Mission
My mission with my business FB Equine Massage and sports therapy is to provide high-quality, alternative health therapy through a combination of advanced techniques and collaborative care. As a certified Equine Massage Therapist, I focus on the vital connection between a horse's mental, physical, and emotional health to improve their overall well-being.
I take immense pride in tailoring every treatment to the individual needs of the horse, prioritizing a calm and comfortable environment while using specialized modalities to address specific issues.
I believe in the power of education and raising awareness about how complementary therapies work alongside veterinary care to optimize health and performance.
My goal is to ensure the learning never stops and the horse always comes first.
Certification
Equine Massage Therapy Certificate | Olds College
I am a graduate of Olds College’s comprehensive one-year Equine Massage Therapy program. This intensive certification provided me with advanced knowledge in equine musculoskeletal health and recovery. Through extensive hands-on training, I mastered techniques to identify tension, improve performance, and develop targeted massage plans tailored to each horse’s specific needs.
Defining Equine Massage and the Benefits
-
Equine massage therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissues and joints in the equine body.
-
Equine massage therapy uses specific hand/arm strokes and techniques to increase circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage.
-
Equine massage therapy prevents dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints.
-
Equine massage helps develop, maintain, rehabilitate, reduce pain and reduce dysfunction of the musculoskeletal systems of the equine.
-
Equine massage therapy removes lactic acid buildup and removes other metabolic waste from the body.
-
Equine massage therapy is calming and is good for psychological wellbeing of the horse by activating the parasympathetic nervous system
Equine Massage
Massage therapy is a vital tool for enhancing circulation, relaxing the nervous system, and reduce muscular tension that disrupts a horse’s natural balance.
Deep Tissue Massage, which specifically targets the underlying layers of muscle and connective tissue often affected by chronic strain or previous injury. By increasing blood flow and reducing pain, this work improves overall mobility and supports the body’s internal healing process.
Maintenance Massage is simple: to protect and strengthen your horse’s current performance level. Whether you are addressing everyday tightness, helping your horse recover after a hard weekend of competition, or simply prioritizing their long-term well-being, this modality is suitable for every type of horse. From the high-level athlete to the retired companion, regular massage ensures your horse stays comfortable, willing, and functioning at their absolute best.
Lymphatic Massage
This specialized, light-touch technique is designed to stimulate the horse’s lymphatic system: The body’s natural filtration network. By encouraging the efficient flow of lymph fluid, this treatment helps flush out metabolic waste and toxins while significantly reducing fluid retention and "stocking up."
Beyond just reducing visible swelling, lymphatic massage boosts the immune system and improves overall circulation. It is an essential tool for supporting the body’s internal healing environment, making it an excellent choice for horses recovering from injury or those needing a "refresh" after long hauls and competition.
Advanced Stretching
Advanced stretching is a key component of a complete bodywork program. Performed once the muscles are properly warmed up, these techniques focus on lengthening the soft tissues and increasing the horse’s natural mobility and range of motion. By safely guiding the body through these movements, we can significantly reduce the risk of muscle pulls and ligament strains during high-impact activities. This specialized work also helps to improve coordination and balance, providing a proactive foundation that ensures your horse remains supple, athletic, and ready to perform at their highest potential.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a specialized modality that I often integrate into my massage sessions for a more complete treatment. This technique is specifically designed to address the fascia. The vital web of connective tissue that weaves through the horse's entire body.
By targeting these deep layers, MFR offers an incredibly relaxing and effective way to clear muscle tension, reduce scar tissue buildup, and restore fluidity. Fascial restrictions can be triggered by many daily factors, including the stress of repetitive training, improper tack fit, physical dysfunction, or lingering effects from past injuries. My goal with this work is to release those "stuck" areas so your horse can move with total freedom.
Cupping
Equine cupping is a non-invasive therapy that uses specialized silicone cups to create a targeted vacuum effect on the horse’s skin and underlying tissues. Unlike traditional massage which uses downward pressure, cupping provides a unique "negative pressure" that lifts and separates the layers of fascia and muscle. This process significantly improves local circulation and lymphatic flow, helping to draw out metabolic waste and bring fresh, oxygenated blood to the area.
By gently decompressing the tissues, cupping is highly effective at releasing stubborn adhesions and "stuck" fascia that may be limiting your horse’s range of motion. This modality is particularly beneficial for treating localized soreness, reducing inflammation, and accelerating the recovery process after high-intensity training or competition. It is a powerful way to relieve deep-seated tension and ensure your horse feels light, fluid, and ready for their next run.
FAQ
Do I need to be present?
Yes, I require the owner to be present for the initial evaluation and the duration of the first session. For follow-up appointments, we can discuss arrangements if you cannot be there, provided the horse is in a safe, familiar environment.
Do you travel?
Yes! While I am based in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, I am happy to travel to your facility to provide care for your horses.
Travel Fees:
To ensure I can reach as many athletes as possible while covering vehicle and transit costs, travel fees are calculated from Rouyn-Noranda as follows:
- 0 – 20 km: Free
- 21 – 50 km: $0.65 per km + Taxes
- 51 km and above: $0.70 per km + Taxes
Rodeos & Events:
I frequently travel to various rodeos and events throughout Quebec and Ontario. If you see me at an event, I am available to treat your horses on-site! This is a fantastic way to eliminate travel fees while ensuring your horse performs at its best during competition.
Money-Saving Tip:
If you have multiple horses at the same barn, or if you coordinate with neighbors for back-to-back sessions, the travel fee can be split between owners! This makes professional equine massage much more affordable for everyone.
How often should I schedule a session for my horse?
There is no "one size fits all" answer, as every horse has a different job and physical history. Generally, my recommendations are based on your horse's specific lifestyle:
- High-Performance Athletes: To maintain peak condition and flexibility, a session every 2 to 4 weeks is ideal.
- Pleasure & Trail Horses: For general comfort and maintenance, a session every 6 to 8 weeks helps keep them feeling their best.
- Injury Recovery: If we are working through a specific rehabilitation plan, more frequent sessions may be necessary at the start to support the healing process.
How sessions and pricing works?
The Initial Consultation & Treatment
The first session is approximately 1 hour long. This includes:
- Assessment: A full consultation to understand your horse’s history and specific needs.
- Customized Treatment: A massage and stretching session tailored to my findings.
- Homecare Plan: A simple plan for you to follow between sessions to ensure continued benefits.
- Investment: $100+taxes
Follow-Up Treatments
Standard follow-up sessions are approximately 45 minutes long. These focus on maintaining progress and addressing new tension.
- Investment: $90+Taxes
Important Timing Note
If I have not seen your horse in 6 months or longer, a new Initial Consultation ($100+Taxes) is required. A lot can change in a horse's body over six months, and we need to do a full re-assessment to ensure the treatment plan is still safe and effective.
Is Equine massage a replacement for veterinary care?
No. Equine massage therapy is a complementary care practice and is not a substitute for professional veterinary medical care.
As a massage therapist, I do not:
- Diagnose medical conditions.
- Prescribe medications.
- Perform chiropractic adjustments.
Massage therapy is designed to work alongside your veterinarian’s care and other proffesionals to support the soft tissue and musculoskeletal health of your horse. If your horse is currently lame, ill, or injured, please consult your veterinarian first. I am always happy to work with your vet to provide the best possible integrated care for your horse’s recovery or maintenance.
What do I need to have ready?
A Clean, Dry Horse: Please have your horse groomed and completely dry. I cannot effectively massage through heavy mud or a soaking wet coat.
A Quiet Environment: A calm, familiar space is ideal. Try to avoid scheduling during busy times.
Flat Ground: A level surface is important for my initial assessment so I can accurately observe your horse's posture and balance.
When should I NOT get my horse massaged?
A contraindication is a specific situation in which a massage treatment should not be used because it may be harmful to the horse.
Please do not book or move your appointment if your horse is experiencing:
- Infectious diseases or viruses
- Acute neural disease
- Acute trauma
- Open wounds or lacerations
- Skin conditions of fungal origin
- Fever
- Cancerous tumors or cysts
- Shock
- Colic
- Pregnancy ( Require veterinary approval)
- Recent vaccinations or injections
Sometimes We Win, Always we Learn.
Values
- Respect
- Trust
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Durability