Testimonials
Horses Everywhere Agree – “This stuff really works!”
But What Are People Saying
equine bodywork for balance, LLC
Testimonials
Nancy & Rose
Dawn saved my 23 y/o mare, Rose, from euthanasia. Last summer, my best trail horse developed major problems due to navicular. She had difficulty getting up, unable to walk a straight line and stood with her hind feet close together. My Vet completed x-rays and a lameness test. Rose had advanced navicular in front right and arthritis in the hind end. This wasn’t good and I had to start thinking about making a tough decision. I was devastated!
I called a couple of horse friends who recommended equine bodywork. I remembered meeting Dawn a while back at a Therapeutic Riding facility where I volunteered. She was giving a Clinic and taught us a simple Masterson Method technique to help the working horses release tension and relax. I knew I was comfortable with Dawn. She was patient with the horses and handlers alike.
I contacted Dawn and she was at my place the next day. Both of my horses responded in a positive way to her as she entered the barn. My horses are very sensitive and will not allow just anyone near them. After a gentle assessment on Rose, Dawn began a gentle massage, myofascial releases, Red Light Therapy and gentle joint mobilizations. I really appreciated Dawn letting me observe everything and she taught me techniques that I could do to help Rose daily to promote her comfort.
My farrier had to retire due to health issues after 18 years of keeping Rose sound. Dawn was able to refer me to a local Barefoot Trimmer who works with a Barefoot Specialist, and also a Nutritionist, since Dawn could tell Rose needed additional help during her senior years. Dawn has come out several times since this started last fall and I continue to do the techniques on Rose for support.
Rose has a new release on life! She is now pasture sound, stands squarely, with her hind legs hip width apart, and even kicks up her heels in the pasture from time to time. I highly recommend Dawn to assist you in providing your horse with exceptional bodywork.
Nancy H
Barb & 2Bit
2Bit and I have been working with Dawn for well over a year. I got 2Bit as a 13 year old, barely broke project and forever horse. Through Bodywork and Groundwork, Dawn has helped with developing his muscles and keeping him comfortable with his body changing as he develops. I find that the pole work is especially helpful. He is very sensitive to his surroundings (yes, that means spooky!) The pole work keeps him focused while developing his coordination and muscles. He really loves the bodywork and enjoys our in–hand work. Dawn is great at explaining why we’re doing what we’re doing and has the patience of a saint. I highly recommend working with her!
Robin & Summer
Dawn is a treasure, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. She was the final piece of the puzzle in the rehab of my Warmblood mare, Summer. Summer was dealing a tight neck and back. With riding, chiropractic work and bodywork, amazingly her neck has lengthened 6 inches and her topline has come up. Dawn’s bodywork was one of the keys to bringing Summer back and working to her full potential. Bodywork has allowed Summer to deal with the changes in her body, relieving stress that she had been carrying for a long time.
Dawn is amazingly intuitive with her Bodywork. She listens to what Summer is telling her with body language, and then adjusts the Bodywork accordingly. Over the years I have used Dawn, Summer has trusted her more and more. There are techniques that Summer would not allow Dawn to do, early on in their relationship, that she now accepts willingly. Summer even gives a nicker when Dawn’s truck pulls up to the barn. Dawn has also given us different exercises and stretches to do on a regular basis to improve Summer’s physical condition and strength. She truly has your horse’s best interest in mind at all times.
Robin F
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Jan & Ky
My horse Ky, is a 21-year-old gelding. He had been getting Masterson Method Bodywork previously and then the practitioner moved away. After not having anyone to work on Ky in over a year, I met Dawn at a riding clinic in the summer of 2021. She had mentioned that she is a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner, and I was thrilled to find that she was working in our area. I just had a very good feeling about Dawn being the right person for Ky (and myself).
Ky has navicular syndrome in both of his front feet. Dawn started seeing Ky for Bodywork and it was immediately obvious that he was doing great. He responded – and continues to respond – very positively to Dawn’s work. Dawn uses several different techniques, along with Masterson Method to treat Ky. She has displayed the knowledge, experience, and willingness to do the best she can for the horse. Along with an excellent farrier, and the best methods for dealing with his feet, the navicular is well under control.
Dawn has also developed a groundwork program for Ky, and has given me “homework” to do, on my own, in between visits. Dawn gives 200%! I feel like I have a “new”, old horse and we can enjoy our work together. He has continued to improve, and I will continue to have Dawn help him to be the fittest, and happiest horse he can be – he has so much more energy and life now.
Thanks a million Dawn! Jan Z
Kelly & George
Dawn has been working on my Hanoverian gelding, ‘George’ for the past 3 years. Her calm demeanor, attention to detail and dedication to the wellbeing of our equine partners is phenomenal! George has a tendency to be stiff in his canter departures to the right. Since Dawn has been working on him, there has been significant improvement. I also like that she provides great suppling exercises that we can do in between visits.
I highly recommend Dawn’s services, whether you compete, trail ride or just want your horse to be as comfortable and happy as possible!
Kelly K
Sharon & Nikki
My horse and I were at an impasse. Nikki hates blankets. In particular, she hates when I buckle the front of her blanket over her chest. As an owner, however, I love her blankets as they give me peace of mind when my horse is out in inclement weather. In trying to figure out the best way to get my horse into her blanket with the least aggravation to myself, I thought of Dawn. I had noticed Dawn working on horses in our barn earlier, and I witnessed how utterly relaxed the horses were: droopy ears, half-closed eyes, and dropped hips as the horses rested one leg. However, what most caught my attention was the fact that Dawn was working on these horses without any cross ties. There was no need. The horses were that relaxed.
I contacted Dawn and we scheduled an appointment. I explained our situation, and Dawn zeroed in on the fact that Nikki had tight pectoral muscles. She then spent a good 2 hours evaluating and treating Nikki. At the end of the session, she suggested some stretches and exercises I could do with my horse.
The next time Dawn saw Nikki, my horse had improved, and she was able to relax in response to Dawn’s treatment much sooner. By the third visit, Nikki was trusting Dawn to the extent that we were able to drop the cross ties so Dawn could work on her more easily. (While Nikki has some fine qualities, standing still in cross ties isn’t one of them.) And so began our ongoing relationship with Dawn.
Over the course of a few years, I have observed that Dawn is deeply vested in the holistic care of the horses she treats. She is generous with her time during her treatment sessions. She checks in with the horses and owners when more serious problems arise, (for example, Dawn recommended a fine equine chiropractor when Nikki wasn’t moving well), and she understands horses’ responses to her treatment and can adjust her treatments accordingly. She can also supplement her treatments with recommendations for ground and pole work.
In sum, Dawn exhibits a deep commitment and professional knowledge. And Nikki, well, she still hates her blanket, even with her noticeably relaxed muscles, but she is much less reactive and is even standing still in the cross ties. My horse is never so calm and mentally at ease as when Dawn is working on her.
Sharon