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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from a bodywork session?

Your horse's initial bodywork session will be around 90 minutes and will include an assessment as well as a conversation about their history and any current concerns. Bodywork sessions following the initial assessment will be around 60 minutes. PEMF only sessions are typically around 30-45 minutes. 

The client will receive a written report detailing the session. Clients are often given exercises such as stretches, dynamic mobilization exercises, or shown a kinesiology taping application to utilize with their horses between bodywork sessions. 

What can I expect from a saddle fitting assessment?

Saddle fitting assessments are very comprehensive and take around 90-120 minutes from start to finish. We begin with a static assessment of the horse before watching the horse go on the lunge line at walk, trot, and canter. We then use chalk to "map" the horse and identify important anatomical structures that the saddle should avoid when on the horse. 

From there we take some rider measurements to ensure the saddle is a good fit for the rider; while a good fit for the horse is imperative, it is also incredibly important that the saddle fit the rider. If it does not, the rider's compensation efforts will ultimately cause discomfort, pain, and poor performance in the horse. 

Lastly, we will watch the horse go with the saddle and rider at the walk, trot, and canter to complete the dynamic evaluation. From there, recommendations will be made on the next steps to creating the best possible saddle fit. The client will receive a written report detailing the session. 

How do I know if my horse would benefit from bodywork?

Some common issues that horses experience due to pain, sore muscles, or asymmetry include poor behavior when tacking, struggling to go one direction over the other, having difficulty picking up a specific lead, stiffness or reluctance to go forward, and general sensitivity or soreness in the body. That being said, bodywork is most effective when it is utilized regularly before there is a major issue and can help identify areas of concern before they become larger problems. 

How do I know if my horse may be having saddle fit issues?

Some common behaviors that horses can display when experiencing discomfort due to a poorly fitting saddle are girthiness, reluctance to go forward under saddle, bucking, struggling to track up, back soreness, and general poor performance. Similarly to bodywork, saddle fitting assessments should be a regular part of your horse's routine care and the saddle should be evaluated around every 6 months to identify any problem areas before they become a larger issue. 

Can I ride my horse before or after they get bodywork?

It is absolutely fine to ride your horse prior to any bodywork. Please just ensure they are completely cooled out and dry before your appointment time. After a massage, it is recommended the horse goes for a brisk 5-10 minute handwalk and have the rest of the day off. After a PEMF only session, horses may work immediately after; many riders report their horses feeling looser and moving more freely directly after receiving PEMF therapy. 

How frequently should my horse receive bodywork?

As with most things with horses, it depends. Each horse is an individual and their specific issues will dictate how often bodywork sessions are recommended. As a general guideline, horses with acute issues should receive a bodywork session every 1-3 weeks until improvement is seen, the average performance horse typically benefits from a session once per month, and pleasure and retired horses usually do well on a schedule of a session once every 6-8 weeks. Our goal is always to make your horse feel good enough that we can gradually reduce the frequency that they need to see us!

Are there any times when my horse should not receive bodywork?

There are some contraindications to equine bodywork. Horses who have a fever or active infection, any major open wounds, a severe injury such as a fracture, and pregnant mares should not receive massage or other bodywork modalities unless cleared to do so by a veterinarian. 

Do I need to be there for my horse's appointment?

Generally we like the owner to be present for the horse's first appointment with us. After that, the owner is not required to be there as long as there is somebody at the barn that can ensure the horse is clean, dry, and ready for their appointment time. 

What biosecurity measures are taken when traveling from barn to barn?

We take biosecurity very seriously. For this reason, we ask that if your horse or any horse in your barn is displaying symptoms of feeling under the weather (runny nose, acute cough, fever, etc.) that you reschedule your appointment. We clean all of our equipment with disinfecting wipes after each use and make sure we disinfect our hands and shoes between barns. 

 

Are there resources for the research behind the modalities that are offered?

Yes! Every modality that we offer is research based and we are happy to share some of the scholarly articles that outline this research:

 

Equine Massage:

Evaluating the Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy: A Review of the Evidence and Current Practices 

The relationship between massage to the equine caudal hindlimb muscles and hindlimb protraction

PEMF Therapy:

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy and its Applications and Usage in the Equine Industry

Evaluating the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on sole depth of the equine hoof: A pilot study

Kinesiology Taping:

Application of kinesiology taping to equine abdominal musculature in a tension frame for muscle facilitation increases longitudinal activity at the trot

Equine Kinesiology Tape Application to Equine Hock Joints: Impact on Lameness and Movement Evaluation

Red Light Therapy:

LED Light Therapy: An Effective Alternative Treatment Option

Low-power laser effects in equine traumatology and postsurgically

Cupping:

Acute effects of dermal suctioning on back pain in racehorses: a pilot study

Have any questions that aren't answered here? Feel free to contact us!

Get in touch

JC Equine Wellness

jcequinewellness@gmail.com

(203) 710-9604

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