Heather Wallace- Animal Bodywork

06/19/2026

It's Friday! That means time to answer a Frequently Asked Question. Do you have questions? Ask them below.

06/18/2026

My partner in dogs was featured on a recent podcast. Go take a listen!

In this episode of the Volhard Dog Nutrition Podcast, we sit down w...

06/18/2026

False, False, False.

To be honest this absolutely rattles my cage. It's like saying you are a horse trainer after taking riding lessons for a few years. It is NOT the same thing.

Petting is a wonderful way to feel your horse, give them some comfort and create bonding.

Massage or manual therapy is actively looking for imbalances and removing them so the animal is at its ideal muscularly. More, there are years of education and experience that back up this claim.

06/17/2026

I love to give my client’s homework when it comes to things they can do with their horses between massage sessions. While therapeutic massage therapy is very different from petting or grooming, there are some things you... Click the link on my page to read more!

https://f.mtr.cool/hbgkrpfknl

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06/16/2026

With connection anything is possible. So many times I hear stories of how the animal “hated” a practitioner or wouldn’t allow them to do their job. Some animals can be difficult to work with. However, I always consider the initial meeting a first date. We’re just getting to know each other. Why would I expect them to show me their most vulnerable places? This goes for both horses and dogs.

06/15/2026

Your dog's zoomies might actually be a celebration of pain-free movement and loose muscles. Prevention keeps them playing longer. 🐕✨

06/12/2026

It's Friday! That means time to answer a Frequently Asked Question. Do you have questions? Ask them below.

06/11/2026

Are you shocked? Because it happens to me often. Many times a client sees me because they’ve exhausted other avenues and feel like massage or bodywork may help. When it comes to soft tissue or body lameness injuries, I am absolutely the right one to work with. However, I don’t “heal” and I don’t perform miracles. Because I’m the last resort for many, the animal has been injured for a longer period of time which can be harder to unravel. Age and mobility also have a huge part in this. Regardless, I always give the animal my all. Despite that, owners feel like it is necessary to threaten me that the animal will be euthanized or given away to a shelter/auction etc. if I can’t work miracles. It’s a lot of pressure and something that is out of my purview. I don’t work miracles. All I can do as a bodyworker is to remove soft tissue imbalances, decrease inflammation, and make sure the soft tissue is working properly so the ANIMAL can HEAL ITSELF. While I explain this, it’s important to note these are the type of clients that will never be happy, no matter the progress made.

06/10/2026

Recognizing Tension In Your Horse

Many horses are dramatic- bucking, rearing or spooking and it makes you realize, hmm- something isn’t right. I hear so many complaints about girthiness but that is a developed symptom.

Itt is so incredibly important to recognize the smaller signs of tension early.

Tight mouth.
Inability to yawn all the way.
Moving away touching the poll during haltering, or bridling.
Constantly shifting weight.
Trouble picking up feet for picking or the farrier.
Tucking the tail.
Swishing the tail aggressively.
Sensitive to currying or brushing.

One of the priceless benefits of working with a bodyworker regularly is the ability to detect tension and remove it BEFORE it increases and leads to major displays of pain or discomfort. More, a bodyworker will be a first defense against muscle pulls, strains, and lameness.

I put together an email course to help horse owners look for tension and find ways to alleviate it between bodywork sessions, or to improve their relationship with their horses. You can learn more at my website https://f.mtr.cool/fdvfnicunx