Q:  How long does a session last?

A:  Anywhere between one to two hours. 

Q:  When will I notice an improvement?

A:  Sometimes there is an immediate notable improvement.  Sometimes it takes a few sessions.

Q:  My horse if off.  Can I have you look at him without veterinarian approval?

A:  No, your veterinarian needs to clear your horse for massage.

Q:  How often should a horse be massaged?

A:  This all depends on the horse’s level of work, his conformation, his health, the extent of an injury, the footing, his tack fit, etc.  If he has a hard work load a massage twice a month is probably in line.  The normal working horse should be done at least once a month as a maintenance program and to access your training impact as well as head off issues while still subtle.

Q:  Does my horse have to be clean before you can work on him?

A:  No, just knock off the mud and make sure he is dry.  Do not use hair polishes on him.  If you must use flyspray, please limit it to the legs and belly area.

Q:  How long do I have to wait until I can ride my horse after a session?

A:  Actually, follow-up exercise is a component of sports massage.  Healthy, sound horses can be ridden after a session.

Q:  I am showing my horse this weekend.  This week is my horse’s first scheduled massage appointment.  Is this okay?

A:  Once a horse is on a regular massage schedule, this would be okay.  However, if this is your horse’s first session he needs to get used to his new way of moving and there is a chance he could be slightly sensitive after.  Horses adapt movement for a number of reasons.  His increased range of motion may make you feel slighting out of sync the first time.  Not a good idea at a show!