanship and to learn to work with horses and equine tissues.
Why equine massage?
Equine massage can be helpful in many ways for many types of horses.
First and foremost, equine massage increases blood flow. This can help with swelling and inflammation, immunity and much more. Massage can also help with muscle tone (too tight or atrophied) which can help with overall tightness and stiffness as well as with and asymmetries, leading to better gait and movement patterns, leading to better performance and increased comfort.
Due to its effects on the nervous system and muscle tone, massage can also help with certain behavioural issues or general states (anxiety, not listening well, "high strung", etc.)
My Approach
When working with horses in a therapeutic context, it is very important for the horse to be an active participant. While the horse needs to show the therapist respect and give them their space, they are allowed to communicate when they would or would not like and area worked on, they are allowed to move during the treatment-and often do, sometimes actively helping to stretch the area, swaying with the rhythmic movements, leaning into pressure, etc.
My goals when treating a new horse is to have them get comfortable with me, to understand that I am offering them something that feels good and helpful for their body and to get some increased blood flow and potentially start to work on their tensions and asymmetries. Once a horse is familiar with me and with massage, we can start to work as a team to balance the nervous system, loosen up their tight spots, increase circulation and however else I may be able to help.
Booking
Due to the nature of equine massage, I travel to the location of the horse. Because of this prices vary depending on the location and the number of horses to be treated that visit. Being based out of Saint Lazare, travels fees are greater for locations further from the area.
Please contact me with your location and the number of horses to be treated and we can discuss prices and dates!
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