Synergy

Massage & Bodywork

for the Horse and Rider

If you as a rider are in balance physically & mentally you can help the horse achieve more balance within their own bodies and minds. When the horse is in better balance within it's body and mindset it can help the rider be more in balance. By combining massage and bodywork with both the horse and rider, a synergy is created. This synergy creates a partnership that is unparalleled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Quick Answers to Your Questions

How are Horse's Muscles Injured?

Imbalanced rider
Playing in paddock
A blow to the muscle
Ill - fitting tack
Overuse
Over training
Cooling down or warming up too quickly
Result of poor or stressful confirmation
Falling or trying to save itself from a fall

What Symptoms Might Your Horse Exhibit?

Neck stiffness or holding head to one side
Resistance to being saddled
Uneven tempo, resistance to a particular lead, or cross firing
Difficulty bending or circling one direction more easily than another
Loss of power or balance
Sudden changes or inconsistency in performance or willingness
Pain or limitations resulting from equipment, training, or injury
Change in attitude or becoming more nervous than usual

What Does Massage Do For the Horse

Relaxation and relief of muscle spasm
Increased tissue elasticity which allows for greater extension
Improved joint mobility
Increases range of motion
Increases drainage of the lymphatic system
Decrease lactic acid in the body, the main cause of fatigue
Increases circulation in all systems - the most profound aspect of massage
Promotes peristalsis, movement of the gut.
Assist in respiration, digestion and elimination
Can improve mental attitude, as pain is reduced

A Bit About Myself

Creating synergy between Horse and Rider

I have been a licensed massage therapist in Hawaii since 1997 and in California since 2011. I have a background as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. I became a certified yoga instructor in 2004. While living in Maui Hi, I had a thriving private practice. My focus was in sports therapy, performance improvement, injury prevention and rehabilitation treatment. I was also a massage therapist at some of the island's wonderful spa's.

I relocated back to the mainland in 2011 and I am blessed to live in the wonderful town of Aromas, Ca. It is located within a 2 hour drive to San Francisco, 45 minutes to San Jose and 30 minutes to the Monterey Peninsula. There is large community of horse lovers of all types of disciplines in the area and many trails to explore on horseback. This is where I rekindled my love affair with horses. I began riding again and found the piece that had been missing in my life. I knew I wanted to work with horses, but I was unsure of the how. As the universe usually does it showed me the path. I completed an extensive course with the University of South Carolina/Aiken and received my certification as a Equine Massage Therapist. I came across The Masterson Method and began attending workshops. The positive reactions that the horses had to this type of bodywork was clearly visible and simply amazing. I knew I had to become a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner. I am so grateful this as has become part of my of my life. I am thankful to all the mentors and that encouraged me along this journey. I hope to be the best steward I can to all horses I encounter and help as many horses as I can with the incorporation of the knowledge I gained from the USC/Aiken program and The Masterson Method.

My hope is to create a union of my knowledge of human bio-mechanics and anatomy with equine bodywork to create a synergy between horse and rider. Through massage, stretching and suggested exercises the human can achieve balance within their own bodies. This balance will enhance the riders ability to have a stronger core, better seat and connect more easily with the horse. The horse will be able to move with greater amount of fluidity because of the balance created in the human. When symmetry is created in the horse the rider becomes more balanced. When symmetry is created in the rider becomes more balanced. The synergy that is created between horse and rider is unparalleled.

If we ask for a certain levels of fitness from our horses, then we in turn owe it to them to do our part in our wellness regiment.

I am in gratitude to all the humans and horses that have allowed me come into their personal space and try to help them feel better and hopefully have a bit less stress in their bodies, minds and life.

Helpful Resources

Masterson Method
The Masterson Method is an interactive form of bodywork that is done with the horse rather than to the horse. There is an interaction between the horse and the practitioner. The practitioner learns to read and follow the horse's response to our touch. The practitioner through light touch and gentle movement in a relaxed state, can observe the horses subtle clues that may indicate an area of tension. Staying with the light touch and under the brace response, can help release accumulated tensions in the key junctions of the body that most affect performance and health. It is also a result orientated method. You get results during the bodywork session and continue to get results after the session. This method is wonderful for all horses. It can help performance, lessen pain, help mobility, instill calmness and general overall relaxation of the horse.

Kinesiology Taping

The idea behind Kinesiologhy taping is that it provides incredible support and stabilization of ligaments and tendons while simultaneously stretching and flexing depending on the stretch. It lifts the hair coat and skin. Lifting the outer layer of the skin increases space in the tissue underneath, allowing blood and lymphatic fluid to flow more easily. Waste products will be washed out and new blood can wash in, bringing rich oxygenated blood to an area. Kinesiology taping can reduce or control pain, manage swelling and edema, increase joint range of motion, improve muscle function and maintain a level of functionally and comfort for the horse throughout the rehabilitation process. I use the application of the tape after the bodywork treatment in order to support and promote the treatment and make the effects last longer. Kinesiology is a supportive treatment.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are an effective and gentle way to heal some of today's common equine problems. When inhaled, the oils trigger neurotransmitters that can reduce pain, cause sedation, stimulation, or calmness, and help balance the body. The therapist offers a single oil for the horse to smell. The horse will respond to the oil by inhaling, licking or turning away. Their responses are very clear and uniquely expressed by each different personality. Often animals will want to smell the oil and they may go into a trance like state as their brain chemistry is affected by the oils. If the horse does not want the oil he will turn his head or move away from the oil. The horse has the final say.

Services

Equine and Human Massage & Bodywork

The horse and the human often requires rehabilitation, pain relief, stress relief, improved circulation and improvement in joint mobility. Equine and human massage therapy can not only increase performance, but it can help prevent injury and decrease healing time from an existing condition.

If you or your horse has an existing medical condition it is best that you seek professional medical care from a physician or veterinarian before a bodywork treatment. Bodywork and massage does not replace professional medical care.

All bodywork sessions are specific to the client. Discussion and intake information is noted before each session.

I accept cash, checks, paypal or venmo.

If you need to cancel or reschedule please provide a 24 hour notice.

Get in Touch

Equine Bodywork

I blend the education I received through the University of South Carolina Equine Massage certification with the knowledge I gained with the Masterson Method courses and certification. The Masterson Method is a unique approach to bodywork. It is a partnership between practitioner and equine. It is a gentle touch approach that looks to the equine for indications of areas of tension and stress. With this interaction the horse can release deep levels of accumulated stress in the muscles, fascia and emotional imbalances.

As a supportive process I encourage healing with high grade essential oils and equine Kinesiology taping when applicable.

Sessions $130.00 (One hour session)

Flow of Movement

I can assist you in the balancing of the muscle groups used in riding, by suggesting exercise that increase strength and stamina. Also, stretches that will create a lengthening effect on the muscles, which leads to more range of motion and flexibility.

Licensed Massage therapist in California and Hawaii

I have been a licensed Massage Therapist since 1997.

I have a background in Sports Massage, Cranial/Sacral Massage, Lymphatic Massage, Thai Massage and Swedish Massage. I have been a therapist to athletes competing in many sports. My focus has been on enhancing performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation from injury. Relaxation is also a very important component to our overall well being, at times that is what our bodies need. To simply relax, let go of the stress, rest and recover.

Swedish Massage

60 minutes $120.00

Deep Tissue/ Sports Massage

60 minutes $130.00

Thai Massage

The therapist puts you through a series of stretches that cover the entire body. You lie on a floor mat or table

and wear comfortable clothing. Thai massage also includes deep-pressure point work to stimulate the body's energy pathways. Great for pre/post training and competition.

60 minutes $130.00

Complementary essential oils can be added to any massage.

Please call 808-385-2116 to schedule an appointment.

Creating balance within ourselves

We spend a lot of time training our horse's to become better athlete's. Endurance fitness, muscular fitness, suppleness and balance are part of our goal to increase the fitness of the horse. What about our fitness? Is our core strong? Are our hips flexible? Is our spine mobile? Do we lack strength and flexibility in area'a that are required for a better seat, which translates to better communication with your horse. It also can assist in better leg placement and the effectiveness of our leg aides.

This clinic is meant to address the area's most commonly used by the Equestrian. We will discuss what area's are often weak and which area's are most often affected by range of motion limitations. Strength training, core stabilization and flexibility exercises will be taught in a fun and effective manner. Laughter, is a great way to engage the core!

Please contact me to schedule a workshop at your training facility. I also offer semi private or private sessions.