Name: Jennifer Kennedy

Location: Bakersfield, California, USA

​Certifications through Angel's Animals: Certified Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always loved horses, I have wanted a whole herd since I was a little girl. I was an EMT and was in nursing school and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and told it was not beneficial to my health to continue with schooling because of the stress it caused. After feeling heartbroken and lost for a while I was out with the horses one day and was “massaging” my boy when the light went on and I decided to pursue equine massage.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Horses have always had my heart and working with them as a teen definitely saved me.

What animals do you currently own? Currently I own 3 horses, 2 snakes, 1 pig, a handful of chickens, and 11 dogs.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I think I stand out because I take the time to generate a connection with the horse and get its full attention on me before and during the massage. For me it is a very special time of silent communication that is priceless.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? For potential clients I would say that the energy that I bring to the massage and the connection I make with the horse allows the horse to relax and truly get all the benefits from a massage. You will see behavioral and physical differences in your horse after a massage from Stable Hands. The benefits of a proper massage can do amazing things for your horse no matter what their job is, you will see improved performance.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? If you are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health take it seriously. Take the time to study and to learn the animal inside and out. It will make all the difference in the world for you as a practitioner. Seeing the transition in the animals as you are working with them is so rewarding. Take the leap and chase your dreams.

Name: Dr. Natalia Bobrovskaya
Location: Vinnitsa, Ukraine
Certifications through Angel's Animals: Certified Equine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapist. 07.10.2022.
When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? Since childhood, I had a dream to become a veterinarian, to work with horses. I have fulfilled my dream.
What animal influenced you the most growing up? I do not even know.  We have always had many animals in our family.  The most favorite, perhaps, was the cat "Marquis".
What animals do you currently own? I now have two dogs and four cats.
What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I am an equine veterinarian. But I really like the holistic approach. Not all problems are solved not with the help of injections and drugs. A lot of time needs to be devoted to rehabilitation.
What message would you like to share with potential clients? I want to tell the owners of animals that you need to pay attention to every little thing in the behavior, in how the animal looks, so that you can help him in time. Nothing goes by itself. Our pets need a lot of attention and love.
What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? If this is your dream, your desire - do not stand still! Learn, Apply your knowledge! The main thing is to love what you do.

Name: Samantha Youngblood

Location: Wilkinson, Indiana (Store) and Greenfield, IN (Home) USA

Certifications through Angel's Animals: I have achieved my Equine and Canine Kinesiology Taping Certification through Angel's Animals and am currently working on Small Animal Cranio-Sacral.  

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? In 2013 my horse was diagnosed with Emphysema and was scheduled to be euthanized.  I hired a CESMT to work on him and I have no doubt she saved his life with massage therapy.  He lived many more years and passed at 30 years old...I will forever be grateful to her.  This changed my entire way of thinking about my animals and the options for care that are out there.  

What animal influenced you the most growing up? My mom used to raise Newfoundland's and I always helped her with all of their care and attended the shows as well - this started my love for all animals and then I got my first dog.  She was the best Boston Terrier ever and gave me so many fun experiences in my childhood.  I would say my most influential animal was my dog Frank...he recently passed at 17 years old but he was my heart.  He started my sport dog career and we went on many adventures together all over the USA.  

What animals do you currently own? I have:
4 Dogs: Caution (Border Staffy 9yo), BZRK (Boston Terrier 7yo), Finale (Boston Terrier 4yo) and Psycho (Border Staffy 2yo)

 3 Cats: Winter (11yo Sphynx), Rumpleteazer (6yo Lykoi) and Mortimer Brewster (5-month-old Sphynx)

1 Mule: Marilyn (Approximately 20yo)

On our family farm we also have another mule named Luther that belongs to my mom and we have a family donkey named Fritz.  Also a few chickens  We also raise lambs and beef cattle...raising your own meat is the way to go!

What makes your animal nutrition practice stand out? I have a natural animal care center where we have all healthy items for your cats and dogs as well as a horse section too!  We have a rehab center located in the lower level where we offer massage, ANMR, kinesiology taping, red light therapy and thermography.  I feel that by encompassing all of this together we are able to offer the complete package from food, supplements and rehab.  We also have an outdoor pool where we can offer swimming lessons and many clients use it for swimming rehab as well.  

What message would you like to share with potential clients? My message is always based on God...Ask the animals what they think...let them teach you...Job 12:7 and this is what I always go by in our facility.  Our clients trust our knowledge and training and I am so extremely grateful for Angel's Animals for the education I have and will continue to obtain from them.  I am always looking for more knowledge and we always tell our clients that we never stop learning.  They are family and our number one priority is their health, safety and happiness.  We want to empower our clients to learn as well and educating them is a huge part of what we do...when you know better...you do better.  

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursing a career in animal health? I would say to follow your heart and get ready for a ton of work!  I never dreamed the amount of hard work and financial hardship that would follow when I made the jump to do this profession but I also would not change it for the world!  I am entering my 10th year in business and it still likes to give me a run for my money but looking back at all the beautiful animals I have had the honor to care for makes all the blood, sweat and tears worth it!  If this is your passion...absolutely go for it and know that you will be changing lives which will also change your life for the better!

Name: Claire Kavalok

Location: Willard, North Carolina, USA

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Massage Therapy, Equine Craniosacral Therapy and Equine Kinesiology Taping

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always wanted to work with animals and have enjoyed learning new things with my own animals. Once I learned about Angel’s Animal Studies, I realized I could do more to help others’ animals as well as new ways to help my own!

What animal influenced you the most growing up? My heart horse Rory was the animal who influenced me the most. He was my best friend, and I learned so much from him. He taught me as much about myself as he did about animals. He always taught me new things about being forgiving, and he was always there for me. I started my first course just before I had to put him down after a sudden and tragic accident. Unfortunatley, there was nothing I was able to do to save him. He has been one of my biggest motivators in helping me complete my certifications. I hope that I can also be there for other owners who have their own best friends also in need of help. 

What animals do you currently own? I have two horses now, their names are Jameson and Tank, both are off the track thoroughbreds. I also have two mini donkeys, named Razzle and Ollie, as well as two dogs, named Gracie and Oliver. Along with a few cats and many chickens! 

What makes your animal nutrition practice stand out? My practice stands out as I approach each situation with a full heart and a super-helpful mindset! I am very thorough in making sure every aspect of each horse is well taken care of and every concern is addressed. If there is ever anything I am unsure of, or that my skill set does not cover; I am more than willing to learn myself, as well as to refer my clients to someone who is reputable in that particular area.  I am constantly seeking ways to learn from other practitioners as well as to learn new techniques and methods to help better my skill set. 

What message would you like to share with potential clients? To any potential clients, I would like to share that I am always here to help, learn, and to seek the best way to help you and your horse. I believe every situation is different, and every treatment is as well. I will go above and beyond to make sure your horse is feeling their absolute best! 

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursing a career in animal health? To anyone considering a career in animal health, keep your hunger to learn, always! The power of intent and an open mind will go far. Be patient with the animals, as well as yourself. Some days come easier than others. The hard days are great for learning and the easy days are very rewarding! ​

Name: Ashley Diane Currie

Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA and I have the pleasure of working on horses and humans all over southern California

Certifications Through Angel's Animals: Current certifications are Craniosacral and Holistic Equine Nutrition, and according to my husband it is only a matter of time before I sign up for another one! Spoiler alert, he's right.

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? For most of my adult life I had been a part of an industry that did not value me or feed me emotionally. I had come to the end of my rope, and decided I needed a huge gear shift. As a child you couldn't get me away from animals, and I was always a horse girl, through and through. I did a ton of research, and sort of stumbled onto equine massage and bodywork. I took my first class and never looked back, I was completely hooked. When I realized that I could give back to these amazing animals and that through my giving I still receive so much - forget it, how could I ever think about doing anything else?

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Oh man, this is like asking me my favorite movie and saying I can only choose one! I'll go with the first horse that jumped into my brain, Dushka. Dushka was a flea-bitten grey Arabian mare I rode while I was a teenager. She was fierce, unapologetic, stunning, and kind. She required me to earn every step forward and had no problem making me step back. I couldn't understand at the time exactly what she was teaching me, but I know I am a better person for her. What I wouldn't give to go back with the knowledge I have now and treat her like an absolute queen! My practice and my relationships with horses are still influenced by her, and I think they always will be. I absolutely hope they always will be.

What animals do you currently own? At the moment I have a velcro dog named Churchill who is a pit/cattle dog mix. He is a 65 lb bundle of nerves and love who refuses to let me enter a room (bathroom, bedroom, whatever) without being right next to me. I am working on my husband (at times more subtle than others) on getting more animals, and as he has already remarked that he thinks when we're older we'll be like Jon Stewart and his wife with a rescue farmer somewhere, I think it might be working.

What makes your animal nutrition practice stand out? Along with nutrition I also offer massage, bodywork, kinesiology taping, craniosacral therapy, and most recently custom herbal blends that are tailored to each horse individually.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? This is not a job for me, this is a calling. My agenda is simple, your horse feeling as good, as supported, as healthy as possible from the inside out. I am enthusiastically dedicated to your horse's health, and to your relationship with your horse. I will use every contact I have, every resource, every gut instinct for your horse, and if it's something that I cannot get to the bottom of, I will find someone who can.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursing a career in animal health? Focus on the animal. The animal is your priority. Become an expert listener. Listening gently will open you up and open up your talent like nothing else.
- Practice as much as possible. Even if it means you are doing sessions for free. When I started I spent months doing sessions for free. There is nothing like an intelligent pair of hands, and the only thing that can train your hands is having them on an animal.
- Remember that YOU CAN help! You will a hundred percent feel imposter syndrome (I still feel this way at times!), but take a deep breath, re-focus on the animal, and move forward with compassion for yourself and the animal.

Name: Kahlan Ettere

Location: Cumming, GA, USA

Certifications Through Angel's Animals: Holistic Equine Nutrition

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals?  I've known I wanted to work with animals since before I could walk or talk. Horses have been my passion and motivation for as long as I can remember. I did rescue/rehab for 10+ years and currently own two horses and one cat. 

What makes your animal nutrition practice stand out? Advisement from Wise Choice Equine Wellness(my business) stands out because I have experience with horses from all walks of life such as athletes, seniors, and metabolic horses. Additionally I work in functional human medicine and through this, have learned many functional therapies that apply to horses and humans alike. This gives me a well rounded and creative perspective on the overall wellness of every horse I get to work with.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Something I wish to instill in all my clients is that sometimes it's not what to feed but what NOT to feed. Often times, us humans are looking for a quick fix to help our babies thrive. This can lead us to over feeding certain chemicals, minerals and sneakiest of all; sugar.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? To anyone wishing to pursue a career in animal health I warn: Beware of trends. The latest, greatest feed/ method may not be what's best for the animal. Learn the basics and trust your instincts. This will save owners money, time and stress.

Name: Annie Thorne

Location: Wellington, New Zealand

Certifications through Angel's Animals, LLC: Canine Massage, Cold Laser Therapy, Kinesiology Taping and I'm enrolled in ANMR.

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? It was an accidental career move, roughly five years ago. It came about as a result of developing skills for my own dogs as there were no professionals locally that could help me when I needed it. First it was training and behaviour, then came the health, fitness and bodywork. It made sense to use my developing skill set, and so the business slowly emerged.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Whatever I could find and borrow; often it was my aunt's border collie, Geoffrey! My dad had grown up with dogs, and my mum with cats and neither wanted the other, so I got goldfish and guinea pigs! I had cats first, and had to wait 30+ years before I finally got a dog of my own! It was a long wait, and well worth it.

What animals do you currently own? Two dogs - Wolly is an 11.5yrs Ridgeback -X and Tigg is a 6.5yrs Huntaway-X. They both regularly get massages to keep them in their prime.
Up until a few months ago there was also Barney, the cat. He was a few weeks shy of 17 when he died and also benefited from regular massage as he aged.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Your Whole Dog reflects my philosophy that nothing happens in a vacuum. I have a multi-modal approach to canine health and behaviour, and use my bodywork and behaviour skills to ensure that all my consults are individual and appropriate to the dog in front of me, taking into consideration their emotional as well as physical needs. 

What message would you like to share with potential clients? The 'badly' behaved dog is a myth. First, make sure you are meeting their needs, then check their health. The link between health, pain and behaviour is undeniable. Regular bodywork is an ideal way to support dogs, whether they be sports dogs, senior dogs, dogs recovering from injury. Find a professional, or team of professionals that will work with you and your dog at your dog's pace and comfort level.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Do it! It's incredibly rewarding, and owners want to do what's best for the animals in their care. It's always an honour to be part of their team.
​

Name: Louisa Marais

Location: Bloemfontein, South Africa

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Certified Equine Holistic Nutritionist 

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I decided I wanted to work with animals probably when I was around 14 or 15; a year prior I learned how to ride horses and then started learning how to train them. My passion for horses grew from there and initially I wanted to become a horse trainer. It was only later on when I discovered an even greater passion for equine rehabilitation after my own horses faced several health challenges. I've never looked back and working with horses is honestly my dream job, and I love being able to wake up in the morning and go out into the world ready to make a difference.

​What animal influenced you the most growing up? Wow this is a difficult one! During my teenage years I had amazing and challenging horses cross my path and each had a lesson to teach me which I'll be forever grateful for. If I had to pick one it would probably be my very first horse, Flicka. She came into my life at a time where I was very uncertain of myself and had to still discover who I was and who I wanted to be. She didn't have the best life before we met and came to me terrified. Through helping her through her fears she helped me through many of my own insecurities, and helped me become the person I am today.

What animals do you currently own? I currently own 3 amazing horses: Flicka who is still with me after so many years and still puts a smile on my face every day, Elvira who is my black beauty rescue mare that make me laugh, and Paige my chestnut mare who made me look differently at horses with challenging behaviour.

​What makes your animal nutrition practice stand out? There are so many ways in which I approach nutrition differently; while many nutritionists focus on meeting the nutritional requirements of the horse (which is very important), I go a step further by looking at how healthy each ingredient of the diet is and how that can affect the horse's body. Many ingredients may meet nutritional requirements, for example being high enough in energy and protein, but can then have a negative impact on the body through being inflammatory or being a GMO product and damaging the microbiome of the horse. I look at the diet by assessing nutritional requirements and nutrient balance, the individual horse, how healthy the diet is but also look at the owner's situation and what they can afford to provide.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? I would be absolutely honoured to be a part of your journey. I have horses who struggled with so many health challenges in the past so I know how it feels when you have a horse who is not thriving, or who is dealing with a specific health concern, I understand the rollercoaster and the emotions that come with it. I didn't just study nutrition and other areas of horse care, I have helped my horses through some of the most difficult times and you can believe me when I tell you I will go above and beyond to help your horse in any way that I can.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career with animals? GO FOR IT! I cannot promise that it's going to be easy or that you'll only have success throughout your career, but the change you will see in the animal, the difference you'll make in the owner's life and the pure joy and happiness you'll feel in your heart will be worth it.

Name: Dawn Dziubek

Location: Western Massachusetts, USA

​Current Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Myofascial-manipulative Functional Therapy

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always been an animal lover, but the idea of actually working with animals in a meaningful way started several years back when an animal practitioner worked on a few horses at our barn.   I was impressed at how relaxed the horses were but also the effect the work had on the horses owners.  Both owner and horse seemed so well connected during the sessions.  Seeing an animal release that tension it may have had for years and the bond between owner and horse as a result, convinced me that I wanted a part of that as well!

What animal influenced you the most growing up? I have had so many wonderful animals throughout my life so it’s hard to pick just one.  I had a cat that followed me in the brook while I was hunting for tadpoles.  I had a poodle that would have tea parties with me.  I had a goat that would sit in my lap like a dog. A Parakeet that talked up a storm. I also had many wonderful horses.  One horse however stands out. He was an OTTB.  He was 6 when I got him I was 13.  He was my best friend and we grew up together.  He taught me patience, acceptance and trust. We learned to jump together.  We raced down the Apple orchard together.  He was my heart horse.

What animals do you currently own? Currently I have the most perfect little dog. She is a Malti poo.  I have a 30 gallon tank full of freshwater fish.  Lastly I have a new heart horse.  He is a liver chestnut, 15.3 Quarter horse. 

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? My bodywork practice stands out in that I try to individualize each session to the horse and owners needs at that moment.  Rather than work on the horse I work with the horse and really try to “hear” what the horse is telling me.  During a session I may use multiple methods and modalities according to the horses needs.  I am grateful that Angels Animals demonstrated different modalities so I am better equipped to help the horse.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? To those who would like to strengthen their bond with their horse, help their animal to feel better and as a result perform better, schedule a bodywork session with a certified EMFT.   

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork?  To those of you who are thinking of pursuing a career in animal bodywork, if you love animals and want to help them live their best lives I can’t think of a more rewarding career.  How often do we have an opportunity to give back when animals give so much to us.  A career in animal body can do just that!

Name: Jennifer Broadway

Location: Gauteng, South Africa

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine  Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy, working on Kinesiology Taping and Craniosacral Therapy

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have been involved with the Helen Davies Equine Research Project South Africa for the last 3 years, during this time I have been afforded the privilege of being included in participating in more than 12 full equine necropsies. The deeper I delved into the interesting cases we were presented with the more my hunger grew for applying the knowledge I was gaining. I wanted to be part of the solution, making a difference in the well-being of horses and apply the research we were gathering to help educate and prevent the injuries and compensatory skeletal changes that we were seeing in the horses joining the project. 

What animal influenced you the most growing up? I have always been an animal lover, if it has fur to stroke, a nose to boop, or a body to cuddle I would be first in line to love and cuddle even though I was highly allergic, the risk of swollen eyes and itchy skin was worth it every time.

What animals do you currently own? Currently I own 3 dogs one cat, too many fish and 2 horses.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Dynamic Balance provides specialized equine services that aim to create balance in motion by addressing the horse holistically. I have partnered with Lara van den Berge a Saddlefit 4 Life certified Equine Ergonomist and bit fitter. Together we address, saddle fit, bit fit and muscular-skeletal dysfunction created by either Ill fitted tack, rider imbalance, or general work related strain. Causing a horse to not be able to function to its full potential.
We are in constant discussion with other experts in our field, including farriers, chiropractors, fascial release specialists, and body workers practicing a variety of modalities to give our client the best possible outcome for their horses in terms of rehabilitation and healing.
Personally I place a large emphasis on ‘prehabilitation’. If you can set a horse up for bio mechanical success from the get go, the need for rehabilitation due to injury can be avoided. This can easily be achieved through firstly insuring that saddle fit is correct, but also by creating a culture of treating our equine like the athletes they are. Providing them with bodywork treatments to address minor muscular spasm and discomfort, identifying mild joint dysfunction early on to avoid major compensatory / skeletal dysfunction later on. 

What message would you like to share with potential clients? There are no such thing as badly behaved horses, head tossing, refusing contact, bucking, rearing, unwillingness to move forward, negative behavior whilst taking up, and  refusal to jump are all indicators or pain and or compensation. There is ALWAYS a reason. And always a solution that does not include “Bitting Up” or overuse of Spurs and Crops to force a horse to comply. If there is a lack of willingness there is guaranteed to be a problem either with tack or a physical limitation within the body. It is our aim to figure out the WHY, and help provide solutions. 

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? “For the good of the horse” if I can change the quality of life for even one horse by facilitating healing every hour I have put into acquiring the knowledge I have gained was worth it 10 fold. If you can make a difference too, no matter how small you should strive to do just that. This is an amazing course that will give you the tools to start making that difference. Our equine partners give so much, it’s a wonderful privilege to be in a position to give back.