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, โฃand one practitioner, whose workโค boasts a 15%-20% winner’s circle rate, attributes her success to a deep understanding of equine communication. The โฃtherapist, who works extensively with trainers and owners at tracks like Del Mar, Los โAlamitos, and Santa Anita, believes โคestablishing mutual respect and reading subtle body language are key to unlocking a horse’s potential.
“When they get on โthe horse they feel a โขdifference. The horse just goesโฃ better,” she says, referencing feedback from exercise riders. Her approach begins even before treatment, prioritizing a connection with the animal. “I spend a good 5โข to 10 minutes outside the stall, letting them smell me,” she explains. “Then I ask their permission, ‘Can I come inโ your โstall?’โฃ and they know already, like this person is not trying to barge โinto my space.”
she emphasizes the importance of recognizing non-verbal cues. “They’ll move awayโข from me, orโ a quick โขmove of the leg. It’s all โveryโข subtle,” she notes, adding that she maintains complete focus during sessions, eliminating distractions.
Beyond massage, she actively advocatesโค for horse welfare, having lobbied for rulings from the California Horse racing Board (CHRB) to protect โฃequine integrity. Sheโ focuses on keeping horses “relaxed, strong and happy,” recognizing that, like human athletes, they benefit from attention to muscle tightness and soreness.
Her โdemanding schedule typicallyโฃ 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 theirโ relaxation levels,and monitors their breathing and stamina after racesโฃ 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 โfillies at Del Mar, a moment she describedโ as “like wakingโ up on another planet.” While she โขcherishes thes wins – statingโค 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.