NOTE: THIS PAGE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. I AM NOT CURRENTLY ABLE, DUE TO OVERLY RESTRICTIVE REGULATION BY THE MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND THE MARYLAND BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS, TO OFFER EQUINE OR ANIMAL MASSAGE SERVICES IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND. I AM CURRENTLY CHALLENGING BOTH BOARDS...TO READ MORE ABOUT THE CASE, CLICK HERE.

What can I expect during the first bodywork session for my horse?
I will take a history of your horse, followed by an approximately 45-minute individualized evaluation of your horse at your barn at your first appointment. This evaluation may include assessing movement in hand, movement under saddle, range of motion, saddle fit, and musculoskeletal symmetry/development. The evaluation helps to give me a picture of how your horse is using his body. Following the evaluation, your horse will receive an individualized full bodywork/massage session, lasting approximately an hour and at the completion of the session, you will receive a written session evaluation. We will then discuss a plan for future bodywork sessions, based on your goals and my observations. Subsequent sessions are approximately an hour long, and consist of a brief re-assessment followed by the individualized bodywork/massage session. You will receive a written session evaluation after each bodywork session. Please note that if more than four months has passed between appointments, your horse will need to be fully reassessed (initial appointment rate applies).

When will I notice an improvement?
Sometimes there is an immediate, notable improvement. Sometimes it takes a few sessions.

My horse is lame. Can you work on him without veterinarian approval?
No, your veterinarian needs to clear your horse for bodywork/massage.

Can you tell me what's wrong with my horse?
No -- diagnosis is a job for your vet.

My horse has lots of physical issues. Will you work with my vet to design a bodywork program for him?
Absolutely!

How often should a horse be massaged?
This all depends on the level of work, his conformation, his health, the extent of an injury, the footing, his tack/equipment fit, etc. If he has an intense workload, a massage twice a month is probably appropriate. The normal working horse generally benefits from a maintenance program of monthly bodywork. This aids in assessing your training impact and can head off issues while they are still subtle. A horse in light or no work with no significant physical issues benefits from a six to eight week schedule. I will work with you to devise a bodywork schedule that will benefit your horse.

Does my horse have to be clean before you can work on him?
No, just knock off the mud and make sure he is reasonably dry. Don't use hair polishes or fly sprays on him (if flies are bad, limit spraying to lower legs and belly).

Do I, or an authorized handler, have to be there during the appointment?
Yes, definitely for the initial session, and generally for the first few sessions (although there are exceptions). For subsequent sessions, it depends on your horse and his living situation. Often, I am able to work one-on-one with a horse in a stall or aisle.

How long do I have to wait until I can ride my horse after a session?
Follow-up exercise is an important component of bodywork and healthy, sound horses can be worked lightly after a session. In general, post-session work should not be too intense and should incorporate stretching and transition work.

Will you show me some massage techniques or stretches to do for my horse between appointments?
Yes, owner/trainer involvement is key to a horse's maintenance program. I will give you one or two easy things to do for your horse to benefit him between professional bodywork appointments.

I am competing my horse this weekend. This week is the first scheduled bodywork appointment. Is this okay?
Once a horse is on a regular bodywork schedule, that would be okay. However, if this is the first session for your horse, he needs to get used to his new way of moving and there is a chance he could be slightly sensitive after his session. Animals adapt movement for a number of reasons. Your horse's increased range of motion might make you feel slightly out of sync the first time. Not a good idea at a competition!

Do you work on people?
Yes! I am certified and licensed to practice human massage. Currently I am seeing my human clients in my Rockville office.

Other questions? Please contact me.
301-216-2612 or mercedes@probodyworker.com