What can I expect during my horse’s first appointment?

During your horse’s initial appointment, we will discuss your horse’s health history as well as your goals and expectations for the session. I will conduct a thorough evaluation of your horse and we will discuss findings and treatment plans.

Sports massage sessions are usually about an hour long but can go longer depending on what the horse needs that day. Cupping and blading sessions can take 45minutes to an hour as well.

Following your horse’s therapy session, we will discuss any additional bodywork, therapies, exercises and stretches, specifically tailored to your unique horse. There may also be recommendations to follow up with other members of your horse’s healthcare team.

Within 48 hours of your appointment, you will receive a session report through EquiPro Connect detailing the findings of your horse’s therapy session, as well any other previously discussed recommendations.

How can I prepare for my horse’s appointment?

Before your appointment, please be sure you horse is dry, brushed and free of mud and debris to the best of your ability. If your horse is excessively dirty or wet, it can make it difficult to perform certain maneuvers and making the therapy less effective. Please also avoid the use of products like “Show Sheen” or other coat conditioners prior to your horse being worked on. They can leave a slippery residue on the coat that makes bodywork and taping applications more difficult to perform.

Your horse should be in place roughly 10 minutes prior to your appointment time so they have time to settle. Ideally, they should be in a low traffic area of the barn where they can relax, and both horse and practitioner can focus on the session. Please take into consideration the routine of your barn when scheduling your appointment and try to avoid feeding times or other high traffic times for your horse’s environment.

How frequently should my horse receive bodywork sessions?

That is entirely dependent on your horse current level of comfortability and work load. Every horse is different but whether they are recovering from an injury or in high levels of competition, the key to having success with bodywork is consistency. Consistent bodywork improves overall muscle function, reduces recovery time, and addresses compensation patterns to prevent future injuries.

Will receiving a sports massage or kinesiology taping application impact my horse's training and show schedule?

Generally, massage and kinesiology tape should not significantly disrupt your horse's training or show schedule. While some horses may exhibit slight sensitivity the day after a massage, it typically doesn't require any alterations to your routines.

Kinesiology tape is flexible enough to be worn under blankets and saddle pads and many people ride with it in place. However, if this is your horse's first session or taping application, it's advisable to schedule it at least four days before a major show. This allows your horse to acclimate to the changes in movement and adapt to the increased range of motion, which may initially feel slightly different to under saddle.

Can the practitioner diagnose my horse's illness or lameness?

No. Diagnosing your horse's illness or lameness is the responsibility of a qualified veterinarian. Equine massage or bodywork should never be considered a substitute for veterinary medicine. It is neither intended nor appropriate for diagnosing illness or lameness.

Are there situations when my horse should refrain from receiving a massage or bodywork?

Yes! There are certain circumstances when it's best for your horse to avoid massage and other forms of bodywork. Horses that are in shock, running a fever, or have been diagnosed with an infectious illness or cancer should not be worked on. It is also not advised for horses with heart or kidney issues.

Additionally, massage and bodywork should never be applied to areas exhibiting heat or swelling. If your horse has recently suffered an acute injury, it's essential to have them examined by a veterinarian before considering any additional therapies.

** Always notify your practitioner to any changes to your horse’s health or medication prior to scheduling an appointment**