Individual Bodywork
What does an individual bodywork session look like?
I’ll spend a few minutes with you talking about your horse.
I will assess your horse through a series of palpations & evaluations from head to toe looking for pain or restriction.
You are welcome to watch the bodywork session but I’m generally quite quiet while working with your horse as I’ll need my full attention on your horse to read his/her subtle cues to communicate with me about what is going on in his/her body.
Bodywork sessions generally take one to one and a half hours for first time clients and follow up sessions generally last about an hour. But it all depends on the horse and I always work on “horse time” meaning that the session may be shorter or longer depending on what the horse is presenting and how he/she responds to the bodywork.
If the horse is in work on the day of the bodywork session, it’s best to do this before the session and the horse should have at least 30 minutes to cool down before the session.
At the end of the session, I’ll give you an overview of the bodywork session and discuss next steps: follow up appointment and techniques and exercises for you to do in between sessions.
It’s important to note that this method works on the nervous system and the horse’s response to that will determine the length of the session, it will also determine how much time the horse might need off from work after the session (we generally recommend at least one day). We can discuss this at the conclusion of the session. These are all things to consider when scheduling the appointment day and time.
Cost: $100/session*
Pre and Post Competition Bodywork is also available: $40/session*
*Travel costs: up to 60 miles round trip is included in session price. Mileage rates apply over 60 miles round trip (67 cents/mile).
*Travel of over 60 miles round trip is an option and mileage rates (67 cents/mile) apply. For requests over 90 miles, a minimum number of horses are required.
Methods of payment: cash or check is preferred and must be paid at time of service. Checks should be made payable to High Point Equine Bodywork. Venmo: highpointequinebodywork and PayPal: stephanie.wilkins1969@gmail.com are accepted and must be paid at time of service.
Cancellation policy: a 24 hour cancellation notice is required.
Owner responsibility to support bodywork
If your horse is sick or injured, please see a veterinarian first.
If your horse is recovering from a major injury or illness, please clear bodywork with your veterinarian first.
Have your horse in and groomed (if possible). I prefer to work with a horse in a stall (or closed area), not cross ties.
It is ideal to turn a horse out after a bodywork session so that they can move, roll, etc. If this is not an option, hand walking your horse for 5-10 minutes after the session would be great.
If you cannot attend the session, that is OK. Please make arrangements for someone to do the necessary things to prepare your horse for the bodywork session and afterwards.
VERY IMPORTANT: Remove food and hay from the stall prior to the bodywork session. Eating interferes with the horse’s responses to the bodywork.
What People Are Saying
“I have seen a huge difference in my two Thoroughbred event horses since Stephanie started working on them. TC is super sensitive and not a fan of other types of bodywork but with Stephanie he has loosened up and learned to relax. While riding or at shows, he is calmer, more relaxed and more supple. With my other horse, Robbins, Stephanie can use a little more pressure and a few more techniques to help relieve tension and I can see a remarkable improvement in his behavior and movement after a session. The great thing about Stephanie is that these are two totally different horses and she can figure out just what each horse needs and wants. My horses definitely look forward to seeing Stephanie!"— Ava Gilliam, Ocoee, TN
"Stephanie has a special gift for listening to the horse and going at their pace. I have 3 lesson horses that she has worked on and her time was spent differently with each one, catering to their specific needs that the horses communicated to her. It’s such a pleasure to watch her work with the horses. My horses and I are so grateful to her for sharing her knowledge of the Masterson Method.”— Sarah Simon, November Run Equestrian, Adairsville, GA
“Stephanie has been a gift to myself and my horses! My horses love her and start relaxing right when she walks into their stalls to work on them. One horse was very distrustful of humans because he had been abused with his previous owner. It has been amazing to watch him with Stephanie and the physical and emotional changes he has made. It took him a few sessions to realize that he could relax and nothing was being asked of him except to relax and let go of body tension. Stephanie handled him with so much care and through the Masterson Method he has made huge physical and emotional changes. We love Stephanie and I can’t recommend her enough”— Corrie Eldridge, Flintstone, GA
“Where do I start with praise for Stephanie?! Having become a horse owner and lover late in life and literally knowing nothing about horses, Stephanie has been a blessing to our family in more ways than one! She has educated us on horses, she has been patient with our numerous questions, she has embraced our daughter and encouraged her on her equestrian journey and most importantly she has loved on our Prince like an angel! When Prince initially had a stifle injury, Stephanie came on board as part of his care team helping us through his recovery. At the time, we had been told that his future of showing and being ridden often was unsure. Stephanie took Prince under her loving arms and "hands” working on him every month and literally worked miracles! Prince now trots, canters and is working on trail riding. Stephanie's passion and love for what she does is evident in her smile, her eyes and her personality! It is also evident when Prince see's her as he too senses her love and compassion and healing hands. Our family recommends Stephanie with the highest of neighs."— Amy Hicks, Chattanooga, TN
