About Us
Equine Healing Hands LLC is committed to the success of you and your horse. If you're one for a trail ride or in the competition ring, I'm here for you and the well-being of your horse. With that said, I want to work with you, your vet, farrier and/or chiropractor to ensure your horse is benefiting from massage therapy.
Member of the Hands-On Trade Association and Equine Healing Hands LLC holds Professional Liability and General Liability Insurance.
Member of the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodyworks
USERL member
Nationally Certified by
the United States Equine Professional Assoc.
My Story:
I was 7 when I finally talked (ok, maybe shed a few tears, too) my parents into letting me take lessons. My love for horses was instant and although my parents continued to think it was something that when boys came into the picture, I'd drop in heart beat, they were dead wrong. I rode throughout grade school, high school and rode on the IHSA Collegiate team at college. I then picked up my life from Western PA and moved out to NJ, where, unfortunately, my passion had to go on the back burner while my bank account took a beating. The NJ/NYC metro area is EXPENSIVE!! I climbed the corporate ladder and when I got to a comfortable place, I FINALLY got back in the saddle. After meeting the man of my dreams and aquiring 2 adorable Chihuahuas and my 5 year old Paint named Dakota, we decided to take the plunge, move to Charlotte and buy a house...all within a 7 month period. And now, we're happy as can be, newly wed, rookies at this whole house owning thing and really enjoying what NC has to offer.
So now you ask, why Massage Therapy? It was only after I spent some time in physical therapy that included many sessions of massage therapy did I begin to look more into massage therapy for horses. If I could feel this good after years of built up tension, stress and some riding-related accidents that had escalated, I knew there was something I could do for horses in this field. I set out on a quest and I earned my certification in November of 2007 back up north in NJ. I'm always looking for new materials to get my hands on and more courses to continue my education. I'm looking forward to 2009 to tackle more challenging courses this summer. And although I may not be able to ride every day, I still can connect with Dakota and many other horses through my hands...and not with them on the reins.
Below are some educational materials that I have utilized to deepen my understanding and sharpen my knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, conformation and techniques. If you're interested in understanding massage therapy, these are great reads!
Equine Massage - A Practical Guide Second Addition - Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt
Fitness Evaluation of the Horse - Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt
The Horse In Motion: The Anatomy and Physiology of Equine Locomotion - Sarah Pilliner, Samantha Elmhurst and Zoe Davies
Horse Conformation: Structure, Soundness and Performance - Equine Research and Sherrie Engler
The Horse's Muscles in Motion - Sarah Wyche
Horse Anatomy - A Coloring Atlas - Robert McCracken and Thomas Kainer
The Basic Principles of Equine Massage/Muscle Therapy - Mike Scott (Book & DVD)
Advanced Muscle Therapy for Horses: Evaluation, Treatment, Conditions and Joint Functions - MIke Scott (DVD)
Stretch Exercises for your Horse: The Path to Perfect Suppleness - Karin Blignault
Remember: CESMT's are to horses as your masseuse is to you...not your family doctor.