Please Note
Equine bodywork and massage is like peeling layers off an onion; if the horse has pain or restriction issues, it may take more than one session to fully relieve them. How often it is needed is determined by whether or not his problem is a primary or secondary issue, current work load and level of training. Maintenance sessions are recommended for chronic conditions, higher level athletes and horse’s under stress (such as stall rest).
What to Expect
A little more information about what your appointment will look like...
- I will spend a few minutes with you discussing your horse: age, what riding discipline you do, any physical issues, any changes in training, any problems in training, any changes in the horse’s attitude. This is particularly important the first time I work on your horse, but please mention any problems or changes prior to subsequent appointments.
- I will visually assess your horse, looking for asymmetries and thoroughly palpate your horse – head to toe - looking for pain and restrictions. This guides me as I work through your horse.
- I will focus on your horse during the session. If I’m not particularly chatty once I get started, it’s because I’m paying attention to what the horse is saying.
- Variable session lengths. A session will last at least 70 minutes, almost always more. It depends on the horse, his behavior and his issues. Usually the first session takes the longest, but I will always let your horse guide me.
- If you are riding prior to your appointment, please allow at least 1 hour between the end of your ride and the horse’s bodywork session.
- Do expect your horse will need additional treatments. Do not expect one treatment to resolve the issue. You and I must work together towards gradual, lasting results. Chronic issues generally take longer to resolve/minimize than acute problems.
- I will show you how to safely do some stretches (please, only when the horse is warmed up!) and am willing to show you a few things you can do to help your horse until his next session.
- I will always discuss my findings and their implications with you. And when I am done, please feel free to ask any questions.
Owner Responsibilities
- If your horse is ill or injured, he should be seen by a vet. If he is recovering from a major injury or illness, please clear bodywork with your vet first.
- Have your horse in and ready when I arrive.
- Your horse must be groomed for me prior to each session. A show quality grooming is not necessary, but for your horse’s comfort, please have dirt and mud well brushed off.
- Make the time to hand walk your horse for 5-10 minutes after the session, particularly if he cannot be turned out after the session. Light riding or lunging is fine after bodywork – it is important that your horse move after the session to remove the accumulation of lactic acid caused by bodywork.
- If you cannot attend the session, that is OK. Please make arrangements for someone to bring in your horse, groom him, hand walk him and turn him back out. I can do these things for you, but there will be extra charges for each.
- Remove food and hay from stall prior to Masterson Method bodywork. Eating interferes with the horse’s responses to the work. This is not necessary if I do traditional massage therapy.
- Please don’t interfere with your horse as I work. During a session, I am always reading his body language. This is the only way the horse can tell me if he is in pain, feeling relief, relaxed or releasing tension and restriction within his body.
- Call to Cancel - Remember a 24 hour cancellation notice is required for all appointments. Please do not forget, otherwise the FULL fee will be charged.