What modalities do you offer, and how much experience do you have?
In my equine wellness sessions, I combine my skills and knowledge to address the horse’s entire neuro-musculoskeletal system (the nervous system, the soft tissues, and the skeletal structure). This includes myofascial and craniosacral therapies, proprioceptive and somatic techniques, nerve release, massage, animal communication and energy work, and postural and movement exercises. I also utilize red/infrared light therapy, stability pads, and equine kinesiology tape as needed.
My methods work intimately with the nervous system. Simply put, the nervous system governs all other systems within the body, and connects all of the tissues and structures. The nervous system stores pain, trauma, and motor patterns. It's deeply connected to emotional well-being. It is the key to working in a way that honours the physical, the emotional, and the spiritual being of the horse.
I’m always happy to discuss my education - check out the bottom of THIS page to see what education courses I’ve taken and am currently undertaking.
In addition to working as a Certified Equine Therapist since 2015 and completing multiple certification programs, I also have nearly 20 years of horse ownership experience, and have been working in the equine industry since the early 2000s (I worked my way from feed/tack store employee, to stable manager, to equine veterinary assistant, to equine therapist - with a sprinkling of various barn jobs in between!).
What is your service area?
I’m based in Ladysmith, BC and service Vancouver Island. I travel regularly from Qualicum Beach to Malahat area. Travel to other parts of the island are always possible upon demand, and small travel fees are applicable for some locations. I also travel periodically to the Lower Mainland. Some services are available online - please check the Services page for more information.
I built a busy practice in the Lower Mainland from 2015-2023, and I’m now enjoying the growth of Free to Be Equine on Vancouver Island, and meeting all of the wonderful horses and their people here.
What horses can benefit from your work?
I have a special interest in working with horses who struggle with emotional regulation, who have had difficulties with traditional bodywork methods in the past, or who are sometimes described as “quirky” or “mysterious” because of their unusual behaviours. However, the reality is that horses regardless of age, breed, ability, and workload benefit greatly from this work. Horses don’t need to have a “problem”, or have a hard working lifestyle, to reap the many benefits of my manual therapy skills combined with a deep understanding of the needs of horses.
We need to look at the physical and emotional well-being of our horses through a holistic lens to ensure that we are meeting their unique needs as highly sensitive, active, and social beings; both in their interactions with people, as well as within their environment.
What are some common reasons that people seek out this kind of equine wellness work?
Support for chronic conditions and past injuries.
Pull back incidents, head injuries (commonly hit on beams, fences, and trailers), and horses who have been cast or otherwise strained their neck.
Sensitivity to touch or holding excessive tension in their jaw, ears, and/or poll.
Head shaking.
Difficulty building correct musculature in their neck and thoracic sling.
Back pain and tension, a weak topline, or imbalances in the spine.
Difficulty bending or balancing on a circle.
Reduced range of motion.
Changes in habitual posture.
Imbalances and weaknesses in the pelvis.
Difficulty holding up limbs for the farrier.
Uneven hoof wear patterns.
Anxiety and excessive spookiness, or an inability to self regulate.
Discomfort around being touched.
Inability to focus or connect with their handlers.
Stress behaviours under saddle.
And many more!
Injuries, illnesses, and lamenesses must be first evaluated by a veterinarian. If your horse is suffering from an ailment, please contact me to discuss their veterinary diagnosis and to determine if my services are appropriate for your horse’s needs.
How long do appointments take?
If your horse is seeing me for the first time, or if over one year has elapsed since they were last seen, an Initial Equine Wellness Session is required. Initial Sessions exist to allow me to gather information and to begin a plan to support you and your horse. Please allow up to 2 hours for Initial Sessions. A generous appointment time allows for for me to meet your horse where they are in the present moment, to discuss your challenges and goals, and to develop a trusting working relationship - with you, and with your horse.
While subsequent Equine Wellness Sessions can sometimes take longer depending on what is happening with the horse at the time, most regular appointments require about 75-90 minutes.
What are your working hours?
I typically work between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. I can accommodate evening appointments as my schedule allows. I do not book weekend sessions at this time unless travelling to provide services to out-of-town clients.
How far ahead do I need to book?
This varies greatly depending on the time of year and how quickly my schedule fills up. I recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance. If you have very specific days/times that work for you, book as far ahead as you can because it might be a few weeks until I have those days and times available! Sometimes, when someone else needs to reschedule, I may have a last-minute appointment available.
How do I pay you?
Payment is due at the time of the appointment and I have a Square reader that can process Visa, Mastercard, Debit, Apple Pay, etc. If you are unable to be present at the appointment, or you do not have reliable cell service at your barn, I can invoice you through Square and you can make your payment online (via credit card or e-transfer) prior to the appointment. I also accept cash. GST is included in my prices and I will happily provide receipts. Please check my website for current pricing.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Because my work days are very carefully scheduled to accommodate horses all over my service areas, it’s very important that you give me as much notice as possible of a cancellation or rescheduling of an appointment - in person, or online.
If you cancel or reschedule less than 48 hours ahead of your appointment, you are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. I charge this fee because cancellations with less than 48 hours notice are very difficult to fill with another horse, and can be costly for me since I drive so far to accommodate appointments in specific areas.
I am very understanding of emergency situations, and I try to accommodate last minute rescheduling due to emergencies as best as I can. I appreciate your honesty in these situations, and your respect for my time.
How can I prepare my horse for the session?
Unless discussed otherwise for assessment purposes, please have your horse fed, reasonably dry and groomed, and ready for their appointment. Try to avoid scheduling your appointment when it is feeding time or there are other professionals working – these things can be very distracting for your horse. Please avoid using coat/grooming sprays before the appointment – a slippery horse is very difficult to work on, and kinesiology tape will not stick to a coat that has been sprayed. Fly spray during the summer is, however, encouraged. Dirty horses do not enjoy me rubbing grit into their skin, so brushing is essential.
We can work in the stall, in the barn aisle, or in a paddock/arena. It varies depending on the horse’s preference, available facilities, and what else is going on at the barn at the time. Use of cross-ties is discouraged, as they don’t allow enough space for movement and safety.
I generally recommend giving your horse at least 24 hours off from riding after a session, but gentle exercise and ample turnout is encouraged.
When is it NOT recommended to book an equine wellness session?
It is not recommended to book equine therapy appointments for horses who are acutely lame, injured (cuts, swelling), or ill (even a runny nose) - please contact your veterinarian instead. Your horse may need veterinary treatment and time to heal before we can proceed.
It is not recommended to perform bodywork within 5-7 days of vaccinations or joint injections. Please also disclose if your horse has had surgery within the last 3 months.
I do not recommend booking a session within a minimum of 5 days before a show/competition/clinic. Horses need time, often several days, to integrate the changes from bodywork - and a minimum of 24 hours of no riding after their session (sometimes longer).
I do not recommend booking an equine wellness session on the same day that your horse is receiving veterinary work, farrier work, clipping, or any riding before the appointment that exceeds their normal work load.
Extra precaution must be taken with pregnant mares - please disclose your mare’s pregnancy prior to booking a session.
How should I expect my horse to react during their session?
Each horse is an individual having a unique experience within their body. Some horses stand with their eyes closed, lips drooping and drool on the floor. Some will blink, lick and chew, or yawn. Some will fidget, paw, or mouth the lead rope before a tension release - the ability to work in an area where movement can be utilized is helpful for these horses. Some will require breaks throughout the session to process the changes, or to utilize movement for integration. Some horses are keen to be touched all over their bodies, while some horses are extra sensitive or protective and require more patience and time.
The important thing to remember is that context is the key to interpreting the signals from our equine partners, and that my goal is to NOT cause the horse discomfort, or put them over their threshold. I always listen to what their body needs in the moment. Forcing the horse to stand still will never result in a relaxed horse. Not every horse can tolerant the same amount of hands-on work in one session.
How many sessions will my horse need, and how far apart?
This also varies depending on the individual horse. A wellness schedule can vary from every 4 weeks to 4 times per year, and anything in between. Sometimes I see horses 2 weeks apart if we’re dealing with an issue that needs additional work.
I’m very open and honest about what I think your horse will benefit from the most, and I understand that everyone has a budget that they need to work within. Regular appointments are recommended – this way we can catch and correct minor issues before they become major issues that will cost a lot more time and money in the long run. Every horse’s situation is unique and I work within that. If you’d like to read about why consistent bodywork is important, you can check out my article about it HERE.
There are also lots of things you can work on with your horse between appointments to support their musculoskeletal and nervous systems. I have many individually tailored exercises and activities to suggest and demonstrate for you at your appointment. I also offer Support Sessions, which are sessions dedicated entirely to helping you with what you can work on with your own horse (in person or online options are available). Owners who participate in their horses’ wellness journey always see the greatest positive changes.
What else do I need to know?
Please tell me before the appointment if your horse has any current injuries or illnesses, or if they’ve had any major illnesses or injuries in the past. There are contraindications to bodywork (things that can make it harmful rather than helpful) and I need to be aware of your horse’s history to avoid this.
If your horse has an acute injury, illness, or lameness, please check with your veterinarian before you set up an appointment. These things are in your veterinarian’s scope of practice, not mine. Remember that I cannot diagnose injury or illness or prescribe medication because I’m not a vet.
Please tell me if your horse has sensitive areas on his body that cause him to react to touch in that area. It’s not a good “test” to withhold that information. I need to know this information to avoid hurting your horse, or getting hurt myself.
Please don't hesitate to ask questions before, during, and after the appointment! I also love to hear updates on how your horse is doing, so never hesitate to get in touch.
I hope this helps with any questions you may have - but please CONTACT me if you are curious about anything else or would like to set up an appointment.
Thanks for reading!