Thinking of equine massage & a story

[wite boi]

Hi all!

I am a couple months into massage training classes and am LOVING it. My other passion in life is animals, so I'd love to be able to work with them at some point in my career. However, I haven't had too much time around horses. Small animals, definitely and I also volunteer for a wildlife rehab group. I've rode a few time in my life, but I am still a bit wary around horses simply because I know they know I'm a horse newbie I was wondering if anyone who has does equine massage was new around horses as well. I'd love to hear some stories!

Oh, and my story. I was at a friend's house and her dog had come to stand in between me and some people I was talking to. They were all zookeepers so I was listening intently to their stories when I looked down and realized I was "wringing" the dog's torso! Of course I laughed when I realized I was massaging the dog without really realizing it. I stopped and Daisy (the dog) did not budge. I tried to stand up and she would not move. And this is the kind of dog that, as soon as you stop petting them runs off to find another set of hands. I had considered animal massage when I started classes but this experience told me I had to do more than consider it :-D

~Robin

 

[vballnut153]

Hi Robin...your story sounds very similar to my story. And, my name is Robin as well.

I started this massage path in early 2000. I enrolled in massage school with the intention of working on animals. I had been massaging my dogs before going for any kind of formal training. Started with horses in 2000 (had horses growing up but currently do not...but, have no fear, I will be adopting in the near future) ...so, yes, I was really considered a newbie around horses when I started out.

I have since taken riding lessons but my bond with horses is not via being on their back. I am just bonded with them regardless and feel the need to put my hands to work with them in this way. Sure, there's a big learning curve but what else do you have to with the rest of your life, right?! It's a journey, not a destination.

Dogs react to me in the same way as you've described (as do some horses). I think this path has chosen those of us who are truly drawn to and inspired by the human-animal bond & welfare of animals.

Horses do sense when we are uneasy about anything...be it by just being in their presence, or from some other life circumstance. They are very sensitive to what is going on around them, including human emotional states. Just spend more time around them by volunteering, to get more comfortable, is my suggestion.

 

[Lois20]

Thanks Robin & great name ;-)

I'm going to start looking into ways to get around the horses. We have Helen Woodward here in San Diego which is a great facility but after looking at their volunteer opportunities they all require previous horse experience. Now I'm looking into riding lessons to start.

I agree with the animal thing definitely! I am just drawn to them and if animals are around, I'll generally pay more attention to them than any humans.

Edit - I just emailed a riding stable to get info on lessons! :-D

 

[Pompal 09.]

YAY! Also, check into Therapeutic Riding organizations and equine rescues...most of them here in NH do not require previous horse experience. Maybe you can locate something similar in your area.

That is so funny...you mentioning paying attention to animals more than people...I am the same. Doesn't matter were I am, even at a social gathering, if there is animal around that's where you'll find me, lol. Or, the animal finds me rather...especially if there is some issue going on.

I get odd looks and comments from people who can't quite reconcile that I choose to massage animal bodies vs human bodies. I usually explain that it's much like choosing veterinary medicine over becoming a medical doctor for humans. It's not that I don't like people, it's more about where my passion lies.

 

[dfuerstcat]

Hi! One of the few and best schools for equine massage is in Virginia. Of few of my friends and colleagues have gone there and they are doing good work helping horses with injuries and to prevent them.