If this is your horse's first time with Patapsco Equine, you will begin with an introductory session and evaluation. During this appointment, your horse will be observed and evaluated standing still, in hand, and, if able, under saddle. This allows us to get to know your horse in their entirety so we can perfectly tailor our sessions to their individual needs. Please allow an extra 30 minutes for us to complete your horse's intake. If you have videos of your riding, feel free to send these along prior to your appointment. We will also take the time to get to know you and your horse, discuss your goals, and come up with a plan to help you and your horse achieve them.
Following your horse's introductory session, we will proceed with a standard bodywork session.
Our bodywork process covers the entire horse and caters to their individual needs. We will combine techniques including massage, acupressure, stretching, and myofascial release. When your session is complete, you will receive a full summary of our findings, as well as recommendations for exercises and massage techniques that you can use in between sessions. You can expect each massage session to last between 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the horse.
Introductory Appointment + Bodywork Session (2 Hours) | $99
For 3 or more horses on the same day, a 25% discount applies (including packages). Travel fees may apply for distances above 50 miles from 20723.
Our bodywork process covers the entire horse and caters to their individual needs. We will combine techniques including massage, acupressure, stretching, and myofascial release. When your session is complete, you will receive a full summary of our findings, as well as recommendations for exercises and massage techniques that you can use in between sessions. You can expect each massage session to last between 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the horse.
Regular bodywork sessions are recommended to ensure your horse can feel and perform at their best. As we work together, we will continue to monitor your horse's progress, adjust your goals, and manage their personal bodywork plan. In addition to the standard bodywork session, add-ons are available upon request. For horses regularly receiving bodywork, we have packages available at a discounted rate.
Bodywork Session (90 Minutes) | $99
4-Session Package | $350
Scheduling your session
When scheduling your session, try to pick a time that the barn will be quieter. Vet or farrier appointments, feeding time, lesson transitions etc. can distract your horse and make it hard for them to relax. Sometimes, scheduling around these distractions is unavoidable, so we can work together to find a quieter place for your horse's session.
It is recommended to avoid scheduling a session within a few days before a competition if you are unsure how your horse will respond to bodywork. Please do not schedule your session immediately following vaccines. If your horse has been under veterinary care for an illness or injury, make sure that your vet has cleared your horse to start bodywork.
Preparing for your session
Please ensure that all horses scheduled for the day are clean, fed, and hydrated. We ask that you avoid applying any coat conditioners, shine sprays etc. if possible immediately prior to your session (fly spray is okay), since this can make the horse's coat slippery and make it harder to work certain muscles. Try to avoid scheduling a session right after clipping, since horses can have extra sensitive skin for a couple of days after their clip is complete.
Ensure that there is a safe, distraction-free environment that is clean and free of obstacles. There should either be a spot to safely tie a horse or someone ready to hold them during their session. Avoid placing hay nets or food in front of the horse if possible, since it can be distracting to the horse. While some horses may need some emotional support snacks, we recommend that you try without at first.
During your session
Either the owner or someone with knowledge of the horse's history and care must be present for the horse's initial assessment, usually scheduled along with the first appointment. After the first appointment, the owner is no longer required to be on premises, but someone above the age of 18 must be on the property and readily available in case of an emergency.
Sessions will last approximately 60-90 minutes, but some may take up to 2 hours, depending on the horse's individual needs. The first few sessions tend to be longer. Bodywork sessions will address the horse's entire body, not just problem areas, and may include massage, stretching, acupressure, and myofascial release. Most horses will be content to stand for the entire session, but some do need breaks - if your horse has trouble standing still, prepare to add some extra time to your session to allow for them to decompress.
During your session, you may notice slight signs of relaxation, such as blinking, licking, chewing, or relaxing the facial muscles. Other horses will give more obvious signs of releasing muscle tension like chewing, yawning, stretching, or sighing. Some horses are more expressive than others, but most will visibly relax during the session, and some even fall asleep!
After your session
Following your session, someone should be available to hand-walk the horse for 10-15 minutes to help the horse get used to the new sensations in their body and make sure the muscles set themselves properly after being massaged. Horses can be lightly ridden after their sessions as well. This light exercise is essential to prevent soreness and to make sure the horse receives the full benefits of the massage.
If your horse is new to bodywork or received a particularly deep treatment, they may be sore for a day or two. This is normal, and should resolve itself quickly. If you notice anything that concerns you, please contact your vet.
You will receive a session report via email within 24 hours of your session. This will include all findings as well as follow-up recommendations for exercises, massages, or stretches to perform in between your sessions. You may also receive helpful infographics or instructions for performing these recommendations. If you do not receive your report within 24 hours, please check your spam - if it's not there, please contact us ASAP.
Future sessions
Most horses will benefit from bodywork every 4-6 weeks, but some may need more or less depending on their activity levels, physical health, and your goals for the horse. Some horses may receive bodywork as frequently as once a week, while others may only need a session every few months. After your horse's session, you will receive a recommendation on when to schedule the next one.
