Testimonials

Noel has a gift with horses. My gelding has significant pathologies in his back and SI, and I'm not exaggerating when I say he's a different horse having experienced Noel's loving, skilled bodywork over the past few months. He's changed from a "leg mover" who refused to use his back, was never quite right behind, and dragged himself around on the forehand, to an expressive, free-flowing, happy, SOUND boy who is learning how to lift his back and use his hind end. I had seriously considered retiring him, but now I look forward to many more years enjoying the trails together.

Felix was diagnosed with EPM in spring 2024, which affected his hind-end and balance. Even after treatment and a clean bill of health from the vet, Felix was stiff and struggled with bend and balance. After a few massage sessions, we started to see some wonderful changes. Felix became more relaxed during rides, stretching more freely, and collecting and engaging his hind end when asked.

One of the most significant changes was during farrier visits. Previously, Felix disliked holding his hind feet up for the farrier during his EMP episode. Even months later, Felix still anticipated feeling off balance and farrier visits were a challenge. After getting monthly massages, Felix is completely different with the farrier and happily lifts his back feet. My farrier is as thrilled as I am!

Noel did a fantastic job with Felix. She was patient and gentle, helping him feel comfortable despite his initial skepticism. Within an hour, Felix relaxed enough to fall asleep in the crossties! Now I swear he recognizes her car!

Noel's approach is thorough and horse-first. She listens to what Felix is telling her and adjusts for what might be tight this particular session. I really appreciate the "homework stretches" Noel has shown me to do before rides on my own.

Now, we're focusing on building Felix's core strength with the goal of participating in local dressage shows this summer. I'm excited to see how far we'll go!

Noel has been working on one of my horses, Caspian, once monthly since November 2024. He is around 20 years old and I have had him for about 3 years now. Before starting sessions he was highly unpredictable and would often get explosive under saddle (bucking, bolting, rolling, spooking). He also had recurring soundness issues that I attributed to muscle weakness and arthritis. Due to these issues, I had largely given up on riding him, but suspected he would benefit from some type of light work if we could improve his comfort and behavior.

Now that Caspian is on a regular bodywork schedule with Patapsco Equine, his movement is much more regular and sound, and he has become much calmer and more consistent under saddle. He had become comfortable and reliable enough that one of my teenage students can confidently ride him WTC in a bareback pad or saddle. He has even confidently and enthusiastically jumped a few X-rails. And while I cannot be certain this is a result of bodywork, it is also worth noting that he has not come up with any random self-inflicted nicks and scrapes since starting bodywork sessions, which was a regular occurrence before.

Noel also completed an introductory session on my older horse, Silver, before I moved him to retirement board. Silver is not very expressive, except if he dislikes something. Every winter since purchasing him in 2018, he has had reactions to blanketing such as pinning his ears, tensing his body, and even kicking out. I always thought it was just his build and high wither making blankets uncomfortable for him; interestingly, he did not have many typical or obvious responses during his bodywork session, but has been absolutely relaxed and happy to be blanketed this winter. Additionally, he has always held his back feet low for picking and trimming, and had similar stress reactions when asked to lift it higher. When I picked his feet most recently he felt confident and relaxed holding them higher, and was great for his last trim. I do think Noel's bodywork techniques relieved tension that Silver was carrying in his topline and hind end, and that that relief has lasted this tough winter, despite only doing the one session in November. I plan to have Noel work on him again, especially as we prepare for trail riding this spring and summer.

Sessions with Noel are very thorough. She is wonderful at accommodating horses' needs, quirks, fears etc. She is also very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions, and show clients amateur-friendly exercises or stretches she thinks will benefit the horse. I recommend Patapsco Equine to anyone looking for a patient, compassionate, and effective bodyworker. The difference in my horses' behavior and comfort since starting bodywork with Noel is remarkable.

I have recommended Patapsco Equine Bodywork and Massage to friends and clients of mine with horses who have a history of spookiness/anxiety, as well as horses who seem to hold excess tension in their bodies, and I have seen a huge shift in their behavior and ability to succeed undersaddle. If you're on the fence about trying bodywork for your horse, I highly recommend an introductory/evaluation session with Noel. She will meet your horse where they're at, and explain her process before and during the session. She really sees each horse for the unique and special individuals they are.

Serving Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania