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Why should my horse have bodywork?
Why should my horse have bodywork?
Bodywork offers not only comfort to horses, but can also increase blood flow, promote relaxation, and provide bodyworkers with a baseline of what is "normal" for the horse. Therefore, with regular bodywork, health implications can be noticed and reported to the vet before something goes wrong.
Can my bodyworker replace the vet?
Can my bodyworker replace the vet?
No. Veterinary care should be the primary choice when it comes to equine care. Bodywork can't replace veterinary care, nor can bodyworkers diagnose or administer treatments to horses under direct veterinary care.
When can't a horse have bodywork?
When can't a horse have bodywork?
Horses that are malnourished, severly lame and have not yet seen the vet, horses with pitted edema, horses under direct veterinary care, with gaping wounds, mares within 4-6 weeks of being bred, on painkillers are likely not good candidates for bodywork. However, consult your bodyworker if you have any concerns or questions.
Can my horse have bodywork right before a competition?
Can my horse have bodywork right before a competition?
Horses that have regularly seen a bodyworker may be seen 3 days before competition, or the day of, depending on how the horse typically responds to bodywork. However, a horse's first experience with bodywork should be no sooner than a week before competition. Sometimes bodywork will open up issues for a horse that were "blocked" by the horse, and they can appear sore or lame even though the issue was there long before bodywork. Additionally, some horses might feel so good post bodywork that they'll exert themselves and cause injury. Furthermore, a jumper for example might have greater ROM post-bodywork and adapted movement will show up differently, causing the rider to need to adjust to this new striding for the horse.
What can I expect for a typical first session?
What can I expect for a typical first session?
Initially, the bodyworker will observe the horse's movement, and take note of some static observations. Expect to have to trot the horse down a line. This is important to create a baseline. After that, the massage session will take 1-2 hours depending on the horse. A session summary will be emailed to you after the session!
Do I need to be there?
Do I need to be there?
You do not need to be present for sessions, but it's a good idea to be present for the initial session to let your bodyworker know about barn rules, where to find the horse, halter, and to answer questions etc. Let your bodyworker know if you won't be present for the first session, so they can bring a handler.
How often should my horse have bodywork?
How often should my horse have bodywork?
Note: variables can affect frequency, and these are just rough guidelines. Talk with your bodyworker!
Racerhorses: once a week.
High level equine athletes (FEI riders, grand prix jumpers, etc.): every 1-2 weeks.
Competitors with goals (higher levels of competition): every 2 weeks.
Horses on a 3-5 day/ week training schedule and occassional competition: every 3-4 weeks.
Retired or leisure horses: around every 6-8 weeks. Highly variable.
Injured or rehabilitation horses: ONLY WITH VETERINARY CLEARANCE.
My horse hates bodywork. What do I do?
My horse hates bodywork. What do I do?
Some horses just don't enjoy being touched, and that's fine. Sessions can be modified to what the horse can handle.
Can bodywork hurt my horse in any way?
Can bodywork hurt my horse in any way?
Do your research on your bodyworker. With my training, nothing I do will cause harm to the horse! If lameness occurs after a session, it is often due to releasing blocked movement patterns and pain that the horse is adapted to! I do not use any techniques or intenseness that can cause harm to the horses I work on. If contraindications for bodywork are present, service will be refused at the discretion of the bodyworker.
Why should I choose A² Equine Services for Equine Bodywork?
Why should I choose A² Equine Services for Equine Bodywork?
A² Equine Bodywork Services operates under the schooling of the Canadian Institute of Equine and Canine Bodywork through the Equinology Institute . I am also an insured member of the International Equine Bodyworkers Association . These institutes and associations create and maintain standards of practice and care for bodywork through hands on, intensive education that respects veterinary laws and guidelines, and works within their own scope of practice.
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