How Do I Know I Have The Right Therapist For My Horse? By Hansi Thomson, Hansi’s Equine Sports Therapy
As a Certified Equine Massage Therapist I have been asked this very question many times in various situations. I often tell people to do some research to find out if the therapist has been certified by an accredited massage therapy college.
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t is also important to ask how long the therapist has been practicing. This will give you an idea as to how experienced the person is. Ask what type(s) of therapy he/she practices and if working with other professionals such as veterinarians and farriers is a possibility. Ask any question that comes to mind. No question is a dumb question. Your horse is a member of your family. Do for your horse as you would do for any other member of your family. If you are unclear about anything or have any concerns, make sure you tell or ask your therapist. Now that you have asked your questions and are eager to start treatment, this is what you should look for. Watch your horse’s eyes and body language. How does your horse react to the new therapist? Does your horse try to “get away” when the new therapist approaches, or does your horse seem to relax? If your horse is nervous or upset some of the following signs may appear. The body becomes tense and rigid. When touched, it flinches or seems skittish. A sense of nervousness is seen in the eyes.
Remember that the eyes are the key to your horse’s soul. They show if your horse is happy, upset, nervous or relaxed. Know that your horse may seem nervous at the beginning of the treatment, but should show signs of softening as the treatment progresses. So be sure to pay close attention to your horse’s eyes. Also, try to remember how your horse moved before the treatment began so that you can notice any differences in that movement after the treatment. Another thing you can do as an owner is to ask the therapist for any “take home procedures” that will help in your horse’s road to recovery. (See their listing in our Business Services section under Equine Services)
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