Inspiration #1 - Baymax

I’m realizing I’m not very good with social media and posting updates but I had some time today and thought it could be fun to share a bit about why I decided to begin studying equine massage! This guy here, is one of the main reasons. I purchased Baymax in 2020 (potentially a less than thought out Covid decision) without a clear direction in mind of why I was buying him- jumping, trail, western pleasure, couldn’t tell you! There was just something about him that screamed at me to take him. There was one look he gave me as I was walking away that landed so deeply I couldn’t shake it. However, pretty quickly after he arrived at our boarding barn, I realized something wasn’t right, he wasn’t overtly lame but there was something going on that I couldn’t put my finger on. He was only 6 at the time so I didn’t think much of it, but did decide to get a few vets out. After loads of diagnostic work, we uncovered he had previously torn his meniscus and had the beginning stages of arthritis in his left stifle.

At this time I really had zero idea of how the equine body worked so was a bit overwhelmed with all the terms and recommendations being thrown my way. So I researched. And then researched so more. And what I was finding was that a life of riding most likely was not going to happen. And this was the moment where everything began changing.

What was one to do with a horse that you can’t ride? Growing up only knowing horses as riding partners I struggled with the notion of boarding a horse simply as a companion. Saying this now, I laugh at myself, because this was exactly what I needed, even though it wasn’t what I wanted. This was the starting push towards beginning to understand and truly appreciate the equine body and mind.

He has taught me more about the horse human connection than any other horse I had ridden. He started my interest in equine movement and health. He has patiently waited for me to figure out what the heck I’m doing in all aspects of everything- funny how little I knew about horses after riding and competing with them for nearly two decades. He’s a great teacher when I’m trying new massage techniques- forgiving but not so forgiving that he allows me to give a subpar experience hah! He truly is a once in a lifetime friend and I am so happy I heard the voice telling me to take him that day.

He will forever have a place with me here - waiting patiently as I continue to figure life out. I swear he has everything figured out and just waits until I catch up.