October 2021 Practitioner of the Month.....Caitlin Looney

Name: Caitlin Looney

Location: Boston, Massachusetts and Nashua, New Hampshire 

Certifications Through Angel's Animals: Equine Massage Course

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always loved animals ever since I was a little kid! We had all kinds of animals from chickens to dogs to rabbits to guinea pigs to cats and so on! Growing up, I wanted to be a veterinarian but my career did not end up following that track. Instead, I found a way to give back and help animals feel their best through massage! I was involved in the local equine 4-H program growing up and did a presentation about equine massage, which I ended up presenting at the Eastern National 4-H Roundup! Since then, I have been extremely interested in equine massage and its endless benefits and decided to pursue my certification to make my aspirations become a reality. 

What animal influenced you the most growing up?  Horses for sure! I started taking lessons at the age of 6 which ignited a passion ever since! Horses are just incredibly patient, understanding, and they have so much to teach us regardless of breed, size, and performance. I would not be the rider or horsewoman I am today without the grace of my very first 4-H project horse Charlie.

What animals do you currently own? I still ride my senior 4-H project horse named Trace! He is a registered Paint Horse gelding and we do all around western events and some low level dressage (classical and western). I also have a guinea pig named Tobi and a rabbit named Juneau.

What makes  your animal bodywork practice stand out? I have ridden in many programs and different disciplines ranging from 4-H, dressage, western all around events, saddleset, and collegiate hunt seat equitation in IHSA and AEL. Riding at such diverse levels, I appreciate all aspects of competition and equestrian pursuits from the retired school pony to the leisurely trail master to the high performing equine athlete. With my variety of employment experience from being a working student to working at a veterinary hospital in addition to my riding experience, I have gained a deep comprehension of what it takes to help a horse feel their best. I am extremely determined and passionate about improving the well being of all horses using equine massage, which drives my practice to be continuously learning and improving to provide top quality bodywork services.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Equine massage therapy is beneficial to all equines no matter their competition level, discipline, age or breed! As the needs of a horse change throughout its life, so does the focus of bodywork. All horses are always using their muscles, joints, and body in so many different ways and equine massage therapy can help to reduce tension in any resulting stress areas. Please consider how equine massage can help your horse today! Feel free to browse our website extendequinemassage.com and connect with us to help your horse feel their best!

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Pursuing animal bodywork is so rewarding and very worthwhile! It truly pays off to see the results and improve the wellbeing of so many animals. I wish that I had worked toward my certification earlier in life! It is always a great feeling to see horses release their tension, let out a yawn or sign of release, and then show improved performance after the session!

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