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Meet Elaine

I am a Traditional C-3 Graduate of the United States Pony Club with over 30 years of experience riding and caring for horses including sensitive and opinionated mares, plucky ponies, ho-hum geldings, and the ever-watchful stallions.  I became interested in equine bodywork in the mid-1990s while eventing my pony mare (Byra Bah) and I was surprised to find out that I was able to help her feel and perform better with the few light touch massage skills that had been taught to me.  During college, I was fortunate to ride and eventually board a horse at a barn owned and operated by a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist.  I saw how routine bodywork the benefited horses by helping them to recover from workouts faster and subsequently allowed the horse to move with more freedom and grace.  Here is where I learned the importance of a systematic education when it comes to bodywork because a skilled bodyworker can make a world of difference to horses whether they are competitive athletes, lesson horses, back-yard pleasure horses, companion/retired horses, and especially those who are recovering from an injury.

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Although my interest in equine bodywork began with the aim of improving the well-being of my own horses, I quickly discovered that I found deep satisfaction in using my talents to improve the lives of other horses.  As a conscientious horse owner, I knew that I would not allow "just anyone" to work on my treasured horses.  Therefore, I researched various certification programs and decided upon the Masterson Method because it depends upon the practitioner allowing the horse to communicate what is going on so that the session is useful and effective for the horse.

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Whether you are the owner with competitive goals, a person who simply enjoys your horse's company, or you are seeking out ways to help your horse age gracefully, my training and personal experiences will help you achieve both of these goals.  In fact, routine bodywork is what allowed my senior dressage mare (DF Double Take) to come back to full competition after tearing a ligament at 26.  When she was 28, I retired her from showing. "Dub" had a very comfortable retirement, and she continuously maintained the ability to keep up with the rest of the herd until, at age 35, an untreatable illness took her across the rainbow bridge.

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I believe bodywork is as vital to every horse's well-being as are: routine veterinary and farrier care, thorough grooming sessions, and tailored feeding and exercise programs.

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I would love to become part of the team that is involved in providing your VIP with the best care possible!

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Let me know if you would like to set up an appointment for your horse.

Elaine Hildreth Very Important Pony Equine Bodywork Austin, TX
Elaine Hildreth, Very Important Pony, Byra Bah, equine bodywork, event horse, cross country, MMCP
DF Double Take, Very Important Pony, Elaine Hildreth, retired dressage horse, MMCP, equine bodywork

"We invite the horse to release tension. We can't make him relax a muscle. We invite him to move a limb using a technique that will ultimately release tension. We never demand the movement."  -- Jim Masterson

Located in Elgin, Texas
Serving clients in and around Austin, Texas

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