Equine & Canine Massage, Therapeutic Massage for Horses and Dogs

Equine Massage: Do you have an older horse whose movement is
restricted due to arthritis pain? Do you have a show horse that needs to
be excelling in their performance?

Equine Massage - A therapeutic massage for your horse can make the difference!

 

Canine Massage: Does your beloved dog have trouble climbing up the stairs? Do you have a show dog that you want to help keep in top form?

Canine Massage by a certified massage therapist can transform the health and movement of your pet!

Pony and Pooch Therapeutic Massage, LLC is owned and operated by *Holli Shan, ESMT, CMT. Whether the horses and dogs are seasoned athletes or suffering from arthritis, a therapeutic massage can:

* Aid in movement, flexibility and agility
* Increase circulation, speeding healing after surgery or injury
* Alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.

Serving Loudoun, northern Prince William, western Fairfax, and parts of Fauquier Counties in Northern Virginia.

Questions and Answers

Does your pet have trouble climbing stairs or moving around?  Does your pet display puzzling behavior you can't seem to correct with training?   

Alternative therapies can often help the animals in our lives. Holli Shan of Pony & Pooch Therapeutic Massage, LLC took the time to answer some questions on the two forms of therapy she focuses on: horse and dog massage, and intuitive animal communication. 

Why would a horse or a dog need massage? 

Muscles are made up of fibers that expand and contract depending on what we're trying to do. In an active animal, such as a horse that competes in shows or the dog that competes in agility, a massage will help to keep them fit and flexible. For the aging animal, massage helps alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, leaving your pet healthier, happier, and free of pain.   

Are there licenses or certifications for pet therapists? 

There are certification courses that teach basic anatomy along with the proper massage sequence, taught by massage schools across the world. The most common certifications are: CMT (Canine or Certified Massage Therapist) and  ESMT (Equine Sports Massage Therapist).  

It's important to keep in mind that massage therapists cannot (and do not) diagnose animals for disease or injury. Massage is not a substitute for proper veterinary care.   

Do  animals actually stay still for a massage? 

Personally, I always make sure that the massage experience is a great one for each animal. Horses will typically stand well for a massage, provided there are no distractions (like the barn worker using a leaf blower inside the barn, or the horse's friends passing by).  Often the owner or trainer holds them as well just as a precaution.  

Once most dogs realize I won't hurt them, they'll sit or lay down.  Some dogs like to get up, walk around and get a drink of water before continuing.   

What is an “Intuitive Animal Communicator”? 

An Intuitive Animal Communicator is someone who can communicate with animals on a “telepathic”  level.  Telepathy is the practice of being able to sense images, emotions or feelings from a distance.  This practice does takes time to learn, but anyone can be taught how to communicate with their pets intuitively in this manner. 

I once communicated with a horse who was at odds with her owner.  I told the trainer that before the horse came to the owner, the horse was harshly reprimanded for not doing what she was told, but she hadn't understood what she was supposed to do.  I explained to the horse that the new owner wasn't like that and she wasn't going to hurt her.  I called the trainer the day after and asked how things were going.  The trainer informed me that the owner and the horse had the best lesson they had ever had. 
 

Can you communicate with my deceased pet? 

Yes.  The core energy of an animal survives, even if they are no longer physically with us. 

How will I know if communication has worked? 

You will know by the results.  For the pets that have passed on – you will have a greater peace of mind and sense of comfort with your pet's' passing.  For the pets that are here, you may notice a change in behavior or the demeanor of your pet for the better.   

For further information, additional questions  please send an e-mail to holli@ponyandpooch.us. 

You can also find more information at www.ponyandpooch.us (for massage) and www.compassionateanimalcommunication.com (for intuitive  animal communication).