Ilene's holistic and integrated treatment approach is unique.  She combines her expertise in various equine massage modalities, yoga, proper saddle fit and proper saddle flocking in order to create and carry out a customized plan to relax your horse and optimize his or her health and performance.  If desired, Ilene will also design a customized yoga plan for the rider and teach the rider yoga poses to help reduce physical issues riders can transfer to their horse.

Benefits of Equine Massage

• Enhances performance and gait quality
• Improves range of motion and stamina
• Improves disposition
• Provides comfort to tight muscles or muscular injuries
• Improves circulation
• Provides an assessment of physical condition
• It feels great!!

Benefits of Yoga For Horse and Rider

• Improves rider flexibility, strength and breathing
• Teaches rider basic equine muscle stretches to benefit the horse between massages
• Reduces transference of physical and structural asymmetries riders "bring to the horse" further enhancing performance and deepening the horse/rider relationship.

Benefits of Proper Saddle Fit

Proper saddle fit is a necessity for a happy, healthy, high performing horse.  A properly fitting saddle will:

• Protect your horse’s spine and surrounding musculature
• Help enable your horse to properly use their ring of muscles
• Help your horse move freely within the envelope of release, especially the neck, back, shoulders and haunches

Studies indicate 75-90% of all saddles in use do not properly fit the horse on which they are used.  Many saddles also do not fit the rider. Improper saddle fit can be very painful for your horse and may lead to many health and performance issues including:

Benefits of Proper Saddle Reflocking for English Saddles
A properly flocked (stuffed) saddle is just as much of a necessity as a properly fitting saddle.  Lumpy flocking or flocking that has “thinned out” over time due to usage can cause the same kind of pain and damage to your horse as an improperly fitting saddle.

Ilene uses only high quality, 100% natural wool when reflocking saddles.  She will also check your saddle to be sure the girth straps are secure and in good repair at no extra charge.

Check out the Saddle Reflocking Information Sheet for additional information.

Important note:  Equine massage and proper saddle fit and flocking are not substitutes for proper veterinary, dental and farrier care.  Consult a qualified and appropriate equine health care professional for proper treatment.

equine massage | saddle reflocking | saddle fitting | saddle and tack repair | horse and house sitting