Name: Louisa Marais
Location: Bloemfontein, South Africa Certifications through Angel's Animals: Certified Equine Holistic Nutritionist When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I decided I wanted to work with animals probably when I was around 14 or 15; a year prior I learned how to ride horses and then started learning how to train them. My passion for horses grew from there and initially I wanted to become a horse trainer. It was only later on when I discovered an even greater passion for equine rehabilitation after my own horses faced several health challenges. I've never looked back and working with horses is honestly my dream job, and I love being able to wake up in the morning and go out into the world ready to make a difference. What animal influenced you the most growing up? Wow this is a difficult one! During my teenage years I had amazing and challenging horses cross my path and each had a lesson to teach me which I'll be forever grateful for. If I had to pick one it would probably be my very first horse, Flicka. She came into my life at a time where I was very uncertain of myself and had to still discover who I was and who I wanted to be. She didn't have the best life before we met and came to me terrified. Through helping her through her fears she helped me through many of my own insecurities, and helped me become the person I am today. What animals do you currently own? I currently own 3 amazing horses: Flicka who is still with me after so many years and still puts a smile on my face every day, Elvira who is my black beauty rescue mare that make me laugh, and Paige my chestnut mare who made me look differently at horses with challenging behaviour. What makes your animal nutrition practice stand out? There are so many ways in which I approach nutrition differently; while many nutritionists focus on meeting the nutritional requirements of the horse (which is very important), I go a step further by looking at how healthy each ingredient of the diet is and how that can affect the horse's body. Many ingredients may meet nutritional requirements, for example being high enough in energy and protein, but can then have a negative impact on the body through being inflammatory or being a GMO product and damaging the microbiome of the horse. I look at the diet by assessing nutritional requirements and nutrient balance, the individual horse, how healthy the diet is but also look at the owner's situation and what they can afford to provide. What message would you like to share with potential clients? I would be absolutely honoured to be a part of your journey. I have horses who struggled with so many health challenges in the past so I know how it feels when you have a horse who is not thriving, or who is dealing with a specific health concern, I understand the rollercoaster and the emotions that come with it. I didn't just study nutrition and other areas of horse care, I have helped my horses through some of the most difficult times and you can believe me when I tell you I will go above and beyond to help your horse in any way that I can. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career with animals? GO FOR IT! I cannot promise that it's going to be easy or that you'll only have success throughout your career, but the change you will see in the animal, the difference you'll make in the owner's life and the pure joy and happiness you'll feel in your heart will be worth it.
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Name: Dawn Dziubek
Location: Western Massachusetts, USA Current Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Myofascial-manipulative Functional Therapy When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always been an animal lover, but the idea of actually working with animals in a meaningful way started several years back when an animal practitioner worked on a few horses at our barn. I was impressed at how relaxed the horses were but also the effect the work had on the horses owners. Both owner and horse seemed so well connected during the sessions. Seeing an animal release that tension it may have had for years and the bond between owner and horse as a result, convinced me that I wanted a part of that as well! What animal influenced you the most growing up? I have had so many wonderful animals throughout my life so it’s hard to pick just one. I had a cat that followed me in the brook while I was hunting for tadpoles. I had a poodle that would have tea parties with me. I had a goat that would sit in my lap like a dog. A Parakeet that talked up a storm. I also had many wonderful horses. One horse however stands out. He was an OTTB. He was 6 when I got him I was 13. He was my best friend and we grew up together. He taught me patience, acceptance and trust. We learned to jump together. We raced down the Apple orchard together. He was my heart horse. What animals do you currently own? Currently I have the most perfect little dog. She is a Malti poo. I have a 30 gallon tank full of freshwater fish. Lastly I have a new heart horse. He is a liver chestnut, 15.3 Quarter horse. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? My bodywork practice stands out in that I try to individualize each session to the horse and owners needs at that moment. Rather than work on the horse I work with the horse and really try to “hear” what the horse is telling me. During a session I may use multiple methods and modalities according to the horses needs. I am grateful that Angels Animals demonstrated different modalities so I am better equipped to help the horse. What message would you like to share with potential clients? To those who would like to strengthen their bond with their horse, help their animal to feel better and as a result perform better, schedule a bodywork session with a certified EMFT. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? To those of you who are thinking of pursuing a career in animal bodywork, if you love animals and want to help them live their best lives I can’t think of a more rewarding career. How often do we have an opportunity to give back when animals give so much to us. A career in animal body can do just that! Name: Jennifer Broadway
Location: Gauteng, South Africa Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy, working on Kinesiology Taping and Craniosacral Therapy When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have been involved with the Helen Davies Equine Research Project South Africa for the last 3 years, during this time I have been afforded the privilege of being included in participating in more than 12 full equine necropsies. The deeper I delved into the interesting cases we were presented with the more my hunger grew for applying the knowledge I was gaining. I wanted to be part of the solution, making a difference in the well-being of horses and apply the research we were gathering to help educate and prevent the injuries and compensatory skeletal changes that we were seeing in the horses joining the project. What animal influenced you the most growing up? I have always been an animal lover, if it has fur to stroke, a nose to boop, or a body to cuddle I would be first in line to love and cuddle even though I was highly allergic, the risk of swollen eyes and itchy skin was worth it every time. What animals do you currently own? Currently I own 3 dogs one cat, too many fish and 2 horses. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Dynamic Balance provides specialized equine services that aim to create balance in motion by addressing the horse holistically. I have partnered with Lara van den Berge a Saddlefit 4 Life certified Equine Ergonomist and bit fitter. Together we address, saddle fit, bit fit and muscular-skeletal dysfunction created by either Ill fitted tack, rider imbalance, or general work related strain. Causing a horse to not be able to function to its full potential. We are in constant discussion with other experts in our field, including farriers, chiropractors, fascial release specialists, and body workers practicing a variety of modalities to give our client the best possible outcome for their horses in terms of rehabilitation and healing. Personally I place a large emphasis on ‘prehabilitation’. If you can set a horse up for bio mechanical success from the get go, the need for rehabilitation due to injury can be avoided. This can easily be achieved through firstly insuring that saddle fit is correct, but also by creating a culture of treating our equine like the athletes they are. Providing them with bodywork treatments to address minor muscular spasm and discomfort, identifying mild joint dysfunction early on to avoid major compensatory / skeletal dysfunction later on. What message would you like to share with potential clients? There are no such thing as badly behaved horses, head tossing, refusing contact, bucking, rearing, unwillingness to move forward, negative behavior whilst taking up, and refusal to jump are all indicators or pain and or compensation. There is ALWAYS a reason. And always a solution that does not include “Bitting Up” or overuse of Spurs and Crops to force a horse to comply. If there is a lack of willingness there is guaranteed to be a problem either with tack or a physical limitation within the body. It is our aim to figure out the WHY, and help provide solutions. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? “For the good of the horse” if I can change the quality of life for even one horse by facilitating healing every hour I have put into acquiring the knowledge I have gained was worth it 10 fold. If you can make a difference too, no matter how small you should strive to do just that. This is an amazing course that will give you the tools to start making that difference. Our equine partners give so much, it’s a wonderful privilege to be in a position to give back. Name: Klaartje Van Steen
Location: Belgium Certifications Through Angel's Animals?: Holistic Equine Nutritionist and Cranio Sacral Therapy When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? Already when I was little. I started horse riding when I was 7 years old and I never stopped. I always picked the 'difficult' horses and pretty soon started following clincs about horsemanship when I was 16. After working with horses who had 'problem behavior' I noticed it is not just behavior, but more than that. That is why I started to follow different forms of therapy to find the cause of the behavior so I could help the horse by finding a solution for the root of the problem. What animal influenced you the most growing up? Horses. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I have followed many kinds of therapy and saw many different physical and mental problems that horses where dealing with. Because of this I can easily adjust my treatment to what the horse needs. What message would you like to share with those who are thinking about starting a career in animal bodywork? Do it! The courses are very professional with amazing information to get you started to a carreer in animal bodywork. Name: Morgan Rooks-Turcotte
Location: Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada Certifications through Angel's Animals? I am Certified Equine Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Equine Kinesiology Practitioner. I`m enrolled in Craniosacral (almost done!), Equine Myo-Manipulative Functional therapy (just my hours left!) and Cold Laser Therapy (super excited for this one!). When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? From a young age, I knew I wanted to be involved with animals. I had such a big love for animals and aspired to be a veterinarian when I "grew up"! I had my mind set on the rehabilitation side of things when I got more involved at my old barn in training and showing and being more responsible for that side of things. I could see how much it helped the horses, and I was truly fascinated. What animal influenced you the most growing up? The whole reason I sought out a nutrition certification was for my current horse Barron. My very special OTTB, who I bought from a show barn a few hours south of where I live. He was struggling continuously with his weight and despite being generally healthy as confirmed by his vet, he just was not feeling the best he could. I hired a nutritionist who owned a feedstore and didn't see results after all the products I bought so I finally decided to take matters into my own hands. Once I completed the course, I saw miraculous changes in him PLUS, It was a bonus being holistic because I wanted to look more at just finding a grain for him; I wanted to make sure he was eating the best he could get and feeling both good inside and out! Now, he's recently been diagnosed with some arthritis so I`m so happy I have other modalities for him to keep him comfortable because even just tape has helped him tremendously. Helping my horse feel better and maintain his comfort is the best feeling I could have ever felt, and I feel so privileged I get to help other horses every day! My old show jumping horse Ellie that I leased before purchasing Barron was the horse that really made me set my mind on bodywork alike. She was sore and lame all the time, and I knew she deserved better when she worked so hard for me. I didn't know how back then, but I knew I wanted to help them. What animals do you currently own? I own Barron, my one horse, as well as a dog, his name is Kash and my 3 very special kitty girls Aurora, Jolene, and Jack! What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I think everyone has their own little talents and things they do, and its hard cause I look up to a lot of other therapists in my area. I think for me, on the nutritional side of things, is that I don't affiliate with a feed company unlike many others. So, when I`m creating a feed plan for your horse, it's strictly the best you can get with no interference in my personal relation. On the bodywork/kinesiology side, I`m in school to be a Veterinary Technologist and I believe in constant continued education. I strive to offer everything I can for the horses I`m privileged enough to work with. Being a Vet Tech will bring more experience to the medical side of things and may help us dive a little deeper into the How's and Why's. I am also happy we are taught more on just find and resolve, and more on the whole body's general balance and well-being. What message would you like to share with potential clients? I thoroughly enjoy the work that I do and am so proud of it. I will always ensure I will look in depth into your concerns and ensure that your happy with everything and, I love to stay in touch. The certain certifications I'm after are a lot more in depth then your typical massage or nutrition consult. I investigate the whole-body balance, not just finding and fixing one issue. I find this way; it keeps them comfortable for longer and helps them both inside AND out! I know I say this a lot but it`s something I`m so focused on! What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? It takes dedication, but it's so rewarding. Bodywork is something that I think should be in every horse owner back pocket for how much they do for us not only physically, but mentally too. If you have a love for horses and enjoy seeing them pain free and want to help that, consider looking into courses! Name: Tessa Goddard
Location: East Texas, USA Certifications through Angel's Animals? Holistic Equine Nutrition, EMFT, Equine Craniosacral When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to work with animals, but it wasn't until became a very active horse owner at the age of 10 that I truly discovered my passion for helping animals heal. I have been through so much throughout my horse journey and I have seen the damaging lifestyles horses have been brought into. Through my journey, I have discovered so many new ways to care for and support our equine friends through holistic nutrition, integrative bodywork, energy awareness, and truly healing from nature with the power of herbs and essential oils. I always aim to Renew, Restore, and Rewild through the support of every healing modality we have access to and specialize in species appropriate care. What animal influenced you the most growing up? One of my first horses, who I still have today, pushed me in more ways than I can explain and he is the one who led me to where I am today. We used to do eventing together and we were an intense team - always going to shows, practicing 6 days a week, and always striving for the next level. But through this, he unfortunately got pushed too hard and developed multiple injuries and conditions so I decided it was time to retire him. Through this, I discovered he needed so much rehab and a whole new way of living. I went on my own and started searching various ways to rehab and support, which led me down the path of species appropriate care, consent based training, and a whole new way of caring for our equine friends. He led me to discovering my passion for rescuing and rehabbing horses through utilizing the healing gifts we have been given through nature to support the Whole Horse in order to Rewild. What animals do you currently own? Between my family and I, we own about 40+ animals! We have 2 dogs, several cats, 10 horses, 2 donkeys, and many many chickens! I am beyond thankful for each and every animal we have rescued and rehabilitated with the power of holistic health and love! What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I do things a little differently than most and I provide personalized virtual support to reach more parts of the world! I specialize in Holistic Equine Nutrition Consults with an emphasis on Meridian Balancing and self-selection of aromatics. Through this a lot of my clients need guidance on how to support their own horses through various bodywork modalities so I provide them with specialized actions plans to teach them virtually! I provide them with videos as well as detailed reports walking them through the various steps of supporting their horse through massage, energy healing, and accupressure. This is alongside the very detailed action plans of nutritional adjustments, walking the client through the new personalized diet I created for the horse based on muscle testing and meridian balancing! I also provide very detailed actions plans on how to offer aromatics to the client horse and how to heal from the root level at targeting cellular healing:) I combine nutrition, bodywork, and cellular healing to connect and restore the body as a whole - one therapy can't do it all, rather each therapy needs to work together to Renew and Restore the body. What message would you like to share with potential clients? The biggest point I cannot stress enough is the importance of support. No matter what, you always need a team of practitioners and health care providers to support you and your horse from every angle on a journey to success. There are so many controversial opinions out there and it can get to be very overwhelming at times - one person says this, the other says that, and you never know who to trust! But when we can find certified practitioners who study holistic health and specialize in various healing modalities, we can ensure we can trust their recommendations and advice. You want to seek out someone who finds their answers from the guidance of the horse as they research species appropriate care and focus on healing from the power of nature and energy awareness. I encourage you to find a team of practitioners that can help you and your horse thrive from every angle because they all need to connect and create a healthy horse! If you want to learn more please reach out to me as it would be an honor to be part of your equine healing and wellness team! What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Go for it!! Don't ever let self-doubt creep in. I am not going to lie, the path is a long one and never ends as far as learning goes - you will ALWAYS be learning, but to me, that is the beauty of it! Being able to be in an industry where we can support horses (and any animal for that matter) to heal and restore is such a blessing and something you will never regret jumping into! Once you start your journey to becoming an animal practitioner, you will find yourself grow in unimaginable ways as you continue to grow and flourish from each and every animal you meet! The joy that you will attain from seeing animals and humans thrive through a deeper connection found from proper health is something that cannot be found anywhere else and it is truly one of a kind - it is so life changing. So I would encourage you to jump in and chase your dreams! Name: Meghan G'Schwind
Location: Central Nebraska, specifically Callaway Certifications through Angel's Animals, LLC: Equine Massage When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I grew up on a ranch in Wyoming so I’ve always worked with animals and horses in particular. I wanted to be a veterinarian and even completed two years of a pre-vet degree before I decided to choose another field in agriculture. I love the anatomy and physiology of horses and thought equine massage would be a good way to practice it. What animals do you currently own? My husband and I own two horses and typically train up to 4 more at a time. We also own 100 head of cows, two cats, and a dog. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? My practice is unique in that it can be beneficial to all disciplines of horses. From high performance barrel or cutting horses, to everyday ranch horses, a good massage can get them feeling their best. What message would you like to share with potential clients? A little bit of routine maintenance can reduce chronic pain and lameness and make your horse last longer. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? If you’re thinking of pursuing equine massage, my advice is to learn everything you can and fill your toolbox. The practice is getting more and more common, and a special skill can really set you apart from the competition. Name: Wendy Wilson
Location: Gilbert, Arizona USA Certifications through Angel's Animals, LLC: Equine Myo-manipulative Functional therapy and finishing the cranio-sacral course. When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? Wanted to do this all my life. I didn't' have the $$ for college as a vet student, so I went into a much more mundane area. I became a CPA. Now, in my retirement, I have the opportunity to help the helpless. Every hour spent with a horse fill me with a real sense of purpose. What animal influenced you the most growing up? Dogs. My grandfather had a kennel and every pup who wasn't doing well would come to my mom for nursing. I lost my mom quite young and lived with a family from our church. They introduced me to horses when I was 12. Although it was short lived, I never forgot the joy I found from horses. What animals do you currently own? I have a 15 year old Snoodle who is more like a puppy than a senior citizen. We rescued her 13 years ago and have had a wonderful time with this little pistol of a pup. Bentley (Wisdoms Flying Spur) is my 15 year old RMH. He's a stoic, lazy gelding but LOVES to go on trail rides. At home, he's exhausted after about 15 minutes of work but can travel a trail for hours on end. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? My love and concern for every animal I touch. I use the cranial sacral art to try to connect to every horse before I start the evaluation and massage. It's such a great feeling to calm a nervous critter, to connect in ways the owners thought weren't possible. I never rush. It doesn't matter if it take twice the time I anticipated. It's the result that matter. I never over schedule my time. One never knows what to expect. What message would you like to share with potential clients? Just like we humans often need body work, so does your equine partner. They are athletes and need the same care given to human counter parts. Many times, what you think is a behavioral issue turns out to be something physical. Just give me a chance to find the problem. If a vet is needed, or if a chiropractor is needed I'm the first to say so. I would never let my ego get out of control thinking I can cure everything. I'm honest and straight forward. My love for animals is ingrained into my very being. It doesn't matter if your horse is a hard working show horse or a pasture pet, My work can help. It's the hands on approach that I learned from you. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Be sure you're doing this for the right reason. Be calm and know you can succeed. No matter your age (I'm 71), ethnicity or anything else, let caring for the critters be your prime motivation. Other rewards will come. One thing I've noticed, many equine professionals (vets, farriers, dental workers etc.) do NOT give of their time to rescues. Everything is about the $$. I go to a horse rescue twice a month (Good Shepherd Healing Ministries, Apache Junction, AZ ) and work on 1-2 horses pro bono. It isn't about the $$. Volunteering has it's own rewards. Give it some thought. Name: Alice Collins
Location: San Francisco/San Jose Bay area, Ca. We do travel outside this area. Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine myo-manipulative functional therapiEquine Massage Certificationst and Equine Cranio-sacral therapist When do you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always loved and had a connection with animals and would care for lost and injured animals. Horses were my passion and still are. As a child and teenager I wanted to become a veterinary specializing in horses and, sometimes, life gives us a redirect. What animal influenced you the most growing up? My first cat who "talked" to me and my horse who taught me how to listen and feel his rhythm, his heart. I always rode bareback and one day we were in the arena warming up before our ride. He kept indicating he wanted to go over the small jumps so I thought, ok, why not. He taught me how to jump that day, to listen and feel his rhythm even more deeply, when to lift up, when and how to lean forward to support his rhythm and flow. It was a magical day and from then on I knew even more clearly how special that connection is. What animals do you currently own? I have a wonderful cat, Molly, who had been a semi-feral ranch cat. She is an absolute delight and loves being an indoor house cat. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Bodies talk to me, they always have. I am also an intuitive massage therapist and certified Avesa Medical Intuitive. I look at the whole horse which includes environment, owner/rider relationship, the type of work the horse does as well as the emotional wellbeing of the horse. As I connect and work with the horse I help to relieve held trauma and then begin the unwinding process of physical issues. I work with the horse, at their pace and as they are ready as well as working with the owner to create a plan of between visit care to maximize the horse's recovery. It is amazing how much faster a horse can heal when their owner does the suggested follow through support. What message would you like to share with potential clients? Find a bodywork practitioner that both you and your horse are comfortable with. If either of you are not comfortable it will not matter how good the practitioner is AND remember to take into account how quickly or not so quickly your horse takes to a new person. I love working with horses, this is my passion and heart song. What message would you like to share with other who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? GO FOR IT!!! This work is so important and needed and yet, many horse owners do not understand its value. Allow yourself to find the people and clients that DO appreciate you and your work and let the others find their own way. There is more than enough work for everyone. Name: Gemma Morgan
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Certifications through Angel's Animals? I am an Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist & Equine Kinesiology Tape Practitioner When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I've spent most of my life surrounded by animals, so the idea has always been there. When I first started riding lessons, I knew that's when I wanted to work with horses in some aspect. It wasn't until I was in school for human massage therapy when I kept ditching class to go to the barn, that I realised I should change my type of clientele and actually pursue them! What animal influenced you the most growing up? Definitely horses! I'm not sure where I would be today without them, they have been a major part of my life for a long time now. What animals do you currently own? I just have my very wonderful horse Archie. He only has one eye, which has created several muscular & structural imbalances throughout his body, so he's been a BIG inspiration for my massage business. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I try to take a whole mind & body approach to my clients horses. I also have my diploma in equine science, so to me it's not just looking at the muscles and working through a problem area, it's also the behaviour, diet, physiology, etc I have to look at. What message would you like to share with potential clients? One of the things I see far too often is people underestimating or overlooking the power of massage. Trust me I get it, at first I too was like, massaging horses?? Really, are you crazy? But it really should be part of the average working horses wellness plan. I've had a lot of clients book me with horses they claim to not have problem areas, but end up messaging me days later saying they have a completely different horse (in a good way)! What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? If this is something you want to do, and you're willing to fight for it then absolutely go for it. I have loved every appointment and horse I have gotten to work with because of my business, but it is a lot of work. Just remember that you're starting your own business, and it can be rough but if you can put your all into it, it'll be a very rewarding career! |
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March 2024
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