March 2020 PRACTITIONER OF THE MONTH....Megan Wos

Name: ​Megan Wos

Practice Location: My Client base is primarily in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but I also travel to lower Michigan and Wisconsin.

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? Equine Kinesology Taping, Equine Craniosacral, Animal Reiki, and Animal Neuro - Myofascial Release. My plan is to add small animal body work next! :)

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always worked with animals and began training and worked alongside my trainer to start horses when I was 12. I have always worked towards continuing my education, to learn new or better ways of working and communicating with horses. I have always aspired to become a better horsewomen and rider. I had a good background in horse management through my time as a Pony Club member, during this time I first learned of equine chiropractic from our Veterinarian. I went on to a Chiropractic clinic where I first learned of Equine Massage through trigger points. I skimmed through the book unsure of it all and I ran across one trigger point I couldn’t pass on. It was a point just behind the horses front legs, and it stated horses would have a hard time with flying lead changes. This hit home as I was working on my horse’s flying changes at the time, and one lead was always easier than the other. So I went home and looked at my mare and sure enough she had a small knot in that exact spot! I worked it out as the book said, and the knot diminished. The next ride I worked like normal and as I asked for the flying change it was an effortless transition for my mare! Since then I have been hooked! I went on to become a CESMT and continued my education from there, always adding new ways to help my clients horses and my horses become happier and better athletes!

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Every horse I have had the pleasure of working with or on has influenced me and my knowledge in one way or another. However the one who gave me the hardest time, who would keep me awake at night, is also the one who taught me the most, Howie! He was an egyptian bred black Arabian! He was originally started as a 3 year old stallion, he sat and was gelded at the age of 9. I then helped restart him at age 11. This horse had given me so much! He would give me his all and he made me realize that horses will do anything that is asked of them if only they trust you. We also dabbled in many different disciplines, from endurance rides, eventing, dressage, speed, pleasure shows this boy did it all for me! It was because of him I now let the horses tell me what they like and want to do. For every horse I have owned or had in training I will gear their training in a direction the horse will enjoy! As their happiness means more to me than the ribbon or title that comes from performing the disciplines or achieving levels I want to accomplish! I also have to add Cherokee and Ike. Cherokee the mare that gave me everything she had!! The War mare who would be stubborn and mare-ish but had the biggest heart and would always give it her all! Ike is a beautiful Arabian gelding with a troubled past. He was once sold with a “if he kills anyone we are not liable” clause. This gelding took lots of time to gain his trust and to let him realize he didn't need to be guarded or scared. Now this beautiful boy is my lesson horse, and gives lessons to children who have never been on a horse before! So each horse teaches me something new, but one thing is certain! I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for these amazing creatures that have allowed me to be in their lives!

What animals do you currently own? 

I currently own 9 horses! Three are semi-retired, one is a rehab project that I received last fall, and so far he has made great progress! My stallion was a homebred and I also own his sire who is now gelded. I have three main riding horses based on discipline and I also have a small breeding operation. I am known as someone in our horse community who is good with horses and takes good care of them, as last year I was given three horses. Although you may find 9 horses to be a big number I find it hard to turn down a great horse just because their past or current situation may not be perfect. My job is to do the best job I can, to work with them and one day find them a perfect home, or like so many others, retire them out and give back to them a small part of what they have given to us!
We also currently own 3 dogs and 2 cats.
What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I have a vast variety of knowledge, having ridden many different disciplines, from starting and retraining horses, to working with abused or misunderstood horses. I take pride in bringing an understanding as to why the horse is acting the way they are. Besides having knowledge of why or how to fix something I am always learning! I do all my own farrier work, training, bodywork and I have fed and cared for as many as 40+ horses in one day. But what makes me stand out is the fact that the horse always, ALWAYS, comes first! This is why I travel to help clients even if it is a few hours drive to help one horse. I love the reward of seeing a change, to hear from the owner a positive outcome. I have had so many clients frustrated and lost, many have been told by vets that nothing is wrong with their horse, or they have no idea what's wrong, and after a few body work sessions their horse is sound and moving so much better! This is why I love this job, and if I can give back just a little to these amazing animals after they have given so much to me then it is worth it!

What message would you like to share with potential clients? If you ever have a question please ask!

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? If you truly love animals and want to help them become happy and healthy then don’t hesitate for one second! If not, simply add more knowledge to help your own horses, the more you learn the closer the partnership you will build with them!

Visit Megan's Website!