FAQ

• How do I know if my horse needs a massage?

Frequently, your horse's demeanor and behavior will let you know when something in his or her body isn't functioning at an optimal level.  The problem often lies in his or her muscular system because it is so hard-working and subject to tremendous strain with heavy training and competition.  If your horse exhibits any of the following, he or she may be in desperate need of massage therapy: head tossing, difficulty accepting bit contact, difficulty bending, refusing lateral work, shortened stride, "cold back", irritability, decreased performance, lack of impulsion, stumbling, refusing jumps, bucking, etc.  These problems can often be prevented with the use of regular massage therapy before they become major.

• Is massage therapy a subsitute for traditional veterinary care?

NO!!  Bodywork and massage therapy are a wonderful adjunct to veterinary care and compliment it very nicely, but in no way is massage therapy a substitute.

• Is there ever a time when massage therapy shouldn't be used?

Yes, there are several circumstances in which massage therapy should not be used.  Massage therapy and bodywork should never be used on a horse who is in shock, has a fever, has cancer, or has an infectious skin condition that is easily spread.  It should also not be used around any area that is fractured or has an open wound. 

• What is the procedure for scheduling a bodywork therapy appointment?

Call Kerry Hitchner at (706)202-7971 and she will answer any questions you may have and schedule an appointment.  She will do her best to accomadate you and give you the option of whether you would like to conduct the therapy session during the day, in the evening, or during the weekend and whether the therapy session will take place at your barn or at a show facility.  Kerry will also ask you several questions about your horse's history and background information over the phone so that it will already be in your horse's file when she comes to your barn.

• What do I need to do to prepare my horse for the bodywork session?

Your horse should be clean and dry for the bodywork therapy session.  The session can take place wherever the horse is most comfortable with as few distractions as possible.  This could be in his or her stall, in a quiet barn aisle or outdoors in an arena.  It is important to find the quietest place possible so that the horse can relax and concentrate of the massage.

• Do I need to be present during the bodywork session?

Yes, the owner or caregiver must be present during the therapy session.  Usually, the owners or caregivers enjoy watching the session and are free to ask questions at any time.

• What is the procedure for the therapy session?

Kerry will first introduce herself to you and the horse.  Every horse will have his or her own file on a laptop computer and Kerry will check to make sure that all the background information obtained in the initial phone call is correct.  Digital photographs and video segments will then be taken of the horse standing still, being led at a walk towards the camera, away from the camera, and from the side.  The horse will then be videotaped trotting towards the camera, away from the camera and from each side.  The purpose of the video is to compare how the horse moves before and after the bodywork session.  Next, Kerry will perform a quick evaluation over the horse's whole body to look for any tight or tender areas.  The full-body massage then proceeds with special attention given to pressure points and stretching of the neck, legs and back follows.  Kerry will stop after the first side of the horse has been treated to take notes.  Immediately after the bodywork session, the horse will need to be led at a brisk walk and trot, again using the video camera to compare.  Kerry will answer any question you may have as well as show you some simple strokes and stretches that you can perform between bodywork sessions. 

• How often should my horse recieve bodywork therapy?

Good question!  The answer varies according to the intensity of the horse's workload.

For horses with a very strenuous training schedule and high levels of competition and/or those with significant muscle damage:

Week One - three bodywork therapy sessions

Week Two - two bodywork therapy sessions

Week Three - one bodywork therapy session and one session per week therafter

For horses who train and compete on a regular basis (4-5 training sessions per week): one bodywork therapy session every two weeks.

For horses in moderate training and occasional competition (2-3 training sessions per week): one bodywork therapy session every two weeks for six weeks; then, as needed.

For horses used for light pleasure riding: as needed.

• What is my horse likely to do during the bodywork therapy session?

 At first, your horse will probably wonder what Kerry is doing and may turn and look frequently.  When releasing areas of tension and pressure points, he or she may exhibit a pain response by flinching, swishing the tail, or shifting his or her weight.  These responses are perfectly normal and are to be expected.  Horses are extremely honest in telling humans where they hurt.  This feedback is needed so that Kerry can recognize and relieve these areas of pain and tension.  When not working directly on pressure points, the horse will likely lower his or her head, sign or even yawn.  Once horses are accustomed to the routine, most of them really enjoy it!