Mini Mag Feb 9 2021

Ottawa Horsewoman Finds Calling Improving Animal’s Lives Through Sports Massage Therapy By Frank J. Buchman

Frequently somewhat hyper, the buckskin mare Maggie’s tenseness was most apparent with blustery heavy downpour on the indoor arena. Julie Frank of Rise and Shine Equine LLC at Ottawa had lined up an appointment for Maggie several weeks earlier. A lifelong horsewoman, Julie is a certified sports message therapist for dogs and horses “to be their best,” she explained. Massages for humans, horses and dogs are really nothing new, but different and improved procedures are a constant effort. Ten benefits of massage therapy were described by Julie. A massage increases blood flow to muscles, and releases natural pain-relieving endorphins, a brain substance resembling the drug morphine.

Muscle tone is enhanced, circulation improves, inflammation is reduced, and joint mobility increases with massages, Julie said. They will also promote healing and increase a horse’s range of motion. To expand her efforts to help horses, Julie is incorporating a Sure Foot Equine Stability Program into her practice. “Sure Foot Pads developed by Wendy Murdoch change a horse’s posture, behavior, and movement. They improve balance, confidence, and performance,” Julie said. “More importantly, Sure Foot Pads when accompanied by voice command, your horse will become engaged, present, and ready to work.” From a large duffle bag, Julie spread 14 different Sure Foot Pads on the arena floor. “With distinctive names, each pad serves a different purpose in calming and relaxing the horse,” Julie explained.

The therapist readily becomes a horse’s best friend as verified by Maggie calm demur during massage treatment by Julie Frank.

Sure Foot Pads are in 14 different shapes and degrees of hardness to improve a horse’s posture, behavior, and movement, according to Julie Frank of Rise and Shine Equine LLC.

“The pads challenge your horse’s balance, activate nerve endings, work the small postural muscles, and create awareness,” Julie said. “The degree of difficulty depends on the pad density and number of hooves placed on pads. “Once the horse is familiar with the Sure Foot Pad, the pattern can be varied on any given day,” Julie explained. “It depends on the horse’s condition, medical history, and desired effect. “I am continuing to learn about Sure Foot Pads, but everything I’ve done so far has been positive for the horse,” she added. “I hope to become a certified in the Sure Foot Equine Stability Program to accompany my massage treatments.” As introduction to the treatment, Maggie was asked to stand with her left front foot on the full physio pad. “Good girl,” Julie complimented Maggie consistently as exposing the mare to other pads with all feet at some time.