I discovered my calling in 1993 when I was certified as an Equine Myofascial Trigger-Point Therapist by the Equi-Myo Program in Granby, Connecticut. I had ridden horses since the age of 8 and owned my first horse at the age of 10. I was never terribly interested in competition but was always drawn to horses with physical and/or behavioral problems. I enjoyed figuring them out so they could do their jobs better. My instructors recognized my knack for successfully riding "complicated" horses. As a result, they gave me the most challenging horses to ride.

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Training at the Equi-Myo Program stressed that our effectiveness as therapists would be based on our ability to assess the "big picture" of horses' lives. That philosophy aligned perfectly with my philosophy and knack for riding complicated horses. The training provided me with a wealth of information about horses and their bodies. That included muscular and skeletal anatomy, conformation, bio-mechanics of motion, dental health and balance, hoof balance; as well as the effects of saddle fit, turn-out, blanket fit, diet plan, riding discipline and breed type on the muscles.

 

By looking at horses holistically, we can better identify and resolve factors responsible for their muscular issues. When I suspect issues other than simple muscle soreness, tension or fatigue are causing the horse's muscular or behavioral problems I am happy to refer to other professionals. As a result of this teamwork, we are more able to resolve the issues that limit a horse's ability to achieve its highest potential.

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While working full time as a myotherapist, I also taught anatomy and technique at Eqi-Myo whenever class was in session.  Teaching for two years at Equi-Myo helped cement course content into my psyche.

That came in handy when I was asked to teach muscle anatomy to a group of 30 vets in a chiropractic course offered at Tufts Veterinary School years later. I also had the pleasure of practicing both Myofascial Trigger Point and Myofascial Release in front of these same vets and got fabulous results...hopefully building an understanding among them that body-workers can be beneficial in restoring athletic function to horses. I have learned from many exceptional equine professionals... veterinarians, farriers, fellow body workers, saddle fitters, equine dentists, trainers, nutritionists and herbalists but, at times, I feel the greatest teachers are the horses themselves.