Policies
payment
Full payment is due at time of service.
Pre-purchase massage packages must be paid in full at the time of the first massage or before.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Cash, Personal Check, any major Credit/Debit Cards
Pre-purchase massage packages must be paid in full at the time of the first massage or before.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Cash, Personal Check, any major Credit/Debit Cards
Cancellation/Rescheduling
Please allow at least 24 hours notice for any reschedule or cancellation.
Cancellations with under 24 hours notice will be charged the full price of service.
While it is understood that emergencies and unexpected situations do arise, please try to give as much notice of change of schedule as possible.
Cancellations with under 24 hours notice will be charged the full price of service.
While it is understood that emergencies and unexpected situations do arise, please try to give as much notice of change of schedule as possible.
Preparing for your appointment
If your horse has never been massaged before, please first consult your veterinarian, especially if your horse has any current/recent illnesses or injuries, as some conditions contraindicate massage therapy.
Before your scheduled time, please
Before your scheduled time, please
- Hand-walk your horse 5-10 minutes to allow for proper warm-up. Please refrain from high-intensity exercises the day of your massage.
- Groom/clean any caked mud or sweat and make sure horse is dry.
- Pick hooves.
Iowa residents
According to Iowa law, "The board determined that persons other than Iowa licensed veterinarians may perform for others for a fee animal massage for relaxation. Persons other than Iowa licensed veterinarians are not allowed to perform animal massage for therapeutic purposes or to diagnose, treat, correct, change, relieve or prevent, for a fee, any animal disease, deformity, defect, injury or other physical or mental conditions or cosmetic surgery; including the prescription or administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique, for a fee; or to evaluate or correct sterility or infertility, for a fee; or to render, advise or recommend for a fee with regard to any of the above."
So if your horse lives in Iowa and you'd like to have him massaged for the sake of pampering, not a problem! For every other reason, please contact your veterinarian.
So if your horse lives in Iowa and you'd like to have him massaged for the sake of pampering, not a problem! For every other reason, please contact your veterinarian.
FAQs
Why does my horse need a massage?
Equine Sports Massage Therapy can be beneficial for horses of any discipline of any age or ability as it increases circulation and encourages more balanced posture and movement, making it more comfortable for your horse to perform and play.
Most commonly, massage is used to boost the competitive edge of showing horses. The original focus was on racehorses where a regular massage regimen could boost an average runner to the winner's circle. With the increase in popularity, it is now used in all competitive and performing horses including reining, dressage, hunters, jumpers, eventers, barrel racers, etc..
Even if the horse is not in the show ring, massage can benefit pleasure horses, lesson horses and even help senior horses regain a youthful spark.
Most commonly, massage is used to boost the competitive edge of showing horses. The original focus was on racehorses where a regular massage regimen could boost an average runner to the winner's circle. With the increase in popularity, it is now used in all competitive and performing horses including reining, dressage, hunters, jumpers, eventers, barrel racers, etc..
Even if the horse is not in the show ring, massage can benefit pleasure horses, lesson horses and even help senior horses regain a youthful spark.
How soon will I see improvement?
Just like humans, every horse is different. Some horses show vast improvements even after only one massage, where as others may need several massages for the therapy to make a noticeable difference. It is important to be patient and let the therapy take effect in the horse's own timing.
It is also important to bear in mind that while there may be some improvement, the horse must retrain their muscle memory to correct after spending so long compensating for whatever asymmetry had developed. It's important to keep up a regular massage schedule to maintain any progress.
It is also important to bear in mind that while there may be some improvement, the horse must retrain their muscle memory to correct after spending so long compensating for whatever asymmetry had developed. It's important to keep up a regular massage schedule to maintain any progress.
How often does my horse need a massage?
Again, every individual is different. In some cases, it may be necessary to schedule a massage twice a week, especially if the horse is new to massage. As healing occurs and balance is achieved, the time can increase between massages up to once or twice a month for maintenance.
Do I have to be there for every appointment?
It is required for you (the owner/agent of the horse) to be present for the first massage. After the first appointment, we can come to agreement about your attendance. Some owners prefer to be present so they can hold the horse and enjoy the massage with them. Some just come to catch, walk and groom the horse. If you cannot make it at all to an appointment after we're well acquainted. There may be a small charge for catching and grooming, depending on conditions.
How soon can I ride my horse after a massage?
The massage appointment will include a 5-10 minute cool-down of hand-walking after the massage to prevent any stiffness or soreness from the release of lactic acid. It's recommended to wait at least until the next day to ride at a light to moderate level, as your horse may be sore and riding too hard the day after may inhibit progress in treatments.
If you must ride the same day as the massage, it is recommended to ride at a light work level (walk, some trot, preferably on flat terrain)
If you must ride the same day as the massage, it is recommended to ride at a light work level (walk, some trot, preferably on flat terrain)