Equine Massage
This modality can prove to be beneficial for any kind of horse. From companion horses to Olympic jumpers to track horses, massage can be tailored for any goal or athletic level.
Massage works directly with musculoskeletal tissue to address muscle tension, soreness, knots, and adhesions. This work also closely affects the lymphatic and vascular systems, aiding in drainage of waste from and promotion of circulation.
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Tissues are manipulated through a combination of compressions, cross fibre manipulations, focal point direct pressure, stretching, activations, and exercise perscription.
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When the tissue is aided with massage, the balance, symmetry, range of motion, and suppleness of the body is improved. Improvement in these areas will aid in training and performance, and will help prevent injuries in the future.
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COMPONENTS OF A SESSION
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
All sessions will begin with an initial static and dynamic assessment of the horse.
Static assessments involve a multi-point survey of the horse, observing confirmation, symmetry, balance, and sensitivity to palpation.
Dynamic assessments get the horse in motion so that the gait may be assessed at the walk, trot, and lope if deemed appropriate. An assessment of the lunge may also be conducted if possible to ensure that there are no contraindications to bodywork.
SESSION
Each session is tailored to the specific needs of the horse in front of me. Older companion or rescue horses may only require a general wellness session, while horses in work and competing will receive a sports-centred massage with their event in mind.
The session will include massage and other soft tissue mobilization techniques, stretching, and activations as deemed appropriate for each individual horse.
Though I aim to address the whole horse in each session, I will only work to the extent that the horse is comfortable.
OWNER HOMEWORK
Light work between sessions will provide your horse with the most benefits in the long run. Desensitization, owners massage, stretches, and exercises done by the owner will allow the horse to become accustomed to bodywork faster, and will provide the greatest tissue improvement over time.
Owner instructions will be given during and after the session, along with a demonstration and explanation of why the given homework is beneficial.
A written explanation and written information will be provided in each session report.
All sessions include a detailed session report with session findings, anatomical comparisons to past session findings, descriptions of owner homework, and further information.
RATES
$90 / Session
*Applicable to all sessions regardless of the length of the session. Most sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes. First sessions tend to last closer to 90 minutes.
$0.50 / Kilometer
*Travel costs applicable to locations more than 50km outside of Calgary city limits.
$30/ Late Cancellation
*Cancellations made with 24 hours notice will not be subject to any cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment will be subject to one third of the session cost - current $30. No-shows or cancellations made at the time of the appointment will be subject to the full cost of the session - currently $90. Cancellations made due to weather or sudden onset contraindication such as lameness or colic will not be subject to a cancellation fee. See FAQs for more information.