July 2018 Practitioner of the Month - Nadine Vollmerg

Name: Nadine Vollmerg

Location: Napier, New Zealand

​Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Kinesiology Taping

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? Growing up I always loved being with animals, but I knew that I didn’t want to be a Vet. Much later I realised that there are so many other options of working with animals. Initially I studied Animal Homeopathy, but was missing the ‘hands on’ part, that’s when I got interested in Bodywork options in 2010.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Strangely enough an encounter with a Giraffe when I was still at Primary school and my parents took me to a Safari Park. I remember standing at the enclosure admiring this beautiful creature, when she turned around, slowly but surely spreading her front legs apart, lowering her head down to my height and looking straight into my soul with her mesmerising big brown eyes. It felt like the whole world stopped and we connected for a moment on such a deep level. So special! Apart from that it was horses all the way though.

What animals do you currently own? One very special 16 year young black Cat, who plays, hunts, cuddles and drools.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I’ve specialised in Horses for a few years now and love working WITH them rather than doing something TO them. Makes a huge difference if the horse gets engaged and learns to trust and enjoy the experience. Recently I’ve started offering Horse & Rider packages, which is a great way to connect the dots and compare findings in the horse’s and the rider’s body plus the kind of relationship they have with each other.

What message would you like to share with perspective clients? You’d be surprised how much more potential lies dormant within your horse. Often riders had no idea that their horse can move so much more fluidly after some Bodywork and regular maintenance work. Horses give us everything they have and are great at covering up pain and discomfort, so would be great if we could do everything we can to take care of them in the best possible way and get fine tuned and observant to pick up on clues that point to discomfort and do something about it straight away.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursing a career in animal bodywork? Start somewhere, find your niche and never give up. Become very clear about your personal ‘why’. Keep learning, growing, working on yourself and enjoy the animals! Most rewarding work if your heart is in it.

VISIT NADINE'S WEBSITE