Francisco Equine & Canine Massage

Francisco Equine & Canine Massage Francisco Equine & Canine Massage has been providing massage services to horses and dogs of all bree

Good info for this hot weather!
06/22/2024

Good info for this hot weather!

A recent study, conducted in Japan, compared various methods for cooling horses after exercise in hot and humid conditions. Thoroughbreds were exercised until their pulmonary artery temperature reached 108°F. The time until the pulmonary artery temperature returned to

05/08/2024

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05/04/2024

My cell phone is not reliably sending or receiving calls/texts.

Please contact me by Facebook messenger if you are trying to reach me personally or Francisco Equine & Canine Massage.

Thanks!

05/04/2024

For anyone trying to reach me —

My cell phone is not reliably receiving or sending calls/texts.
Please contact me by Facebook messenger!

02/22/2024

"I want a bridle just like that. Why do I need a fitter?"

This is a frequently asked question. My answer:

The horse pictured is my 14.2 hand (if he stands up big and tall) fine b***d Arabian and measures as follows:

Browband: 17 inches ("Warmblood" in most brands, "Horse" in others)

Cheeks: 10 inches ("Horse" in some brands, "Cob" in others)

Noseband: 15 inches ("Pony" in some brands)

He requires a considerably larger browband than my 16.1 hand tank of a Thoroughbred. No, he isn't a mutant, he's a typical horse in that bridles are not a one size fits proposition. I've literally seen ONE equine fit into a "Horse" sized bridle correctly. It was a Mule.

There are other component measurements required to properly fit a bridle and skull comformation plays a big part in recommendations as well. Different makers vary as to how the measurements need to be taken based on the design of the bridle ("Ergonomic" bridles, jowl straps, bitless bridles, for example)

Our old wisdom would have us order a particular size and punch holes in pieces or swap out pieces til it "fits." Spoiler alert, I was the Frankenbridle queen for years. But short of pixie dust and sheer luck, they still don't fit correctly.

As if this wasn't frustrating enough, different makers have different ranges for the common pony/cob/horse/warmblood/draft and or the nebulous small horse/large horse/small horse with a big forehead bridle sizes and I've seen a "Horse" browband vary as much as 4 inches brand to brand and the same for every part of a bridle. Some new and trendy designs are anatomically terrible (poorly placed buckles, double browbands, no padding behind metal rings, for starters), and a professional can point this out, explain why it would or wouldn't work for your individual horse, and help you avoid pain, discomfort, and performance issues for your horse.

The consequences of improper fit range from mild discomfort to permanent nerve damage and/or bony changes that may result in the need for premature retirement.

It's never been easier to avoid these issues.

A qualified, certified, and independent fitter can save you money, time, and frustration. They can also save your horse a (literal) headache.

Thanks for attending my TEDtalk 😉

If you'd like more information on how a professional fitting can help your horse be more comfortable and perform better or have other questions, please reach out. If you're ready to make fit happen, book now through our website.

02/21/2024

Address

5401 Goldmine Road
Monroe, NC
28110

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Francisco Equine & Canine Massage

Francisco Equine And Canine Massage has been working with clients of all breeds and disciplines since 2001. With a family that includes dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and a horse, Diane understands the human/animal connection, and as a former eventing competitor, also understands the need for that competitive edge. Clients include horses in training and competition as well as the backyard pony or retired trail horse, and working and companion dogs of all breeds and ages.

Originally trained and certified in equine sports massage in September 2001 by Equissage, Inc., Diane went on to certify in canine sports massage. Since then, she has completed continuing education courses in several massage modalities, including the Masterson Method, myofacial techniques, and equine accupressure. Diane is also certified in Shinpinden Usui Rei Ki Ryoho at the Master level, and has seen amazing results with the animals she works with.

Based in Monroe, NC, Diane currently works with clients throughout Union, Cabarras, Rowan, and Mecklenburg counties and travels to regional horse shows as well. Appointments may be made for barn visits, home visits, or pre/post competition at horse and dog shows by contacting Diane through FaceBook Messenger, by email, or by calling/texting.