Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of Equine Massage?

The benefits of Equine Massage are several and varied: Alleviates muscular tensions, restrictions, and discomfort Improves functionality, flexibility, and mobility Releases fascial restrictions Promotes relaxation and stress relief Improves posture, muscle tone, blood circulation, and coat condition Supports the immune system Stimulates the lymphatic system Reduce inflammation and scar tissue Prevents injuries Substantially, Equine Bodywork contributes to your horse's well-being and quality of life. From a competition or event point of view, the above benefits will play a part in optimizing your horse's preparation, enhancing performance, and assisting recovery after/between competitions or events.
What methods do you use?

I am a Certified Equine Massage Therapist from the School of Equine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapies. During a bodywork session, I use several techniques : Traditional Massage Myofascial release Scare tissue reduction Limb swelling reduction Light Therapy (red/blue/infrared) Hydrotherapy The Masterson Method (student) Kinesiology taping (student)
Do you diagnose?

I do not diagnose. Equine Massage/ Bodywork is never an alternative to veterinary care. If you have any concern regarding illness or injury, please contact your Veterinarian first.
What type of horse do you work with?

Any horse can enjoy the benefits of a massage regardless of their breed or activity.
What should I expect for my horse's first session?

Our holistic approach to Equine Massage aims to deliver the optimal massage to your horse. The first session may take longer than usual as I will ask several questions about your horse's history and activities. Many horses, especially those that have never experienced massage, can initially be apprehensive. I will take the time to let your horse get comfortable with me and my massage techniques. Usually, horses relax and enjoy themselves by the end of the first session. A detailed report of the session will be provided for your record and follow-up sessions.
How should I prepare my horse for a session?

Please have your horse ready in the best conditions to maximize the benefits of the session: clean, dry, fed, and in a quiet and usual place. It is uncomfortable for the horse and myself to spread dirt and water through the skin. I might charge a fee if the horse is not caught, clean, and dry.
Should I be present for my horse's massage?

You are very welcome to be nearby. For the first massage, I recommend you to be present for the first part of it to discuss your horse's condition. For the follow-up sessions, as long as your horse is made available to me, I can work on them. I will send you a detailed report after each session and you can contact me with any questions or concerns.
How often my horse should get a massage?

The frequency of massages is assessed case by case, accordingly to your horse's needs and your ambitions. It can range from weekly to quarterly occurrences. For injury, the frequency is as per your veterinarian recommendations. When introducing bodywork to your horse, I always recommend 2 sessions: The first session will focus on initiate the trust contact and work on the main problem(s) area(s). The second session will allow the therapist to massage in more depth, to the horse's tolerance. Follow-up sessions are ideal to reassess your horse condition and work on other issues.
What to expect after a session?

Please, be aware that your horse might exhibit signs of fatigue, excitement or discomfort up to 48h after the session. Alleviate muscle tensions and restrictions may reveal other areas of discomfort that the horse was hiding/ compensating for. Also massage might increase pre-existing conditions related to the immune system (flu, abscess, etc.) - Please, refers to our conter-indications section. All the above are normal result of bodywork. After a session, good practices are : Note any change in your horse over the next couple days (behaviors or physical) No strenuous exercise after the session, and preferably light exercise the following day. Allow your horse to move, ideally walk (hand walking, turn out) For show/ event purposes, an initial session should be at least a week before the event to allow the horse to process the release, feel comfortable, and reap the benefits of the massage. With regular care, the sessions can be closer to the event. It's a case-by-case assessment, based on your horse's ability to assimilate the bodywork session.
What area do you serve?

Our services are available in French and English and cover the National Capital Region and the Outaouais region. Outside these areas, travel fees will apply.
How the Multiple Sessions packages work?

The packages are user-friendly, you can manage your bookings via the website, and a session will be deducted from each booking until you have used up your 4 or 8 sessions. Create an account Buy a package of several sessions Book your session(s) Once you've used up all your sessions, you can renew your package.
Is there a time limit for using my package sessions?

There is no time limit to use your package. Multiple Sessions packages can be canceled at anytime. For more information, please refer to our Terms & Conditions at the footer of the website.
Do you have a Cancellation & Refund Policy?

Our Cancellation & Refund Policy is available in our Terms & Conditions, below and at the bottom of the website.