Question 1

What are the benefits of Equine Massage?

Accepted Answer

The benefits of Equine Massage are several and varied:

Alleviates muscular tensions, restrictions, and discomfort
Improves functionality, flexibility, and mobility
Releases fascial restrictions
Promotes relaxation and stress relief 
Improves posture, muscle tone, blood circulation, and coat condition
Supports the immune system
Stimulates the lymphatic system 
Reduce inflammation and scar tissue
Prevents injuries

Substantially, Equine Bodywork contributes to your horse's well-being and quality of life.

From a competition or event point of view, the above benefits will play a part in optimizing your horse's preparation, enhancing performance, and assisting recovery after/between competitions or events.

Question 2

What methods do you use?

Accepted Answer

I am a Certified Equine Massage Therapist from the School of Equine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapies.

During a bodywork session, I use several techniques :

Traditional Massage
Myofascial release
Scare tissue reduction
Limb swelling reduction
Light Therapy (red/blue/infrared)
Hydrotherapy
The Masterson Method (student)
Kinesiology taping (student)

Question 3

Do you diagnose?

Accepted Answer

I do not diagnose.

Equine Massage/ Bodywork is never an alternative to veterinary care.

If you have any concern regarding illness or injury, please contact your Veterinarian first.

Question 4

What type of horse do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Any horse can enjoy the benefits of a massage regardless of their breed or activity.

Question 5

What should I expect for my horse's first session?

Accepted Answer

Our holistic approach to Equine Massage aims to deliver the optimal massage to your horse.

The first session may take longer than usual as I will ask several questions about your horse's history and activities.

Many horses, especially those that have never experienced massage, can initially be apprehensive. I will take the time to let your horse get comfortable with me and my massage techniques. Usually, horses relax and enjoy themselves by the end of the first session.

A detailed report of the session will be provided for your record and follow-up sessions.

Question 6

How should I prepare my horse for a session?

Accepted Answer

Please have your horse ready in the best conditions to maximize the benefits of the session: 
clean, 
dry, 
fed, and 
in a quiet and usual place.

It is uncomfortable for the horse and myself to spread dirt and water through the skin. I might charge a fee if the horse is not caught, clean, and dry.

Question 7

Should I be present for my horse's massage?

Accepted Answer

You are very welcome to be nearby.

For the first massage, I recommend you to be present for the first part of it to discuss your horse's condition.

For the follow-up sessions, as long as your horse is made available to me, I can work on them. 
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I will send you a detailed report after each session and you can contact me with any questions or concerns.

Question 8

How often my horse should get a massage?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of massages is assessed case by case, accordingly to your horse's needs and your ambitions. It can range from weekly to quarterly occurrences.

For injury, the frequency is as per your veterinarian recommendations.

When introducing bodywork to your horse, I always recommend 2 sessions:
The first session will focus on initiate the trust contact and work on the main problem(s) area(s). 
The second session will  allow the therapist to massage in more depth, to the horse's tolerance. Follow-up sessions are ideal to reassess your horse condition and work on other issues.

Question 9

What to expect after a session?

Accepted Answer

Please, be aware that your horse might exhibit signs of fatigue, excitement or discomfort up to 48h after the session.

Alleviate muscle tensions and restrictions may reveal other areas of discomfort that the horse was hiding/ compensating for.

Also massage might increase pre-existing conditions related to the immune system (flu, abscess, etc.) - Please, refers to our conter-indications section.

All the above are normal result of bodywork.

After a session, good practices are :

Note any change in your horse over the next couple days    (behaviors or physical)
No strenuous exercise after the session, and preferably light exercise the following day.
Allow your horse to move, ideally walk (hand walking, turn out)

For show/ event purposes, an initial session should be at least a week before the event to allow the horse to process the release, feel comfortable, and reap the benefits of the massage.

With regular care, the sessions can be closer to the event. It's a case-by-case assessment, based on your horse's ability to assimilate the bodywork session.

Question 10

What area do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our services are available in French and English and cover the National Capital Region and the Outaouais region.

Outside these areas, travel fees will apply.

Question 11

How the Multiple Sessions packages work?

Accepted Answer

The packages are user-friendly, you can manage your bookings via the website, and a session will be deducted from each booking until you have used up your 4 or 8 sessions.

Create an account
Buy a package of several sessions 
Book your session(s)

Once you've used up all your sessions, you can renew your package.

Question 12

Is there a time limit for using my package sessions?

Accepted Answer

There is no time limit to use your package.

Multiple Sessions packages can be canceled at anytime. For more information, please refer to our Terms & Conditions at the footer of the website.

Question 13

Do you have a Cancellation & Refund Policy?

Accepted Answer

Our Cancellation & Refund Policy is available in our Terms & Conditions, below and at the bottom of the website.

Frequently Asked Questions