equine Therapeutic massage

A HOlistic Path to well-being

I believe that true wellness stems from a comprehensive, holistic approach to equine care. Intuitive equine massage therapy transcends traditional bodywork by blending precise, evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a profound, empathic attunement to your horse’s individual state. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, I provide tailored care that honors the connection between physical alignment and emotional release. Benefits include:

  • Release Muscle Tension & Alleviate Pain: Address soreness, stiffness, and discomfort from training, injury, or everyday life, promoting comfort and relaxation.

  • Improve Flexibility & Range of Motion: Enhance your horse's natural movement, leading to increased suppleness, fluidity, and athletic performance.

  • Boost Circulation & Aid Recovery: Stimulate blood flow to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to muscles, flushing out toxins and accelerating healing.

  • Reduce Stress & Promote Emotional Balance: Help calm anxious horses, alleviate behavioral issues stemming from discomfort, and foster a deeper sense of trust and contentment.

  • Support Overall Wellness: Contribute to a healthier immune system, better digestion, and a more harmonious partnership between horse and rider.

  • Prevent Injuries: By identifying and addressing areas of restriction before they become major problems, intuitive massage can help keep your horse sound and resilient.

Listening to the language of discomfort

Horses are masters of subtle communication, often expressing physical pain through movement or behavioral shifts. If you recognize these telltale signs, your horse may be struggling with tight, sore, or constricted muscles:

  • In Performance: Refusing jumps, resisting collection, struggling with lead changes, or exhibiting a short, "choppy" stride.

  • Under Saddle: Rearing, bucking, tossing the head, hollowing the back, or tension at the mounting block.

  • On the Ground: Pinning ears, biting, or stomping during grooming and tacking—signs that everyday touch has become uncomfortable.

  • Physical Indicators: Visible muscle atrophy, abnormal posture, or a noticeable inability to maintain muscle tone.

the healing experience

While a standard session typically spans 90 minutes, my practice is guided by the unique requirements of each horse. I am committed to a thorough and unhurried approach, ensuring every animal has the space to fully integrate the work; as such, sessions may occasionally extend beyond the expected timeframe.

  • Your First Session: To ensure a seamless start to our partnership, initial appointments never incur additional fees for extended time.

  • Ongoing Care: Should a horse consistently require a longer therapeutic window, I am happy to discuss a tailored rate on a case-by-case basis.

  • Progress Tracking: Every session includes a comprehensive evaluation and detailed session notes to monitor and track your horse's journey toward wellness.

Professional Partnership: Equine bodywork is a supportive therapy and is not a substitute for veterinary medicine. I do not diagnose or prescribe; I always recommend consulting your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical issues. I am honored to work alongside your vet to provide the most comprehensive care for your horse.

PRICING

$125/session

Standard 90-minute sessions are guided by your horse's individual pace, with no overtime fees applied to initial appointments. All services include a professional evaluation and session notes to monitor long-term improvement.

Wellness packages & promotions

New Client Introduction: Every horse has a story to tell. To help us begin our partnership, I offer a $20 credit toward your first 90-minute session. This extended initial visit allows me the time to connect with your horse’s unique energy and identify their specific physical needs without rush.

The Wild Heart Healing Referral Program: Healing is better when shared. When you refer a fellow rider to Wild Heart Healing, you’ll both receive 15% off your next session once their appointment is completed. It’s my way of saying thank you for helping me support the well-being of our local horse community.

Seasonal Support: Our Colorado seasons can be demanding on a horse’s body. Whether it’s recovering from a summer of trail riding or staying supple through the Pagosa Springs winter, I offer pre-paid bundles of 3 sessions at a 20% discount. Consistent bodywork is the best gift you can give your equine partner to keep them happy and healthy year-round.

Barn Discount: A $10 discount is applied to each horse when scheduling multiple sessions on the same day at the same location.

Policies

Travel Fees

There are no travel fees within 30 miles of Pagosa Springs, CO. Any locations outside this area will incur a charge of 50 cents per mile, depending on if I have other clients scheduled in our area. I will do my best to group sessions in order to reduce travel fees as much as possible and will communicate travel fees to you prior to your appointment.

Payment

Payment is required at the time of your horse’s session. I accept cash, check, and Venmo for payment.

If you cannot be present during your horse’s session, please make arrangements for payment on the day of the session. If payments are not rendered the day of service, subsequent sessions will require up-front payment before treatment occurs.

Cancellation Policy

Occasionally, you might need to cancel or reschedule your appointment on short notice. I give all of my clients a “freebie” because I understand that life happens! If cancellations or reschedules become a reoccurring event, there will be a $25 cancellation/rescheduling fee added to the next session.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are many telltale signs that a horse has tight, sore, or constricted muscles, including:

    • Decreased performance such as refusing jumps, resisting collection, refusing to bend, struggling with lead changes, breaking gait in the canter, tripping, dragging their hooves, or short/choppy strides.

    • Behavior during riding such as rearing, bucking, tossing head, hollowing their back, raising their head high, tilting their head, or taking off at the mounting block.

    • Behavior on the ground such as pinning ears, swishing tail, biting, pawing at the ground, or stomping while being groomed or tacked up.

    • Physical signs such as abnormal posture, muscle atrophy, abnormal muscle development, or inability to maintain muscle tone.

    NOTE: Equine bodywork is not the same as veterinary medicine. An equine bodyworker cannot diagnose or prescribe medicine. It is always a good idea to contact your veterinarian before seeking out bodywork in order to rule out medical issues. I am happy to work with your veterinarian to meet your horse’s needs!

  • You can expect the following to occur during your horse’s equine bodywork session:

    • A detailed history of your horse (initial session) or an update of your horse’s history since their last session (ongoing sessions).

    • A review of your concerns or your goals for the bodywork session.

    • Static and/or dynamic (moving) assessment of your horse’s conformation and gait in order to identify areas of muscle tightness or tension.

    • 90 minutes of treatment using multiple methods of soft-tissue manipulation.

    • Instruction on stretches and exercises you can do to maintain your horse in between sessions.

    • A detailed session report with notes on the session and recommendations moving forward.

  • To make the most of your equine bodywork session, it is important to do the following:

    • Schedule your session at a time of day that does not interfere with feeding, turnout, riding, training or other professional equine appointments.

    • Complete the Intake Form at least 24 hours prior to your appointment to allow me to review and prepare appropriately for the appointment.

    • Make sure your horse is clean and dry. No fly spray or ointments please!

  • There are a few times your horse should NOT receive equine bodywork, including:

    • If your horse has any abnormal vital signs or signs of illness.

    • If your horse has any heat, swelling, hives, or skin conditions on their body.

    • If your horse is lame.

    • Certain stages of equine pregnancy.

    • If your horse has any extreme behavior changes.

    • If your horse has excessive loose stool.

    • If your horse is displaying signs of colic.

    In any of the above scenarios, it is important that you have your horse cleared by a veterinarian prior to receiving bodywork. If you are unsure if your horse should have a bodywork session, please reach out!

  • There are many ways you can prolong the results after an equine bodywork session. Specific recommendations will be included in your horse’s session notes. In general, you can do the following:

    • Turnout or hand walk your horse for at least 10 minutes within two hours after your session to keep their blood circulating and muscles loose.

    • Ensure your horse has access to water to help flush any toxins from their system.

    • Follow the recommended stretches or exercises listed on your horse’s session report. These are also available on my YouTube channel.

    • It is recommended that you give your horse some time off after a bodywork session or only do light work. Bodywork sessions can be intense and your horse might need time to process or recuperate afterwards!