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HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SESSION
-Please ensure your horse is tied or standing in an area that they feel most comfortable in for the duration of a session.
It is vital to ensure that as an owner/rider you work with your horse's entire wellness team. Including veterinarians, farriers, saddle fitters, and bodyworkers.
Your Questions, Answered
WHICH TYPES OF HORSES CAN BENEFIT?
The majority of horses enjoy and can reap many benefits from a bodywork session. Regardless of their breed, age, discipline, performance and current fitness abilities. Treatments are soft tissue based, are non-invasive, gentle, and stress relieving. Each Sessions aims to release muscle tension, and facial restrictions, all while reducing stress, and anxiety. As well as increase flexibility and range of motion, reducing stress on ligaments and joints, and increasing overall physical and mental well being.
All of the following concerns can greatly benefit from equine body work.
-Incorrect or imbalanced movement
-Performance concerns
-Behavioral concerns or changes in mood
-Anxious/stressed horses
-General discomforts
-Muscle imbalances
-Postural concerns
Some may believe your horse must be displaying a concern, or recovering from an injury or trauma to warrant bodywork. This is false! Bodywork is just as important for maintenance as treating a concern.
WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
I carefully schedule each of my work days to ensure I have the ability to accommodate all of my clients and their needs. My time is valuable, just as is your own! That being said, I do understand unforeseeable circumstances may arise. Instances such as injuries, illness, vehicle troubles, weather, or other emergencies may arise. I appreciate your honestly during these times, and I ask you give me as much notice as possible. I will always do my best to accommodate last minute schedule changes.
Please note some if a cancelation is made less than 24 hours before the appointment, you may still be subject to 100% of the appointment fee.
No shows will be subject to the full appointment fee.
HOW WILL MY HORSE REACT DURING A SESSION?
Just like humans, each horse is an individual and they will all respond in different ways during a session.
Some horses display licking, chewing, frequent blinking, drooping lips, and drooling. Other horses may move around, fidget, paw, or chew on ropes or other objects before displaying signs of a release. Your horse will never be forced to remain still, as forcing this will never allow the horse to become relaxed. I pride myself on always listening to the individual needs of your horse. If your horse requires a break in the form of a short walk, or simply me stepping away, that is OK too!
Please remember there is no correct or incorrect way for your horse to respond to a treatment, I will always meet them where they are at during a session.
WHY IS IT RECOMMENDED NOT TO USE BODY SPRAYS, HOOF OILS, AND TO ENSURE MY HORSE IS GROOMED?
When using body sprays, the body can become slippery and hinder my ability to perform therapeutic techniques. I recognize dirt and hair are very much apart of my job, but hoof oils often stain my clothing. Grooming is important as a very muddy horse will not appreciate grit being rubbed into their skin. I thank you, and appreciate you taking the time to prepare your horse for a session.
HOW LONG WILL MY APPOINTMENT LAST?
Please allow 60 minutes for your appointment. If this is my first time seeing your horse, initial appointment time may be longer.
Please allow 90 minutes for an initial session. If adding in cupping therapy please allow an extra 20-30 minutes for your appointment.
HOW CAN I PAY YOU?
Cash, and Etransfer payments are accepted. Please send etransfers to emmabensen@hotmail.com
Payment is due at time of appointment.
WHERE SHOULD MY HORSE STAND DURING A SESSION?
Sessions can be performed in the stall, aisle, paddock, or arena. It is always best to have your horse in a quite location where they feel most comfortable. Please ensure to avoid scheduling an appointment during feeding time, or when other professionals are working. As this can be distracting to your horse.
If inclement weather, it is helpful to have a dry place to work. As well as, if your horse is in turnout, please either blanket or bring them into a dry area to dry before their session. It is much more difficult for me to perform therapeutic techniques on a wet horse.
HOW OFTEN OR HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL MY HORSE NEED?
During your session I will recommend, and demonstrate exercises, stretches, and conditioning practices that will aid in maintaining balance, strength and comfort between appointments. You will also receive a report that outlines all of the recomendations following your session.
I also offer horse/owner appointments that are dedicated to demonstrating and educating you on exercises, and stretches that you and your horse can do together. I enjoy working with you as a team to support your horses wellness! Owners that do the "homework" between sessions reap the most benefits!
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
-Please tell me before beginning the session if your horse has any sensitive areas on their body. Areas that could cause your horse to react to touch. This will help keep your horse and myself safe.
-If your horse has an acute injury, illness or lameness. Please contact your veterinarian before booking an appointment. These situations are in the scope of practice of your veterinarian, not mine. Please remember I am unable to diagnose injury/illness, or prescribe medication.
-I welcome questions, and comments during and after appointments. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time. I very much enjoy hearing from you about how your horse is doing or how your ride went after your appointment!