How do I know if my horse needs a massage?
The best function of massage is as a preventative. A regular massage can find issues before they become major problems.
Signs of problems that you may have experienced could include stepping short, lameness, and/or refusal of aids.
Massage is also beneficial for horses that are back sore, girthy, or horses that tend to colic.
What should I expect from an initial assessment and treatment?
Your horses first treatment will require a background history to be taken on your horse. Following any concerns you may have. The horse will be assessed on confirmation and movement in the walk and trot.
Treatment will cover the entire body of the hose. I will treat the horse where they are most comfortable.
Treatment usually takes one 1 hour.
Post massage you will receive notes upon massage findings. I will recommend a few easy stretches or exercises to do with your horse to enable the treatment to be most effective.
How many treatments will my horse need?
The number of treatments your horse requires will vary from case to case depending on your horse’s workload or the areas that require treatment.
Most horses are treated monthly to maintain a healthy Musco skeletal system.
How do I pay for my treatment?
Payment is made on the day of treatment.
Acceptable payment includes cash, Venmo, or debit/credit card.
Can I ride or work my horse before their treatment?
Yes! You may ride/work your horse on the same day and prior to their treatment.
Can I ride or work my horse after the treatment?
Light follow-up exercise can often benefit your horse since exercise following the massage helps in the re-education of muscle fibres to the correct alignment.
The horse may be tender in some areas after treatment, in which case they may require rest before ridden exercise.
When will I notice an improvement in my horse?
You will often see an immediate improvement in the way your horse moves following treatment, although some horses take a few sessions.
Do I have to be there to hold my horse?
It is recommended that the owner be there for the first initial treatment.
Most horses are happy to stand quietly for a massage after the initial session.
As a result, owners are not needed at every session.
Does my horse need to be clean before treatment?
I kindly ask that your horse is dry with no caked mud on them.
Please do not use Show Sheen or conditioning sprays on your horse prior to treatment, as this makes their hair slippery and treatment more difficult.
How will my horse respond to their first treatment?
Some horses relax quickly after initial curiosity about what they are experiencing. Others may have area of their body that are tender and need time to adjust.
Horses who have a history of trauma may react defensively at first. After the initial treatment horses often enjoy further treatments and relax quickly.
What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please provide 24-hour advanced notice if your horse in unable to attend the session. Full charge will be applied if advance notice is not given.