Thrive Bodywork

11/08/2025

Hello friends!

It's been a while since I've introduced myself on this page and I thought it might be good to offer a little background to those of you who haven't met me yet!

I've loved animals for as long as I can remember, diving headlong into horses during my middle and high school years. As I explored careers related to this passion, I opted for a blend of community college and hands on education opportunities provided by connections in the equestrian industry.

In 2022, after completing the MNHA program for equine sports massage, I kick started Thrive Bodywork and the business has been growing ever since! Continual education has led to further certifications in canine massage and additional bodywork therapies. I spent a season in pony club, interned with a breeding farm, and this past spring, graduated from community college with my business degree!

Recently, my lines of work have begun to converge as I bring my bodywork skill set to clients I also teach, train and farm sit for. As I work out of a local barn in Dillsburg and travel south/central pa, my dream is to bridge the space between bodywork, riding/training and high-quality care to create happier, healthier horses (and dogs!). If this is something that also gets you excited, following this page and visit my website to see what services are offered!

10/13/2025

10/02/2025

Hello October!!

It’s been a busy last several of weeks working around, with and on client horses. Tucked in around teaching, bodywork and riding has been a full schedule of farm/pet sitting. As summer transitions to fall, I’ve been putting time toward website updates, business photos, and 2026 brainstorming! Stay tuned for more details as we head toward the holidays!

I’m currently booking bodywork sessions for the end of October into November. Reach out if you’d to schedule a massage or taping session!

📸 Bri Osciak

09/03/2025

Every one of my canine clients who has tried the preventive powder on their pup has only had good things to say! I'm grateful for the opportunity to bring these cat, canine, equine AND human products to you as a Coat Defense distributor. Reach out if you'd like to give these products a try!

We are so happy to see this pup’s clear and quick transformation from uncomfortable, inflamed ears to calm, healthy, and happy in just a few days. 🐾✨ Our Daily Preventative Powder naturally draws out moisture, soothes irritation, and helps keep yeast at bay—no harsh chemicals, just real relief. Here’s to more ear scratches and fewer ear shakes!

08/26/2025

"Do the best you can with what you know, and when you know better, do better"! Maya Angelou

Start relieving tension & enhancing performance in your equine partner today 🐴❤️ Join our amazing community of equestrians from around the world who are helping their horses feel their absolute best ✅

08/26/2025

Compensation is the word we dread to hear when discussing our horses. Did you know that there are many different types of compensation as well as time to intervene and a time to watch/observe!? Take a second to read this article about the behavioral and biomechanical effects of compensation.

Practitioners often talk about compensations and compensation patterns. However, they often offer very different definitions or explanations based on their individual perspectives and modes of assessment. In this article Kevin Haussler, DVM, DC, PhD aims to add some clarity and delves into the diffe...

08/14/2025

Curious how to set the stage for a productive bodywork session for your horse or dog? Below are several guidelines you can follow to maximize your appointment!

Environment:
🔷 Choose an environment/location where your horse or dog feel comfortable.
🔷 Level surfaces are ideal for assessing posture and taking conformation photos.
🔷 Ensure the space is large enough to allow the bodyworker to move freely.

Examples: For a horse this could be a isle way or grooming area, cross ties or stall. Because of a dog's smaller size, when possible it's best to get them up off the ground. This may involve using a couch, bed, or truck tailgate.

Exercise:
🔷 Give your horse off the day of his/her session. Massage will exercise muscle in its own way.
🔷 For horses who have a set training schedule and aren't working through any specific issues, light work day of can be appropriate.
🔷 Light exercise is acceptable for dogs accustom to routine activity.

Appearance:
🔷 Take a moment and brush off any dirt from the body/legs.
🔷 If you choose to bathe either your horse or dog prior to their appointment, please allow enough time for them to fully dry.
🔷 When necessary, fly spray your horse before their massage but refrain from using any coat conditioners, body sprays or hoof oil.

Bribery:
🔷 Refrain from feeding treats, kibble, hay, etc. during a session unless otherwise directed.
🔷 Occasionally food may be used to encourage gentle stretching at the end of an appointment but when introduced during a session, it can cause distraction and mouthiness.

Thanks for working with me to create an environment where your horse or dog is able to focus on their body resulting in a safe, positive, and productive session!

Photo credit: Angelica Brill

08/12/2025

Yes! Yes! Yes!

"Finally, a product that gives my gelding relief from his annual bout of sweet itch! Wish I'd found it years ago!!" Coat Defense 100% Natural Sweet Itch Bundle includes 16oz Horse Powder, 24oz Paste, 8oz shampoo. Miracle fix for Rain Rot, Sweet Itch, Summer Sores & Hives! FEI & USEF compliant, trust...

08/12/2025

Hello friends!

Let's take a minute to get to know each other! Drop a picture of your horse or dog in the comments below and share their name with us!

Banks and Tommy are two geldings I currently co own and am training for resale. Occasionally you may see training updates on these two posted on my business page. Last but not least of my current responsibilities is Rio, my 5 year old labrador retriever!

08/08/2025

We're curious to hear your thoughts about progress pics and horsy homework. Would you like these to be included as a routine part of your horse’s bodywork sessions?

PROGRESS PICTURES
This involves taking conformation pictures on a monthly or quarterly basis after a session with the purpose of tracking muscular and postural changes. Occasionally pictures may even be taken both before and after the same a session to document immediate, visible results within the horse's body. This visual log offers a timeline of your horse's growth, health and maturity.

FOLLOW UP HOMEWORK
Follow up homework refers to under saddle/in hand work and stretching techniques assigned by the bodyworker and performed between sessions. This may include things such as specific cavaletti or lateral work exercises, belly lifts and leg stretches. The massage therapist tailors each set of exercises to the individual needs of the horse with a focus on building strength and increasing flexibility.

Both of these services have been tossed around among my clients and I'm interested in learning whether you'd like them included as a routine part of bodywork sessions!

Comment below to share your thoughts!

08/06/2025

We're back to summer dryness and itchy allergies for many of our four-footed friends. My yellow lab struggles with ye**ty paws and tends to get an irritated belly from summer bugs and other things he manages to get himself into. This coat defense canine powder is our best friend! Rio rolls onto his back for a belly rub, I dust him up, and off he goes on his next adventure.

I have been a Coat Defense distributer for over two years now and have seen the results of these products firsthand. From powders and pastes to shampoo and lip balm, I sell a variety of items for horses, dogs, and humans.

Message me for more info and pricing!

08/04/2025

He said, “Tape your time, no need to rush!”

Romeo is a client I see on a monthly basis and we choose to add a little KT tape to his session this morning! The purpose of taping the low back and SI area is to increase circulation and support the muscles/joint. The tape will also expand Romeo’s proprioception of this area and result in greater engagement of his back and high end.

If you wonder whether your horse would benefit from Kinesiology Tape, now’s the time to give it a try! I offer taping as add on service to bodywork sessions and as a free bonus when you refer a friend! Now that’s tape-tastic!