del mar

Equine Massage Therapist Credits Horse Dialog for Racing success

DEL MAR, CA – A growing number of horse racing professionals are turning to equine massage therapy, ⁣and one practitioner, whose work⁤ boasts a 15%-20% winner’s circle rate, attributes her success to a deep understanding of equine communication. The ⁣therapist, who works extensively with trainers and owners at tracks like Del Mar, Los ‌Alamitos, and Santa Anita, believes ⁤establishing mutual respect and reading subtle body language are key to unlocking a horse’s potential.

“When they get on ‍the horse they feel a ⁢difference. The horse just goes⁣ better,” she says, referencing feedback from exercise riders. Her approach begins even before treatment, prioritizing a connection with the animal. “I spend a good 5⁢ to 10 minutes outside the stall, letting them smell me,” she explains. “Then I ask their permission, ‘Can I come in​ your ​stall?’⁣ and they know already, like this person is not trying to barge ‍into my space.”

she emphasizes the importance of recognizing non-verbal cues. “They’ll move away⁢ from me, or‍ a quick ⁢move of the leg. It’s all ‌very⁢ subtle,” she notes, adding that she maintains complete focus during sessions, eliminating distractions.

Beyond massage, she actively advocates⁤ for horse welfare, having lobbied for rulings from the California Horse racing Board (CHRB) to protect ⁣equine integrity. She‌ focuses on keeping horses “relaxed, strong and happy,” recognizing that, like human athletes, they benefit from attention to muscle tightness and soreness.

Her ‍demanding schedule typically⁣ runs from 7:30 A.M.to 9 P.M.,extending to race days where she combines massage sessions with trackside analysis. She observes horses in the paddock,assessing their‌ relaxation levels,and monitors their breathing and stamina after races⁣ to inform future treatments.

A recent highlight was the August 30 victory of Om N joy in the Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old ​fillies at Del Mar, a moment she described​ as “like waking‌ up on another planet.” While she ⁢cherishes thes wins – stating⁤ they are “better than falling in love” – she always waits for an invitation to join the winner’s circle.

Following the Del Mar season, she plans a short break before continuing her work at Los Alamitos and santa Anita.