CONNECTICUT EQUINE THERAPY, LLC

EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPY CAN….  

• • Increase flexibility and range of motion. Help prevent injuries.
• • Improve temperament, promote bonding and trust.
• • Enhance rhythm and balance.
• • Reduce pain in chronic conditions
• • Improve circulation. Speed up the healing process.
• • Stimulate digestion, enhance elimination.
• • Promote muscular relaxation.
• • Reduce pain and stiffness. Improve comfort in senior horses.

About Us

Credentials

I will travel to your barn in the CT, NY, MA area. Also frequent Ocala, FL. Service by appointment. I usually book a week out. Discounts are offered for multiple horses. Rates start at $95 depending on travel distance and amount of horses scheduled.

PRE MASSAGE

I will travel to your barn in the CT, NY, MA area. Also frequent Ocala, FL. Service by appointment. I usually book a week out. Discounts are offered for multiple horses. Rates start at $95 depending on travel distance and amount of horses scheduled.

MASSAGE

Equine massage therapy benefits all ages, breeds and disciplines of horses on many different levels. Massage benefits all 12 body systems. The positive effects of massage can take a day or so to process. Physical changes as well as emotional changes may take place. Horses that had touch issues may become more tolerant, start to enjoy and trust hands on contact such as petting and grooming. In my experience results can be obvious and long lasting. Equine massage is an excellent complement to Veterinary, Acupuncture and Chiropractic care. It is perfect to massage a horse with restricted range of motion within a week before a Farrier visit. Your horse's response to massage will vary depending on present issues and type of application. Depending on how massage is applied to the horse’s body it can relax or stimulate.

Testimonials

• Sue is a horse’s best friend. With an experienced and caring eye, she figured out exactly where my horse needed help and how to achieve it. My horse world is more secure with Sue in it. Highly recommend!!!
  -Barbara Eisner DVM CVA
  

• Sue goes above and beyond! She works on my horses, Sheldon, Pony Boy and dog Haven. Sue treats my pets as if they were her own. Anytime she finds something out of the ordinary during massage she researches it after our session and sends me information to support her findings. Sue’s information helps me make an educated decision on my pets care. She is professional, accessible and has great response time, the most you could ask for as a client!
  -Lizzie Childress
  

Testimonials

• I am a Farrier in the CT area. Sue frequently works on my 3YO Shepard mix, Ozzy who was born with a spinal embolism which limits the use of his hindquarters. Sue’s ability to locate and release tight overused muscle keeps him nimble and active by increasing his mobility and range of motion. Ozzy loves his massages! Sue also works on my 12YO OTTB, Color-Me-Josh I rescued 2 years ago. Josh suffers from a starting gate injury involving a spinal and pelvic misalignment which limited his ability to stay comfortable under saddle. With Sue's frequent massages, the chiropractor has been able to make adjustments for proper alignment with less effort supporting his comfort. Josh also needed specialized shoeing on his right hind to help everything stay in alignment. Josh is a perfect example why it takes a knowledgeable team of professionals: Vet, Farrier, Massage Therapist, Chiropractor and Trainer to keep to keep our equine athletes in top condition to be able to do what we ask of them , Sue is one of those professionals.
  -Gary Gittings
  Gittings Farrier Services
  

Testimonials

• Sue was so very helpful for my Peruvian Paso horses. Her ability to massage and work out the muscle kinks really opened up their freedom of movement. Sue is very knowledgeable and I enjoy working with her!
  - Mary Fox.
  

• Jiid and I look forward to Sue’s visit. He looks at her, takes a deep breath and says: “more in that spot please, that feels so good!”
  -Barbara Gindick.
  

• For the last 3 years I've used Susan’s services for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Her commitment to the horse's wellbeing is only surpassed by her continued research into what makes these animals tick. I have always found Susan to be a compassionate and capable horsewoman. Her services have been very useful in assessing my horses overall condition and in uncovering some of the more subtle issues affecting their physical performance. Connecting the dots between what seems obvious with what might lie beneath the surface goes toward treating the cause and not just the symptoms. Susan has always provided "outside the box" suggestions and therapies and my horse's have always benefited from her visits.
  -Stephanie Clarke
  Stony Meadows Farm

Testimonials

• You have heard of the phrase it takes a village, well that’s what it took to take care of my Dutch Warmblood Moe and Susan was part of that team! I had her massage Moe at least once every month to sometimes every week according to how he was feeling. She was always spot on-if his back was sore we would figure out why, sometimes she gave specific exercises or the saddle fitter needed to come. Susan has a lot of experience and I always felt that through her I could figure out what was wrong with Moe or if he felt amazing after the massage, he was even better!
  I highly recommend Susan, your horse will thank you!
  -Virginia Pursche
  

Testimonials

• Susan Kasmin is truly a talented and committed practitioner. She has helped identify and resolve muscular limitations affecting training progress with our horses at Inner Circle Farm. Susan taught me how to break up scar tissue and move lymphatic fluid in a gelding with complications from a bad castration. With demonstration and patient guidance I applied her techniques daily with astounding results. This has been an amazing asset in horses that are older or have issues that came to us unresolved.
  -Laura Parker
  Inner Circle Farm

• Sue Kasmin is knowledgeable and professional, with excellent communication skills. She offers education and advise while she works on your horse. I love that she is often continuing her education and exploring new techniques. I appreciate having someone dependable to refer my clients to.
  -Karen Withstandley
  The Refined Equine

Testimonials

• Sue has been working on two of my mini donkeys, Mandy and Gray-C since 2017 with remarkable success. Both have very special needs. Her knowledge and expertise helped improve both their overall condition tremendously. Sue is generous with her time and knowledge spending as long as it takes to get their bodies as comfortable as possible. Both Mandy and Gray-C’s comfort level increased amazingly after only a few sessions. They love Sue’s work so much they walk over to greet her when she enters the paddock. I highly recommend Sue to be able to find out where your equine has discomfort or pain, her magical fingers will get them feeling better in no time!
  -Barbara Steadman
  The Clipper Barn
  

Testimonials

• Sue is intuitive. I say this with the greatest confidence having used massage therapists for over 20 years. She is an intrigal part of our equine team, keeping us healthy and fit in the Reining show pen. She calmed my 5YO QH Dino’s busy mind by teaching me how to approach him so that his nipping and constant mouthy ways were put at ease. She also taught us how to use essential oils, which work very well for all, the horses, dogs and myself. Another of our Reining horses had a locked up neck which inhibited his movement and made his left lead very hard to ride. After Sue worked on him a few times, his huge muscles became supple and he's been striding perfect and smooth on all leads since. I would highly recommend Sue Kasmin for your horses. She is good at uncovering the mysteries that these majestic animals hide. Sue is an excellent intuitive Massage Therapist, for people too! "Healing Hands” is my loving nickname.
  -Gail & Mark Olson
  Creekside Ranch

• Sue,
  Thank you so much for your services! Our horses are so happy with your quality of work and kindness you give them all. Even when the dogs jump in your lap, you are happy to give them your time! I can’t recommend your services and professional approach enough.
  -Amy Rader Wimler
  White Birch Farm

Testimonials

• Susan Kasmin has to be one of the most conscientious professionals I’ve worked with in years... She is forever evolving, bettering her skills and knowledge about our equine athletes. What I like most about Susan is she advocates for her subjects. Her many years of experience working with an array of veterinarians, farriers, and horse trainers has made her an invaluable resource of knowledge. I consider Susan an asset when managing my performance horses. She is a walking rolodex of therapies and alternative modality bodywork methods.
  -Jenniffer Tillinghast,
  FEI 5* Stable Manger
  

Testimonials

• Because Sundance my 32 year old Quarter Horse is missing an eye, he has to compensate by craning his neck to see what is happening on his blind side. As a result, his body has issues that other horses don't have. One side is built up and tight, the other side is not. Over the years, Sue has helped to even Sunny out, releasing lots of stress that starts in his poll and radiates from there. She is so gentle and patient with him, and you can see him begin to melt under her hands. I always find that he is happy and can move so much better under saddle after a session with Sue, and I truly appreciate the wonderful care she has provided for Sundance.
  -Betsy Schwartz
  

• Sue has an incredible ability to listen to a horse emotionally and physically. She immediately picked up on issues that were affecting my horses muscles. This included: saddle fit=reactive back, dental=tight poll, jaw muscles and tmj, hoof angles=locked up shoulders, behavioral=stallion like behavior, lots of nipping when massaged and a reactive gut at acupressure points created by a full circle cycle due to discomforts present. Great improvement once individual issues corrected then massaged again. Having a professional like Sue helped with a fresh eye. Her bodywork has changed my horses attitude, comfort, and performance greatly!! She goes above and beyond to help horse owners improve and maintain their horses health sending educational information after a session. She also introduced me to the benefits and uses of essential oils. Sue is not only an excellent massage therapist (horses, humans and small animals) but she loves her work and does it whole heartedly. You will not be disappointed, Sue is a wonderful person!
  -Debbie Rich
  

Testimonials

• I am both a farrier and an equestrian. I needed a body worker who could understand my lifestyle. When I met Sue I was in constant pain from repetitive motion injuries. Sue was able to provide me with intuitive massage and supportive kinesio taping. She prepared me for blacksmithing contests and helped my recovery afterwards. (I won!) I am looking forward to the support she can offer my equine and canine partners also!
  -Allyson Garcia, CF

• Susan has been taking care of my horses for years. Under her care, they have strived when being worked every day as well as during retirement. She has a great way and approach, as well as intuition which appeals to even the most skittish or sensitive animals. Susan is able to often tell more about a horse’s health and issues than the vet. I highly recommend her."
  Laure S.
  

• Thank you so much for your expertise in recognizing that Leo’s back was tight and sore from an incorrect fitting saddle. After his first evaluation and massage, it was clear that Leo was feeling much better and was relaxed. I learned so much from your detailed analysis and follow up “Home Work” that helped me form a stronger connection with him every time we interacted.
  - Sue Elton
  

MASSAGE

Massage can help prepare muscles for strengthening by spreading muscle fibers. This allows more blood into muscle tissue which brings in nutrients and oxygen. Massage releases tight muscles which allows for proper range of motion. Muscles cannot develop correctly unless they have the proper range of motion. Just riding a horse does not develop proper tone in all muscles. A strengthening program incorporated into your horse's life is very important regardless of age or use. Consistent cavaletti, hill work, resistance bands, Pessoa lunging, long reining and using transitions are just some of the ways to condition your horse.

MUSCLE HEALTH

• MUSCLE STRENGTHENING TIPS

  Whether you use your equine for pleasure or professional purposes it’s important for a horse to stay physically fit. A simple routine exercise plan can help keep your equine in optimum condition throughout its senior years. Good muscle tone and strength and good cardiovascular health are of utmost importance. Here are some quick and easy ideas for keeping your horse in great shape.

  Providing enough fresh water, quality roughage and/or regulated grain rations, frequent grooming, daily turnout, proper saddle fit, professional hoof care and routine veterinary and dental visits are also factors in maintaining good equine health.

• Remember to start workouts gradually then increase exercise as your horse increases endurance. Warm ups and cool downs of 10-15 min are also important to get the muscles warm before workouts or stretching and relaxed after workouts especially in cold weather. This assures that the horse comfortably adapts to the tolerance of your conditioning goals without stress or injury.

  It is important to check and know your horse’s baselines as a part of good conditioning. Below are the normal ranges of vital signs for an adult horse.

  EQUINE VITAL SIGNS

  Temperature  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99.2-101.5
  Pulse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-50 BPM
  Respiration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14 BPM
  Capillary Refill Time (CRT) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Seconds

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get in touch

Links

• Equi-Tape
• Rock Tape
• KT Tape
• Platinum Performance
• Equicore Concepts
• BioStar
• Dr Xie’s Jing Tang Herbal
• The Gentle Horse Dentist
• Wilson Meagher Sports Therapy
• TRADITIONAL EQUINE DENTISTRY
• POULIN GRAIN
• The Refined Equine, LLC
• Cavalor

articles

• Stubborn As A Mule's Knot: Massaging Ornery Beasts
• Are His Stifles Strong Enough by Jo-Ann Wilson
• Best Exercises For Core Strength
• 9 Best Cavalletti Exercises
• Core Exercises For Riding
• Muscles And Their Use 

Connecticut Equine Therapy offers clinics that include a demonstration on a horse for the group of your choice. Susan will explain the importance of massage to help maintain muscle health while working on the horse in front of group. She will define muscles and explain the importance of muscle condition. Horses are welcome to come for massage work at clinics if premises allows. Contact Us for more information and scheduling.

Muscle fact

The muscular system is responsible for holding the skeletal system together…. Muscles are responsible for stability and posture….Nerves conduct electrical impulses to expand and contract muscles which creates movement in the horse....Muscles generate heat by producing small spasmodic contractions called shivering to avoid hypothermia....Muscles make up about 60% of a horses body weight….Muscle has the ability to stretch 1 1/2 times its resting length....There are no muscles below a horses knees and hocks….Fifteen individual muscles are required to move the horse’s ears….The horse's anatomy does not include a collarbone. Their front legs are attached to their spine through a complex system of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

MASSAGE

It is perfect to massage a horse with restricted range of motion within a week before a Farrier visit. Your horse's response to massage will vary depending on present issues and type of application. Depending on how massage is applied to the horse’s body it can relax or stimulate.

MASSAGE AFTERCARE

After the massage session is completed another gait analysis is done to evaluate the horse’s movement. Specific aftercare will be provided after each treatment in relation to exercises, stretches, rest and conditioning management. A horse can be walked, ridden or turned out after massage, movement is preferred. If ridden be mindful the horse is already warmed up. Do stretching and suppling exercises to elongate muscles to help process metabolic waste. A canter will engage all large muscles groups which helps facilitate bodywork and open up stride. Don’t overdo it, let the horse absorb the massage. After massage be sure your horse has access to plenty of fresh drinking water. If the weather is cold it is a good idea to cover the horse to keep muscles warm.

FREQUENCY

Four week follow up treatments are recommended for maintenance purposes. The type and frequency of massage is determined by the horses needs at the time. If there is a specific issue, then a shorter period of time between massages will be advised. I look forward to working with your horses soon!