Emily Pfoutz is certified in equine sports massage through Delaware Valley University. Her bodywork is informed by 15 years of riding and training experience, including dressage, reining, natural horsemanship, and therapeutic riding.
Philadelphia Equine Wellness offers individualized assessment and treatment plans tailored to the holistic goals of you and your horse, from injury prevention/rehabilitation to performance improvement to psychological well-being.
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>> What is equine bodywork?
I use the term bodywork to refer to techniques designed to relieve muscle tension and decrease stress and/or pain. This includes deeper tissue massage techniques, such as muscle manipulation, as well as lighter touch techniques and stretches that target areas of tightness, supporting natural relaxation and realignment.
My techniques are based on signs of tension release throughout a session, and they prioritize a responsive partnership between horse, handler, and practitioner.
>> Why massage and bodywork for horses?
Benefits of massage and bodywork include:
improved blood circulation due to reduced muscle spasm/tension —> decreased likelihood of injury and increased speed of recovery from injury
increased range of motion —> increased performance
decreased blood pressure
endorphin and metabolism boost
psychological relief and well-being
>> Can I ride before/after?
You can definitely ride first; if you want to ride after, I recommend a light session on a loose rein or groundwork, to maintain the benefits of increased muscle relaxation.
>> Does it conflict with other treatments?
Nope! It is a great complement to other types of work, such as chiropractic/acupuncture/etc.
>> Will my horse enjoy it?
Most horses love it! Some horses take a session or two to get used to it and figure out what’s going on. Each horse responds differently, and prefers different variations of techniques. Horses may also fidget as a sign of tension release, which is a good thing!