As for my farrier work, I look at what the horse’s conformation is and what the horse is used for and then decide what I need to do to keep the foot functioning well. I charge $45 for a trim, $90 for front shoes, and $120 for a full set of shoes and $0.50/km one way for mileage plus GST. As for my massage and vertebral realignment work, in the first session: 1/I look at the horse’s conformation and how it move and assess its movement and take notes. 2/ I do a thorough hands-on assessment of the horse’s muscles and bone positions. 3/ I work on the areas of issue as long as the horse will allow me and after the muscles are loose I will do the adjustments needed (I don’t use a mallet only my hands). 4/ I may make suggestions to the owner as for exercises and stretches they could do to help the horse. The first session usually takes an 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. If a second session is required, it usually looks a lot like the first but it only takes about an hour and a half. This is due to the fact that I already know the horse and would have an idea where I need to focus my attention. As for how many sessions a horse requires it depends on the horse and what the horse is used for. If it is a pleasure horse maybe all it needs is a session or 2 and maybe then a session only once or twice a year to make sure everything is good. If it is a performance horse maybe after the first few sessions, it might be wise to get a massage done once a month to help keep the horse’s muscles and body working to full potential. Again it really depends on the horse and the use. My first session costs $100, and any more sessions that are needed would cost $85. There is a mileage charge as well which is $0.50/km one way and GST. Massage can make a huge difference in a horse that has an injury. Not only does it increase circulation and bring nutrients to the area that needs healing it aids in removing the swelling. Using lymphatic drainage techniques I can greatly reduce lower limb swelling and swelling due from injuries which will speed up recovery time. Massage can also greatly benefit a horse that is colicing. By using colic relief techniques I can aid in getting the digestive track moving and functioning again in a timely manner. Regarding massage for reducing swelling or massage for colic relief I charge $75 plus my mileage charge and GST.
