Bankston Equine

11/11/2023

Hey!👋🏻 So bad at maintaining my internet presence, but I am booking sessions for the winter. Visit my website for more information (link in bio), and feel free to reach out anytime. Spots are limited!

07/09/2023

Doing the do.... with a few updates to my policies.
Due to higher volume of clients as of late I need to make some changes.
-EDIT: travel fees are now being charged by the horse for clients over 30 miles from Bourne, MA (charged by the visit if 5 or more horses are booked at one location)**
-Late fees will be charged if payments are at least 5 days past due.
-Any cancellations within 24 hours of an appointment will result in a charge of the full amount of the session. (I do send reminder texts but you are responsible for keeping track of your appointments.)
-If you cannot be present for your appointment, a handling fee will be applied.

I try to be as flexible as I can. These policies are set to protect myself, my business, and my sanity. I hope you all understand and appreciate your compliance. Thank you🤍

29/07/2023

Mr Mesa was excited for his session🖤

28/07/2023

Psyched to have this big dude back under saddle. Feeling good and getting strong💪🏻🩵

23/06/2023

Touching up some toes on my dearly beloved lump of lard

09/06/2023

It's donkey appreciation time! I love these naughty boys..
They like to come say hi while I'm working on a horse out in the field. A little break can do no harm🥰

04/06/2023

Great day in Sandwich today. Thank you for having me!

01/06/2023

Looking to book more people!
Visit www.bankstonequine.com for more information.
Contact me for booking and inquiries🤍

25/05/2023

This is more than a funny face.
Many clients of mine will notice that during a session, I really aim for and encourage certain responses. Yawning, licking/chewing, shaking, and even softening the eyes all fit the bill.
But why?
When a horse expresses any of these natural responses, I am essentially bypassing their sympathetic nervous system as they're transitioning into their parasympathetic nervous system. In layman's terms, the highly reactive fight or flight response has been temporarily shut down.
In this parasympathetic state, the horse is able to effectively release tension and subsequent pain, and begin the restorative process of healing that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Horses that are consistently in the sympathetic "fight or flight" state are physically unable to use their body without some sort of dysfunction.. and are unable to fully heal.
So when I say bodywork is an integral part of healing, BODYWORK IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF HEALING. It is essential to muscular health. It is essential to emotional health. It is essential to performance. It is essential in injury prevention.
In essence, bodywork seems like a luxury, and in some ways it is. But there is no doubt whatsoever that it's benefits are immeasurable.

Certified Equine Bodyworker specializing in myofascial release, sports massage, craniosacral therapy

06/05/2023

Very good marketing team. I did not bribe them with carrots, I swear. That would be just entirely unprofessional... dare I say scandalous.

They're not wrong, though. With this beautiful weather, make the transition to heavier and more frequent riding easier with a bodywork session. My services are also very therapeutic to horses with physical imbalances/dysfunction/trauma. Your horse will thank you!

21/04/2023

Feel free to reach out anytime to book and I will find a spot for you.

I am no longer taking appointments through DM as I do not check it frequently, and requests could be sitting in my inbox unnoticed for at least a week. I want to give my undivided attention to any current and future clients.

Thank you all!🤍🐎✨

07/04/2023

Confidence is elusive around horses.
One minute you're flying, the next you're ripping out your hair wondering why everything you do seems to be wrong.
It happens to the best of us. It happens to ALL of us.
The important thing to remember that it is the horse's job to humble us. To strip us back to our bare bones and remind us that we do not know everything, nor should we. That we should step back and listen to what that insecurity is trying to say.
The bottom line is: never stop asking questions. Never stop searching for answers. The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing. May that day never come.

01/04/2023

Minor announcement just so EVERYONE knows...I do offer barn visits!! Why not give all the ponies at the barn a spa day?

For clients over 30 miles from Bourne MA, split the travel fee with a barn visit😉

Feel free to reach out with any questions or to book!

19/03/2023

Beautiful day in RI...

17/03/2023

Sporty spice approved✅

02/03/2023

Some would call it a downgrade, but I say ✨practicality✨
Will be nice to run my business without worrying how many horse hairs are imbedded in my seats or having to meticulously count miles. Much love for raggedy vehicles.
New(ish) and improved(in my mind) Gracie wagon is fully operational.

21/02/2023

From minis to drafts.... 😎

05/02/2023

One of my favorite progress shots... so thrilled to see how this horse has been improving. Rehab takes a very long time but regular bodywork, conditioning/training, and proper nutrition have made a visible difference for this horse. There is still progress to be made, but I think these pictures speak for themselves.

15/01/2023

Search. Stay. Release.
Absolute pleasure working with this mare.

PSA: If your horse is feeling stiff, cranky, unbalanced, sensitive, anxious, shut down etc, please consider booking a bodywork session. Massage and myofascial release is too often overlooked and can be very important to restoring integrity, balance, stability, and comfort to the body AND mind. Check out my website or send me a message if interested.🤍

📸 .grace

15/12/2022

I got a new toy...and the ponies are gonna looove it.
I'm adding gua-sha to my regular practice. This form of bodywork breaks down knotty tissue, increases circulatory and lymphatic flow, improves mobility by helping release fascia and muscle groups, and promotes healthy muscle tissue.

10/12/2022

gotta love a ginger❤️
this boy a rockstar

23/11/2022

day-early Thanksgiving post... so grateful for my girls.

Diamond is dealing with a sesamoid ligament flare up again... so we're back to cold therapy and massage on her fetlock while we wait for a very exciting appt with Dr. Currid in January. hopefully going to find some answers to get her more comfortable.

hug your ponies. I'm grateful every single day.🤍

18/11/2022

And streeeetch...
Did some bodywork at liberty today.
Myofascial release can cause a lot of change for some horses. I love giving them the opportunity to communicate what feels good and what doesn't, without any restrictions.

30/10/2022

Very excited to share my new website!

My mission as an equine bodyworker is not limited to providing relaxation and release. I am here to offer a space to heal, and to build a strong foundation for your horse to move and perform with integrity, confidence, and intention.

10/10/2022

Took a beautiful trip to Central Mass today to work on one laminitis case and one new horse in need of TLC and hind limb adjustments.
Hot tip: If you get a new horse, have a good bodyworker check her out. Very useful for spotting imbalances and muscle development which may be useful when building your relationship and their career. The more you know about your horse, the better!

(Also very grateful for the help from miss Darla here)

20/09/2022

jo and her cow🤎🐮

20/09/2022

trying a clients gorgeous new horse... totally my style to ride in a halter and lead rope🤣

08/09/2022

horses crave stability.
they are hardwired to thrive in environments where they can form long term bonds. we see feral horses roam the plains nomadic and vagabond, but their home is with the safety and familiarity of their herd. if you are having trouble with your horse, whether it be with work or your relationship, ask yourself the following questions:
•is this horse new to you?
•what is this horse's history and what can you do to make amends?
•does this horse feel safe in its environment?
•does this horse feel safe around you?
•does this horse dread work or seem irritable under saddle?
•does this horse have a tendency to shut down when asked to perform?
•what is your work/play ratio?

but most importantly,
does this horse enjoy your company?

the answers to these questions may be more complex and may even be due to pain or trauma. but a great starting point is to reevaluate your relationship with your horse. have some FUN. turn work into PLAY. find time to RELAX. giving your horse a safe space will help build an environment for growth, for both your relationship and for your performance in AND out of the arena.