Optimized Equine Wellness LLC

10/04/2025

They say horses can sense what we cannot…Have you ever felt that unexplainable shift in the barn air after dark? When the boards creak a little louder, the wind speaks through the cracks, and the darkness outside haunts every doorway.

08/25/2025

🌟 Exciting News for Your Horse’s Joint Health! 🌟 Plus a coupon for you!

Not every horse (or owner!) is comfortable with injectable supplements - and that’s okay. 💙 I'm thrilled to announce that Summit Joint Performance is now available in oral paste and tasty treats!

That means you can now give your horse the same pure, pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin 4-sulfate Summit is known for - without the needle.

✅ Supports healthy joints & mobility
✅ Reduces inflammation and aids cartilage repair
✅ Pure formula with no fillers, sugars, or artificial ingredients
✅ Easy to give—just a paste or treat your horse will love!

✨ Special Savings for Optimized Equine Wellness clients:
👉 Use coupon code: SHANELLTHOMAS20
👉 Or order directly here: https://eternapure.com/discount/SHANELLTHOMAS20?ref=SThomas

Your horse deserves to move comfortably at every stage of life - from performance to retirement. 🐴💫

Summit Animal Health

08/24/2025

Stormys Recovery Journal - A Summer of Healing - Entry #2.

Stormy’s recovery continues to surprise and amaze us, and it feels like such a blessing to be writing this update.At the end of June, Stormy celebrated her 7th birthday at the University of Illinois. It wasn’t exactly the kind of birthday most horses would wish for but leave it to Stormy to make...

07/30/2025

For those who have been following Stormy's journey, please check out the newest update on my blog at the link below.

Stormy’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary — a story of heartbreak, grit, hope, and healing that has touched so many of you already. We’re deeply grateful for every message, donation, and gesture of support that has carried her this far.For those just joining us or looking for a ...

04/22/2025

*Exciting News!*

I'm really thrilled to introduce a new service to support your horse’s health and performance:

Targeted Red Light Application!

Red light application is a gentle, non-invasive way to promote healing. Whether your horse is recovering from injury, experiencing muscle tension, or simply needing extra support during training, these sessions are tailored to address specific areas of concern for maximum benefit.

**Key Benefits of Red Light application:**
- Reduces inflammation
- Enhances circulation and lymphatic flow
- Speeds healing of soft tissue injuries
- Supports joint health and flexibility
- Calms the nervous system

This new service integrates seamlessly with our bodywork sessions or can be booked as a stand-alone appointment for spot treatments.

**Now booking for May+June!**

04/15/2025

04/11/2025

Reasons I adore this method. The pictured gelding was experiencing torque on his pelvis causing it to rotate. In turn the lumbar spine was elevated. After his session with this MMCP much of the tension was released, allowing his body to relax and the angles on his pelvis and spine to become more correct.

04/11/2025

This before and after is a great example of thoracic sling elevation. This horse went from what is called a 'pigeon chest' to a well rounded chest with elevated, better aligned withers.

A thoracic sling can be stuck in a lowered position through muscle tension can cause many performance issues including shortened stride.

04/09/2025

I love a client review! It makes my heart sing to be able to help these beautiful animals feel their best. -

I can’t say enough wonderful things about the work that Shanell has done with my horse. I noticed a significant change in my mare’s top line after just the first session, with increased elevation behind her withers and improved rotation in her lumbar spine. My mare has a ten year old hamstring injury that resulted in her hind leg tracking medially with no overstep. After 5 treatments with Shanell, she tracks up fully at the walk and has at least 2 inches of overstep. She is more comfortable and relaxed on the ground and under saddle. Most importantly, Shanell has demonstrated great patience and responsiveness with a sensitive horse that is opinionated and has a low pain threshold. My horse and I are exceedingly grateful for the care Shanell provides and we look forward to every session with her.

Stacey M. - PT, MPT, CSRS - Illinois

04/09/2025

🐴✨ Now Accepting New Equine Bodywork Clients in Central Illinois! ✨🐴

I'm excited to announce that I am currently welcoming new equine clients into my practice! If you’re looking to help your horse move better, feel better, and perform at their best—this is for you.

Optimized Equine Wellness's sessions are rooted in The Masterson Method®, a unique and highly effective form of equine bodywork that goes beyond traditional massage, acupressure, or other therapies.

What makes this method so different?

🔹 It’s interactive – The Masterson Method® works with the horse, not just on the horse. We use subtle, gentle touch and movement to encourage the horse to release tension deep within the body—especially in key areas like the poll, neck, shoulders, back, and hind end.

🔹 It’s about trust and response – Rather than forcing release, we look for the horse’s subtle responses to guide our work. This creates a deeper sense of relaxation and connection.

🔹 It unlocks deeper layers of restriction – Unlike surface-level massage, The Masterson Method® reaches areas of tension that often go unnoticed—helping improve mobility, posture, and overall performance.

🌟 Benefits Include:

✔️ Increased range of motion
✔️ Enhanced performance and comfort
✔️ Stress and anxiety reduction
✔️ Faster recovery and injury prevention
✔️ Stronger bond and communication between horse and human

Whether your horse is an athlete, a weekend trail buddy, or a beloved retiree, this method meets them where they are—and helps them feel their best.

📅 Message us to schedule a session or learn more! Your horse will thank you. 🐎💆‍♀️

03/14/2025

The nice weather is almost here!

Give your horse a leg up on the season with a bodywork session or schedule a new body&bond session for yourself and your equine best friend.

02/19/2025

The latest blog post is up! This quarter, we are focusing on the horse-human bond and all of the beautiful connection it can bring.

Horses have been part of our lives for centuries—not just as work animals, but as loyal friends, teachers, and even healers. Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting your journey, building a strong relationship with a horse can bring immense benefits for both you and your equine compan...