Hi!  My name is Aki.  I am a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist, based in Long Beach, California.  My love for horses started when I visited a small town of Pacora, Peru.  Since then, I have been working with horses in various ways such as groundwork and equine assisted learning.  It is through my years of groundwork with horses that I realized the importance of equine care that can lead to happier and healthier horse. 

Equine massage has many benefits for horses, as for humans.  It can, for example:

• promote healing by increasing the flow of nutrients to the muscles

• flush out excess fluids and toxins

• stimulate circulation and reduce muscle tension

• help reduce stress, anxiety, and irritability

• help speed injury recovery time

• improve athletic performance

• improve mood and increase energy

• release endorphins, which act as natural pain killers.

Regardless of your horses’ disciplines, I believe all horses deserve the best care you can provide.  And I am here to help. 

Please note: Some horses are hesitant to be touched by a stranger, while others love getting all the attention no matter who is giving it. That said, I do not force a massage upon them, for I believe getting a massage should be a relaxing experience.  I have treated horses with different personalities, but with patience, love, understanding, and time, most horses, if not all, enjoy the massage after a few sessions. 

During an equine massage therapy session, I apply various techniques to target your horse’s tight muscles and pressure points using compression, cross-fiber friction, and palpitation. If your horse is showing signs of trouble bending, reluctance to move forward, or is pre- or post-surgery, is pre- or post-competition, then he/she may benefit from a massage. 

Please feel free to reach out if you are interested, and we can talk!