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Royal Performance Equine Massage, Cambridge, ON (2025)

07/10/2025

of this sweet senior who I had the pleasure of meeting in June. He definitely had some feelings about his first session, and that is OK! He was happy being free to "eat his feelings." I would never expect any horse to be 100% on board with their first massage. The horse always dictates how the session goes, and it's my duty to listen. Because if you think about it, I'm a total stranger asking a horse to trust me right away and be vulnerable. Even as humans, we would have a hard time with that. He is enjoying a semi retired life now (after being a show horse for many years), and his mom wants to make sure he is comfortable in his new life, I love that.

Just because your horse is now semi-retired or living the good life as a senior doesn’t mean their need for bodywork disappears. In fact, it might be even more important now. 🐴💆‍♀️

These horses have given us their all — whether in the show ring, on the trails, or just being a steady, reliable partner. Years of hard work can leave behind tension, compensation patterns, and stiffness that don’t magically go away with retirement.

Massage helps keep them comfortable, mobile, and feeling good in their golden years. Whether they're still doing light work or fully retired, they deserve to feel their best. It's the least we can do to say thank you. ❤️

07/01/2025

🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

As we celebrate this beautiful country we call home, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of my amazing clients who have supported my small business. Whether it’s booking a session, referring a friend, or simply cheering me on—your support means the world. ❤️

Running a small business isn't always easy, but thanks to you, I get to do what I love every single day. I'm incredibly grateful for the amazing horses I get to work on and the kind, passionate humans behind them.

Here’s to Canada, community, and all the shenanigans to come! 🍁🐴. Feel free to drop your Canadian small business in the comments so we can continue to keep it Canadian.

06/30/2025

Massage Myth Monday: "I had you out to "fix" my lame horse, and they weren't better after their appointment, so I won't be asking you out again." 🤦‍♀️ So this one bothers me a LOT (and has happened a few times)!! I preface this by saying, I have the BEST clients who all love their horses deeply, so this isn't directed at you. Bodyworkers are NOT magicians. Especially if said horse has never had bodywork before.

🚨 Even the best most educated bodyworker in the world CANNOT (and I can't stress this enough) "fix" a lame horse in 1 appointment here's why:

It’s unrealistic—and unfair—to expect a bodyworker to magically fix lameness or chronic issues in a single appointment. 🐎

Here’s the truth:
Horses are masters at hiding pain. By the time you see something’s wrong—limping, uneven movement, resistance—whatever’s going on has probably been building for weeks, months, or longer.

Think of bodywork like peeling an onion 🧅—we work layer by layer, helping your horse unwind tension, compensate less, and move more freely. But real, lasting change takes time, consistency, and sometimes a team approach with your vet, farrier, chiro, and saddle fitter.

✨ So no, I can't "fix" your horse in one go (but neither can anyone else). But I can help them start feeling better—and that’s where the healing begins.

PC: (she does great work!!)

06/29/2025

"Something to Think About Sunday" (you know I always live a good alliteration, lol). While I catch up from the last month, which was crazy busy (no complaints here), I'm struggling to find things to post. So here is one that I'm always thinking about and one that bothers me when I see 5 Year classes set at 1.10M. Especially when I see a lot of horses that are experiencing major issues (hocks, KS, neck issues, etc) by the age of 12. I am not perfect by any means, but I also take pride in the fact my horse was sound when he passed at 27. We took the time to let him grow, did the groundwork, and took our time while he was building muscle to carry a riders weight.

📊 Bone Growth Doesn’t Lie – Why Starting Horses Later Matters 🐎

There's a reason more professionals are advocating for starting horses under saddle later — and it's not just about giving them time to mature mentally.

🦴 Bone growth rate charts show that many critical joints — especially in the spine and pelvis — don’t fully close until 5 to 6 years old. That means loading these areas too early (aka riding too young) can cause micro-damage that builds into long-term issues: arthritis, back pain, uneven musculature, and premature breakdowns.

✨ Waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing. Groundwork, in-hand work, bodywork, and building a solid partnership lays the foundation for a sound, happy riding horse later on.

💡 If we want our horses to have long, successful, pain-free careers, it starts with respecting their developmental timeline — not rushing it.

06/24/2025

Enjoy these videos of three sweet boys during their after show/pre (next) show massages. They enjoyed their time camped out in front of the fan. There was some "eating their feelings" as I call it (we can all relate) and good hydration at the end of the massage. They really enjoyed their massages, and I'm sure they are grateful to their mom for getting them one ❤️. They should be feeling great and ready to tackle the week. Fun fact: show massage is different than my usual at home massage, its tweaked, so there is no downtime at all!

🎯 Show season tip! 🎯
Massage before and after a horse show isn't a luxury—it's a performance and recovery essential.

🌀 Before the show: Massage helps warm up and prep the muscles for work, increasing circulation and range of motion so your horse can move their best when it counts.

🛠️ After the show: It helps flush out toxins, reduce soreness, and kickstart muscle recovery—so they bounce back faster and stay feeling good.

💥 Consistent bodywork helps prevent small issues from turning into injuries because tight, overworked muscles are a recipe for strain.

If you're investing time and money into showing—make sure you're also supporting your horse's body before and after the arena. Their comfort = better performance + longevity. 🐎💆‍♀️✨

Reach out if you are interested in show massage options, they are very affordable and highly beneficial!

06/21/2025

🌡️ Extreme Heat Alert: Keep Your Horses Safe! 🐴☀️ Happy Summer Solstice, everyone, brought to you by an instant heat wave...ugh!

This heat wave is no joke — and your horse feels it even more than you do. Horses struggle to regulate their body temperature in extreme heat, and the risks of heat stress or even heat stroke are very real.

Here are some tips to help keep your horse safe and cool during this scorcher:

🔥 Limit Work
Avoid riding or heavy exercise during the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or late evening is best — or better yet, give them the day off!

💧 Hydration is Everything
Fresh, cool water should be available at all times. Add electrolytes if they’re sweating heavily to help replenish what’s lost.

🌬️ Shade & Airflow
Make sure your horse has access to shade, fans, or breezy areas. If they’re outside, check shelter structures and consider bringing them in during peak heat.

🚿 Cool Rinse & Scrape
A hose-down is great — but don’t forget to scrape off excess water so it actually cools them rather than trapping heat.

🧊 Watch for Warning Signs
Lethargy, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, or unwillingness to eat/drink can all be red flags for heat exhaustion. Don’t wait — call your vet.

Remember, horses can’t take their coats off — it’s our job to help them stay comfortable. Be smart, stay safe, and prioritize their health over plans. 🌞💦

06/16/2025

Massage Myth Monday: "My horse gets bemer once a month so they don't need a massage too". According to the bemer website, to see the positive effects of bemer, it needs to be used a minimum of every other day, and the effects only last 24-72 hours. The effects of massage can last weeks! I'm not here to create a battle Royale because I KNOW people have their beliefs, but this doesn't need to be an either ir situation. Here's why they are "better together":

✨ BEMER is great… but it’s not massage. ✋🐴

We love tools like BEMER therapy for what they can do, supporting circulation, cellular health, and recovery. But let’s be clear: BEMER is not a replacement for massage.

Massage therapy works hands-on to: 🔹 Release muscle tension
🔹 Address asymmetries and restrictions
🔹 Improve range of motion
🔹 Create a deeper nervous system response through touch

BEMER, while helpful, doesn’t assess tissue quality or identify compensatory patterns the way skilled hands can. Bemer doesn't tell you where in the body the horse is carrying tension, has restrictions or trigger points. One supports circulation, and the other releases restrictions in the muscle and fascia.

They’re not competitors — they’re compliments. Think of BEMER as a great add-on to help your horse maintain wellness between bodywork sessions, not as a substitute for them.

✨ Your horse deserves a full-care team, not just a gadget.

06/04/2025

A little throwback to this tall, dark and handsome boy and his slightly shorter, but no less handsome brother enjoying their "in between shows" massages. Love that their mom wants to make sure they are feeling their best for Show #2 of the season. Digging the post massage light, too!

Your horse gave it their all this weekend—every jump, every lead change, every fancy trot circle. 🐎✨ Now it’s time to give them the same care they gave you.

Post-show massage isn’t just pampering—it’s powerful recovery. 💆‍♂️

Equine massage helps:
✅ Increase circulation
✅ Reduce muscle tension
✅ Flush out lactic acid buildup
✅ Prevent injuries from overuse or strain
✅ Speed up recovery after intense performance

After a long weekend of hauling, competing, and showing off, their muscles need support to stay loose, healthy, and ready for the next adventure. Because "tight isn't right" when it comes to muscles. Think of it as a tune-up—because prevention is always easier (and cheaper!) than rehab.

Let’s keep those athletes feeling their best—inside and out. 💪🧡

06/03/2025

Massage Myth Monday: (overheard by a client) "I would like to get my horse a massage, but they don't stand still in the cross ties, so they probably won't like it." This one hurts my heart a little because these horses are ones that may benefit the most.

🐴 Nervous in the Cross Ties? Won’t Stand Still? Let’s Talk Massage. 👐💆‍♂️

Some horses fidget. Some dance. Some look like they’re about to launch into orbit the second the halter clips. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: when a horse is anxious or refuses to stand still, it’s often their body screaming just as loudly as their brain. Tight muscles, fascia restrictions, and chronic tension can make even standing still feel uncomfortable.

💡Massage isn’t just about pampering it’s therapy.
A proper massage session can help: ✅ Release muscle tension
✅ Reduce anxiety and hypersensitivity
✅ Increase body awareness
✅ Improve their confidence in the cross ties (yes, really!)

Often, the horses who “won’t stand still” are the ones who need massage the most. I will also massage a horse where they are most comfortable. So that may be ground tied, in their stall, outside, or even in the arena.

Next time your horse seems restless, don’t just chalk it up to attitude. Their body might be trying to tell you something.

👉 Book a session and help them find some peace one muscle at a time.

05/29/2025

"Teamwork Thursday." This gal loves her appointments with Dr Stephanie at . Can you tell lol. For me, Massage and Chiro shouldn't be an either or situation. I love collaborating and asking questions about her chiro's findings compared to what I feel muscle wise. It's always a learning opportunity and takes a whole horse approach to keeping this gal feeling her best.

🌟 Why Choose One When You Can Have Both? 🌟

When it comes to your horse’s well-being, it’s not about choosing between equine massage and chiropractic care, it’s about combining them for maximum benefit! Here’s why these two treatments work best together:

🔹 Chiropractic care focuses on correcting skeletal misalignments, which improves nerve function and restores joint mobility.
🔹 Massage therapy works on the muscles, releasing tension, improving circulation, and aiding recovery from strain or compensation.

💡 Here’s the magic:
When bones are out of place, muscles often tighten to compensate, and if you only adjust the bones but leave the muscles tight, the horse may slip back out of alignment. Likewise, if you massage tight muscles but ignore underlying skeletal issues, the tension may return.

✨ Together, massage and chiro complement each other, ensuring both the skeleton and muscles are working in harmony, leading to:
✅ Faster recovery
✅ Better performance
✅ Long-term soundness

So next time you’re booking a bodywork session for your horse, don’t make it an “either-or.” Go for the combo, your horse will thank you! 🐴💆‍♂️💫

05/21/2025

"On Wednesdays, we wear pink!". This is a throwback to Saturday, but that's okay, lol. No better way to spend a gloomy Saturday than massaging these lovely ladies and helping them feel their best! I know they were grateful to their riders for getting them some bodywork❤️.

Enjoy the videos of some lovely releases and processing. Of course, I missed videoing the pandiculations (I think of them as a whole body stretch/reset), they are so cool to watch. Horses bodies are just amazing.

These sessions were a good reminder of compensations in the body and that all horses need bodywork regardless of workload. Horses compensate in the opposite limbs, one of these girls has a vaccine reaction and then got attacked by spiders on her right side, so while she had a lot of releases and tension on the right front, she had a lot of compensation tension in the left hind (not typical for her). It's just so fascinating to me how their bodies operate.

Royal Performance Equine Massage

07/10/2025

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06/29/2025

06/24/2025

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05/21/2025

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