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
