February 2020 PRACTITIONER OF THE MONTH....Alison Anderson

Name: Alison Anderson

Practice Location: I practice all over the State of Montana and travel with the cutting horse circuit across the Pacific North West and in the winter Arizona.

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? Completed the Equine Massage Certification Course, currently working on the Cranial Sacral Course

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have an extensive Animal Science background. God has continuously provided me opportunities to learn from wonderful mentors throughout my career. I have ridden my whole life and grew up on a hobby farm with a variety of farm animals. I showed horses and rodeoed growing up. In college I got my BS in Animal Science and Masters in Agribusiness Management. I worked 10 years as a Vet tech, worked weekends for cutting horse trainers Bill Peirce, Allen Crouch, TC Scheer, and Will Nuttall. I have also had my veterinary illustrations published in a Theriogenology Textbook and JAVMA. Currently I still compete in NCHA cuttings and try to continue to learn as much as I can.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Horses, I am the only horse lover in my family and I am so thankful my parents encouraged and supported that passion. After horses I have extensive cattle experience and am a big dog lover also. I love all other critters as well but those three are my main passion.

What animals do you currently own? I own an 9 yr old Quarter horse gelding, Reyv, that I cut on, a 25 yr old TN Walker gelding, Curly, and a 7 year old female Catahoula named Nola, who is deaf. Reyv, Nola, and I haul all over the country together while Curly enjoys semi retirement.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Having a lot of experience in the veterinary world and the performance horse world really allows me to understand what these horses are being asked to do daily and what injuries they are prone to. I also have developed a offering of products that I have tested and love and offer them for retail sale. ex. Back on Track products, Equiflex sleeves, etc.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Bodywork is about so much more then just doing something relaxing for your horse, it can help prevent injuries, supplement traditional medicine, strengthen weaknesses in the athlete, and increase the longevity of your horses career. Be open minded but do your research and ensure you are getting quality bodywork.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? You have to earn your knowledge and be willing to work hard to get the experience you need to be able to contribute to the industry. Find great mentors and soak up all the knowledge that you can. Don't be scared to make mistakes and realize that failures are just part of life and don't determine your success in the future. ​

Visit Alison's FB Page