Name: Hannah Speller

Location: Lincolnshire, United Kingdom

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Craniosacral Therapy

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I wanted to work with animals for as long as I could remember. My mum and dad still laugh about the time they found me with my arms wrapped around an old sheep at a petting farm when I was just a toddler!

What animal influenced you the most growing up? I have loved horses all my life and they have taught me so much - patience, kindness, responsibility, respect, love and compassion to name but a few. Without horses in my life, I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today. But I just love all animals.

What animals do you currently own? I share my home with 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 parrot, 3 horses, 4 chickens, a cockerel and a racing pigeon!

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? In my practice ‘Suppleness Equine - Integrated Equine Massage Therapy & Bodywork’, I pride myself in working WITH the horse and listening closely to what they have to say. Helping horses to feel comfortable in the human world is my absolute passion. I offer a range of modalities including Equine Sports Massage Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial release, Mobilisation, and Heat and Red Light Therapy as well as the Equine Craniosacral Therapy. Having such a wide range of skills in my toolbox means I am able to offer support to a large variety of horses, all with many different needs. Equine Craniosacral Therapy has been particularly useful when working with nervous horses, young horses or horses that have suffered trauma or abuse, as it extremely gentle and deeply healing. 

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Regular bodywork is hugely beneficial for all horses and ponies, young or old, ridden or unridden. I cover the Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire area and I’m always happy to talk horses, so do get in touch if you’d like to book your horse in with me, or if you have any questions about what I do and why.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? To anyone who might be considering a career in animal health, in particular as an Equine Bodyworker, I’d say absolutely just do it! It’s hard work but it is without a doubt the most rewarding job in the world. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life!

Name: Madison Fall

Location: Pensacola, Florida

Certifications through Angel's Animals: I am a certified Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist, Equine Craniosacral Technique Therapist, Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique Practitioner, and Equine Kinesiology Tape Practitioner. I also plan to take other courses in the future!

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I always knew I would work in a profession with animals. Animals have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My nickname growing up was Maddie Dolittle! 

What animal influenced you the most growing up? The animal that influenced me the most growing up was my horse, Trinity. I would not be the person I am today without her. 

What animals do you currently own? The animals I currently own are my two horses, Trinity and Daisy, and my cat, Scarlet. I have owned these pets for many years and have owned many others as well including two dogs, a chameleon, birds, a rabbit, and fish. 

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? What makes my practice stand out is my passion for continuing to always learn. I have big plans to continue to add different modalities and services to my practice. I’m also always researching and learning more about the modalities I currently practice as well! 

What message would you like to share with potential clients? A message that I would like to share with potential clients is that that I would love to work with your baby if you’re around the Pensacola area! I promise to treat your baby like my own! 

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? A message I would like to share to others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork is to absolutely do it! It’s so rewarding to see all of the positive changes you can make to the partnership between a horse and their owner! A large piece of advice would be to make sure to take care of your own body so you can continue to help others! ​

Name: Aron Nielsen

Location: Clawson, Utah

Certifications through Angel's Animals?I have finished both my Equine Massage & Kinesiology certifications. as well as the Hesta band Advanced Kinesiology course. I am just wrapping up my ANMR course for both Equine and Canine. Also working on my Cranial sacral course. 

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always had a love for animals for as long as I can remember. I wanted to be a Vet Tech and received a scholarship in high school to pursue that dream. After a year of being a vet Tech, I decided it was not for me.

What animals do you currently own?  We currently own 6 Pembroke Welsh corgis, 2 border collies, 8 quarter horses, 1 miniature horse, 3 cats, a flock of show sheep, herd of cattle, chickens, 1 Watusi bottle calf & a fish tank. 

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I have really taken to the meridian and acupressure work on horses. They respond so well to these methods when paired with massage. I have had great success with my body work and I feel that it makes my practice unique.  

What message would you like to share with potential clients? A message I have for potential clients is: You have to find the core root as to why the horse is responding to something the way they are, wither that's physical or emotional. Horses respond to trauma in different ways and not one particular method works for every horse. I try to treat the horse or dog as a whole, not just the symptom. 

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? If you are pondering a career in animal health care, go for it, inch by inch its never to late to start. By helping the animal heal himself, you are then helping the animal heal his person. It's been proven to me over and over in this practice.  ​

Name: Adam Freed

Location: Dakota Dunes, South Dakota

Certifications through Angel's Animals? Animal Near-myofascial Release Technique, Animal Cold Laser Therapy, Canine Massage and Canine Craniosacral Therapy

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I decided to start working with animals last year during my Chiropractic internship.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? My first dog, Charli (miniature golden retriever), influenced me the most. I got her the day I moved out on my own and it was just me and her through that time in my life. I found out she had cancer at 5 y/o and that’s when I started researching natural, holistic, and raw medicine to heal her. She lived to just over 12 years old until she passed from hemangiosarcoma.

What animals do you currently own? I have a Golden Retriever, Case 3 y/o  and a German Shepherd, Callie 1 y/o

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? ​I stand out due to also being a Doctor of Chiropractic as well as having degrees in organic and biochemistry and medical science. I’ve also spent years working in human nutrition and supplementation.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? I love animals and working with the toughest cases involving disease, biochemistry, and biomechanics. I specialize at finding the root cause of problems and not just slapping a band-aid on things.
 
What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? There is no other career that can give you the same amount of satisfaction while making such a big difference than you can with animal health. This area is also extremely far behind the times as far as natural and holistic healing goes. The current health and nutrition recommendations available for animals is based on money and ease without regard for health. We can make such a huge difference by treating and educating others on these subjects.

Name: Emilie Viau
Location: Quebec, Canada
Certifications through Angel's Animals: I got cerified in equine myomanipulative therapy in January 2023 and I am currently doing the equine taping, craniosacral and animal neuro-myofascial release courses.

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I've always wanted to work with animals, especially horses, and equine massage is the profession where I felt closest to them and where I could have direct contact with them rather than when I was a riding coach or barn manager. Working with horses and animals in general is more like therapy than work really. They always find a way to brighten your day and they are always so grateful with what you give them.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? I've been around animals my whole life but horses were very special to me. I could just feel them see right through me and felt an immediate connection to them. I currently own one dog, two cats and three chickens and my husband has a dairy farm with 60 milking cows. Horses will be a part of our family soon enough! It's been a dream of mine since I was a little girl.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? How I stand out as a therapist is that I am eager to learn and I truly have a passion for animal well-being as well as ours since I am a certified human massage therapist as well. I have so many courses lined up I will be in and out of masterclasses my whole career. In my opinion, there is no end to the knowledge you can acquire. I am also a very patient and attentive person. I think horses have a lot to say even if they don't speak and if we want to help them the best we can, we just need to listen and let them guide us.

What message would you like to share with those thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? To anyone thinking about pursuing a career  in animal health, all I have to say is "NEVER STOP LEARNING". Every person/teacher, every horse or patient and every situation will bring you some knowledge to gain. You juste have to reach out and grab it! Enjoy your journey. 

Name: Cammie Quinones
​Location: Powhatan, VA USA
Certifications Through Angel's Animals: Equine Massage Therapy and Kinesiology Taping

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals?  I am a lifelong Equestrian with a BS in Equine science.  I am also a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. I have seen the benefits of holistic care in people so that is why I wanted to also use it on my horses.

What animals do you currently own? My family has ALOT of animals. I have my horse and a donkey. We also have 4 dogs, 2 cats, a tortoise, a fresh water and salt water fish tanks, 3 pigs, about 20 bunnies, and multiple ducks, geese and chickens.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? As a horse trainer these courses have given me an even better understanding of how the horses body works as a whole and how I can help them improve. I have worked with all breeds and disciplines. I think my work as a trainer definitely helps me as a practitioner because I can feel what is going on within the horses muscles either under saddle or while massaging.

Name: Madison Fall

Location: Pensacola, Florida

Certifications through Angel's Animals: I am a certified Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist, Equine Craniosacral Technique Therapist, Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique Practitioner, and Equine Kinesiology Tape Practitioner. I also have plans to sign up to take the Equine Nutrition and Equine First Aid courses very soon. 

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I always knew I would work in a profession with animals. Animals have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My nickname growing up was Maddie Dolittle! 

What animal influenced you the most growing up? The animal that influenced me the most growing up was my horse, Trinity. I would not be the person I am today without her. 

What animals do you currently own? The animals I currently own are my two horses, Trinity and Daisy, my two dogs, Scout and Chief, and my cat, Scarlet. I have owned these pets for many years and have owned many others as well including a chameleon, birds, a rabbit, and fish. 

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? What makes my practice stand out is my passion for continuing to always learn. I have big plans to continue to add different modalities and services to my practice. I’m also always researching and learning more about the modalities I currently practice as well! 

What message would you like to share with potential clients? A message that I would like to share with potential clients is that that I would love to work with your baby if you’re around the Pensacola area! I promise to treat your baby like my own! 

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? A message I would like to share to others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork is to absolutely do it! It’s so rewarding to see all of the positive changes you can make to the partnership between a horse and their owner! A large piece of advice would be to make sure to take care of your own body so you can continue to help others! ​

Name: Samantha Hayes

Location: Devon, UK

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Massage, Animal Near-myofascial Release Technique, Equine Kinesiology Taping and Equine Craniosacral Therapy

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? It has always been something that I’ve wanted to do, but I went down the more traditional job role route for a while (basically being in an office) as I really wasn’t sure what or how I could do something else.  But after having a break from work having my children I decided this is the time to truly follow my passion for animals, especially horses.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? My first horse, Brooke, really taught me a lot, looking back there were a lot of things he was trying to tell me that I was just oblivious to and I wish I’d had the knowledge I have now back then, but I did the best I could with the knowledge I had.

What animals do you currently own? I have my spaniel, Kayleigh, Albie the bearded dragon and some fish.  Sadly no horses, time just doesn’t stretch that far right now but I do get out to ride a few times a week. 

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I really take my time with the horses, I work around what they need and thankfully I have lots of tools in my toolbox to see what might work best and clients have reported great results. 

What message would you like to share with potential clients? To keep your horse working in a happy, healthy and balanced way they need regular bodywork.  Horses are athletes no matter their job and it is up to us as riders, trainers and owners to make them as comfortable as we can.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? Do it, never stop learning; reading, webinars, research, lectures, demonstrations etc etc there is so much information out there but don’t just take what you’re told as the truth, question everything and get your information from a reputable source.
 
Do something today your future self will thank you for.

Name: Lynn Brecht

Location: Cumming, GA, USA

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Craniosacral Therapy

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I decided when I was little. I grew up in Michigan and was always at the harness track with my grandparents. I wanted to be a horse vet but I had my first son at an early age and found out he had Down Syndrome when he was born. That changed my life in many ways.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Horses influenced me the most. I was in awe of their power and their minds. How such a big animal is willing to do what ever you want as long as you can figure out how to ask them. 

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? What stands out for me is the hope to help my horses. I own 10 horses now and run a therapeutic horseback riding program with myself as the instructor and my 2 boys as some of my only helpers. I want to be able to help my horses if they are hurting and in turn be able to help the kids that I teach as well.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? I would like to say that you need to keep your eyes open and ask questions. If you have an instructor or body worker, or whatever who is not willing to talk and answer questions- even if they don’t know the answer, then you need to find another person. The good ones will take their time to help and to answer. That’s how you know their real passion.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? I’d like to say to other practitioners kinda the same thing in a way lol. Find your passion, find your niche and run with it as fast as you can. Be honest, be open, busy your butt and always want more. Take time to talk people. Those words will show your true self and your true passions. Being open and honest will either draw people to you or turn them away. ​

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.