Massage Visit

The initial massage visit begins with a detailed evaluation of your horse. You will be asked to fill out a medical history for your horse, but also give information about your horse’s attitude, work ethic, likes/dislikes, and any other therapies your horse might have had.

You will be asked to walk, trot, and perhaps canter your horse in hand, unless medically contraindicated.

Judith will do a hands-on assessment of your horse, checking specific areas for soreness, tightness or reactivity.

Then the massage begins. Judith begins at the poll and works back from there, using a variety of strokes and differing amounts of pressure to find and treat sore, tight, or simply tired areas. It is important that your horse be clean and dry, as the friction from the strokes can irritate the horse’s skin if he/she is muddy, and a wet horse’s coat doesn’t provide enough friction. Judith may use a liniment such as Sore No More to treat a specific issue.

When the massage is finished, Judith will give you a copy of the evaluation form, which will include a diagram showing any particularly sore or troublesome areas. She will also include any recommendations for things you can do to help your horse continue to be more comfortable and get the most out of the massage session.

The initial visit takes roughly an hour and a half. Subsequent visits last about an hour.