Optimized Equine Wellness LLC

01/04/2026

New blog post is up! - This round the topic is Why Bodywork is Essential for Young Horses in Training, and wny wanting compensation misses the mark.

Recently, I overheard a conversation in a barn about a young horse just starting into re-training. Someone remarked they heard that in a young horse, you want compensations during training so they can carry themselves right. That phrase stuck with me, because it reflects a misunderstanding that show...

12/30/2025

Here's your incredibly important blanketing season reminder courtesy of the horse doctors at Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services:

"When securing blankets, make sure that the snaps/clips are facing inward, toward the horse! If they are facing out, they can easily become stuck on something, like the hay net in the picture."

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays from Optimized Equine Wellness.

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays.

As we move through the close of the year and into a quieter, more reflective season, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to every client, barn, and equine partner who trusted me with their horses’ care this year. Your support, conversations, and shared commitment to equine wellbeing are what make this work so meaningful.

This year has been one of growth, both professionally and personally, for Optimized Equine Wellness. I was excited to officially introduce Red Light Therapy and Percussion Massage ** as new service offerings, expanding the ways I can support comfort, recovery, and overall wellness for horses at every stage of life and work.

Alongside these additions, I’ve continued to offer Masterson Method® Equine Performance Bodywork, KT Tape applications, and Masterson Method® Equine Specialist facilitation services for equine-assisted facilities and programs ***. Supporting both performance horses and therapy horses remains a core part of my practice, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work within such purpose-driven spaces.

I’m also currently in progress toward Craniosacral certification, a step that reflects my ongoing commitment to learning, refinement, and offering even more comprehensive care in the future.

This year has also been shaped by a very personal journey with Stormy my mare. Her hoof and leg injury and ongoing healing process have been both humbling and educational, reinforcing everything I believe about patience, listening, and allowing the horses body to lead the conversation. Watching her progress day by day has deepened my respect for the body’s ability to heal even the most egregious wounds when given the right support, time, and compassion. Her journey continues, and she remains a quiet reminder of why wellness work matters so much to me.

Looking ahead, my focus remains on thoughtful, individualized care, continued education, and supporting horses in a way that honors both their physical and emotional well-being. I’m excited to continue expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and showing up fully for the horses and humans I work with in the coming year.

Thank you for being part of this community. Whether you’re here as a reader, a client, or simply someone who cares deeply about animals, I’m grateful you’re here.

May this season bring you rest, renewal, and hope as we step into the year ahead.

Warmly,
Shanell Thomas
Optimized Equine Wellness

** Appointments for bodywork, KT Tape applications, and wellness sessions are currently being scheduled for the coming year.
If you’re curious about whether Red Light Therapy or Percussion Massage could support your horse, I’m always happy to talk through options and answer questions.

*** Equine-assisted facilities and programs interested in Masterson Method® Specialist facilitation are welcome to reach out to discuss customized support.

12/18/2025

Closed for the holidays.

Optimized Equine Wellness will be closed for the holidays December 19th through January 5th.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, love, and horses.

12/04/2025

Many of you know me as an MMCP (Masterson Method Certified Practitioner) — and I’m grateful every day to do this work with so many incredible horses.

I also want to share that I am a certified MMES (Masterson Method Equine Specialist).

With this certification, I am able to offer facilitated bodywork sessions designed to help people and horses connect on a deeper level.

A bit more about the heart behind this work:

* The intention of these sessions is to give a gift to the horse.

*The focus is on supporting the horse, helping them release tension, soften, and find greater comfort in their body.

*People often experience grounding, insight, emotional shifts, or relief during these sessions — which is a beautiful bonus.

These sessions naturally provide a quiet space of connection. They are about slowing down, listening, and offering something meaningful to the horse… and often, the horse offers something meaningful right back.

If you’d like to learn more or schedule a facilitated bodywork session, feel free to reach out.

— Shanell | Optimized Equine Wellness

11/21/2025

Dear clients! I just wanted to pop in with a quick update. I haven’t forgotten any of you who are waiting on scheduling, I’ve simply been down sick and needed a little time to recover.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. I’ll be in touch very soon to get everyone booked and back on the calendar. 💙

11/20/2025

🚨 Equine health precautions🚨

(Please read — thank you!)

With the recent outbreak (currently based in Texas and Oklahoma), I’m taking extra precautions to keep every horse I work with safe.

This virus spreads easily through horse-to-horse contact and through humans/equipment moving between barns/states — so awareness and early precautions are key.

To help protect your horses, your barn, and the rest of my clients, I am asking all clients to please:

**Notify me BEFORE your appointment if:**

* Your horse has traveled out of state recently.
* Your horse (or you) have attended any shows/clinics/events in the last 2–3 weeks.
* Your barn has brought in any new horses since your last appointment.
* Your horse may have been exposed to the current situation.
* Anyone in your barn has traveled for recent competitions.

I am also increasing my already strict sanitizing and cross-barn protocols to help minimize risk.

Thank you all for helping keep our horses healthy and supporting responsible biosecurity.

11/12/2025

11/03/2025

Real Results. Real Relief. This beautiful before-and-after tells a story words can’t fully capture. 💫

With a focused session of bodywork, this horse’s posture, muscle tone, and overall comfort have transformed. You can see the difference in his softer topline, improved symmetry, and a more relaxed, balanced stance.

At Optimized Equine Wellness, the focus is on helping horses release tension, restore comfort, and move with ease using gentle bodywork that supports both body and mind.

Because when a horse feels safe and comfortable in their body, everything changes.

📅 Booking now for sessions helping horses feel and perform their best, from the inside out.

10/29/2025

Around the farm and missing that warm summer feeling.How is everyone's week going?