Equine Massage
Practitioner
Massage is a way to slow down, listen to, and be with a horse, to improve communication, connection, lightness, to form a partnership for better balance and harmony.
About Massage
Massage therapy is a healing art. It has been practiced in most cultures, Eastern and Western, throughout human history. The practitioner uses touch to help the receiver achieve balance and harmony, to move freely, with an increased sense of well-being and happiness.
About Gail Lewis
Gail Lewis earned a B.S. in Agricultural Education in 1997. While working for The State of Texas, she became a licensed human massage therapist in 2004. When the pandemic made working on humans too risky, Gail became a Certified Equine Massage Therapist, integrating her love of horses, years as a rider, and skill as a massage therapist. Since then she has completed an intensive course in the Wilson-Meagher Method of Sportsmassage, to become a practitioner of this unique and effective modality. She is also an Advanced Student of Masterson Method, a unique, integrated bodywork in which the horse actively participates in the process of releasing tension.
Horses love massage!
Services
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One massage session for you or your horse, typically 60 min.
$75
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Two massage sessions paid for in advance.
$130 ($65 each)
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Four sessions paid for in advance.
$220 ($55 each)
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A massage for your horse and a massage for you, scheduled separately. Discounts for multiple sessions scheduled in advance.
$140 ($70 each)
About Masterson Method
Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork, a unique interactive method of equine bodywork that uses the response of the horse to find and release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. In contrast to most modalities, it enables the horse to actively participate in the process of releasing tension.
About Wilson Meagher Sportstherapy
Whether you ride, compete, or just like to be with horses, they deserve to feel good, move freely, for a long time and without injury.
“The greatest asset any moving body can have is complete freedom and ease of motion” —- Jack Meagher
This modality works at exact muscular points. It addresses common problems in motion resulting from muscle tightness. It includes a pre and post assessment. Massage also builds trust and communication.
The effectiveness of this method was studied by Jo-Ann Wilson, M.Ed., nationally certified L.M.T., and partner in Wilson & Meagher Sportstherapy, co-founder of the Jack Meagher Institute. The study was funded through a research grant awarded by the American Massage Therapy Association Foundation. The Science of Complete Motion.
About Muscle Tightness
From “Keeping Horses at Their Best” by Jo-Ann Wilson
Primary Causes of Muscle Tightness
Repetition of motion: same movement or direction.
Injury.
Oxygen debt: muscles do not have enough oxygen
From “Keeping Horses at Their Best” by Jo-Ann Wilson
Secondary Causes of Muscle Tightness
Footing: too deep, too hard, or uneven.
Shoeing: if foot is out of balance.
Tack: improper saddle fit, too many saddle pads, overtightened girth.
Veterinary Issues: if the horse is in pain due to a deeper issue.
Ways to Prevent Muscle Tightness
(from “Keeping Horses at Their Best” by Jo-Ann Wilson):
Vary your work and know when to stop.
Slow down. Take time to develop and condition the horse.
Seek professional help.
Assess strength: Make sure your horse is strong enough to safely perform the required tasks.
Warm-up, take a break, and cool down.
Touch facilitates healing from the inside out …