09/22/2025
Why Every Equine Massage Looks Different
Equine bodywork is not a “one size fits all” practice. Each time I work on a horse, I begin with a thorough assessment to determine what that horse needs in the moment. From there, I design a session that is specific to their condition, posture, and workload.
A horse may present with:
• Hind end stiffness
• Front end compensation
• Lameness or injury recovery
• Saddle fit issues
• General muscle fatigue or imbalance
Because of this, no two massages should ever look the same. Their body is constantly changing and adapting, which means their care must be equally adaptive.
Many certification programs teach standardized, repetitive sequences. While those can be useful as a foundation, a truly effective session requires flexibility, critical thinking, and the ability to address the horse in front of you, not just follow a routine.
My goal with every session is to:
✔️ Identify areas of restriction or soreness
✔️ Address the horse’s individual needs that day
✔️ Provide owners with stretches or techniques to reinforce progress between visits
When evaluating any bodywork professional, it’s important to ask: Are they customizing their approach to your horse?
Your horse deserves individualized care….because no two horses, and no two sessions, are ever the same.
