Equine Bodyworker Based in NW Ocala, Florida

I’m Rachel Devick, founder of Balanced Holistic Therapies and an FEI Permitted Equine Therapist based in NW Ocala, Florida.

With more than 20 years of hands-on experience with horses, my work is shaped by a combination of practical horsemanship, formal education, continuing study, and a deep respect for the individuality of each horse.

I work with horses across a wide range of disciplines and stages of life, from actively competing horses to older horses, horses returning to work, and those who simply need thoughtful support as part of their regular care.

My goal is not to apply the same routine to every horse. It is to listen carefully, assess the whole picture, and choose the techniques that are most appropriate for the horse in front of me.

A Lifelong Education in Horses

My interest in equine bodywork began when I was 18 and enrolled in an online equine sports massage course. At the time, I was preparing for a possible future in veterinary medicine and wanted to better understand equine anatomy and movement.

Although my path eventually moved in a different direction, that early experience sparked a lasting interest in how horses communicate through posture, movement, behavior, and changes within their bodies.

Over the years, I have worked in several areas of the equine industry, including as a veterinary technician and barn manager. I have also spent many years as a competitive dressage rider. Together, those experiences have shaped how I observe horses, communicate with owners and professionals, and approach each session.

I hold an Associate of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Management with an emphasis in agribusiness and equine science.

From Personal Healing to Professional Practice

In 2018, my previous horse, Otto, became lame. During that time, I was introduced to PEMF therapy.

Seeing how much supportive care mattered during his journey changed the direction of my career. It encouraged me to learn more, pursue professional education, and begin building a practice centered on helping horses feel more comfortable and supported in their bodies.

Otto was the reason I took the first step into this work. What began with PEMF eventually grew into a much broader education in equine massage, myofascial techniques, craniosacral work, neurofascial approaches, kinesiology taping, acupressure, cold laser, therapeutic ultrasound, and other complementary methods.

That experience also taught me something that continues to guide my work today: there is rarely one technique or one simple answer that fits every horse.(Otopia is Pictured in the top Photo, Don Nero is Pictured in the middle, Scotty and I from our recognized first show together at the bottom.)

Scotty, My Greatest Teacher

I am still working toward my USDF Silver Medal with my current horse, Scotty, but what he has taught me reaches far beyond the show ring.

Scotty has been one of my greatest teachers. His own complex needs encouraged me to keep asking questions, pursue deeper education, and look more carefully at how the whole horse functions.

Because of him, I have been introduced to remarkable practitioners, new areas of study, valuable professional opportunities, and many wonderful people who have influenced both my horsemanship and my work.

He has taught me to be more patient, more observant, and more willing to keep looking when the answer is not immediately obvious.

The lessons I have learned with Scotty shape the way I approach every horse. I do not assume that one finding explains everything. I look at the horse’s movement, history, workload, environment, and the input of the other professionals involved in their care.

My Approach

Every horse is different, but every session is grounded in the same three principles.

Whole-Horse Approach

The area showing discomfort is not always the only area involved. I consider the horse’s posture, movement, soft tissue patterns, nervous system, workload, history, and overall presentation before deciding where to begin.

Collaborative Care

Bodywork works best as part of a larger care team. I value clear communication with owners, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, saddle fitters, and other professionals when appropriate.

My role is not to replace veterinary care or diagnose a condition. It is to provide thoughtful, professional bodywork and communicate what I observe.

Always Learning

Horses continually remind us how much there is still to understand.

I remain committed to continuing education in equine anatomy, biomechanics, soft tissue function, nervous system regulation, movement, and the many factors that influence the horse as a whole.

Continued learning also helps me communicate more effectively with the horse’s care team and make better-informed decisions during each session.

What You Can Expect

Each session begins with a conversation about your horse’s history, current workload, recent changes, and any concerns you have noticed.

I observe the horse before beginning hands-on work and adjust the session according to the horse’s responses. Some horses benefit from a combination of techniques, while others need a quieter and more focused approach.

I do not force a horse through a session or continue using a technique simply because it was part of the original plan.

Owners can expect honest communication about what I observe, what the horse tolerated well, and whether additional veterinary or professional input may be appropriate.

Education, Certifications and Professional Recognition

Education

Associate of Science in Biology

Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Management
Emphasis in Agribusiness and Equine Science, Cum Laude

Professional Recognition

FEI Permitted Equine Therapist

USDF Bronze Medalist

Currently working toward my USDF Silver Medal with Scotty.

Certifications and Advanced Training

• Pulse PEMF for horses, people, and pets — Levels 1–3
• General PEMF Therapy Certification
• Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist
• Equine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapy
• Equine Craniosacral Therapy
• Equine Kinesiology Taping
• Cold Laser Therapy
• Trigger Point and Shiatsu Techniques
• Animal Neuro-Myofascial Release
• Neuro Fascial Conditioning — Level 3
• Rib Entrapment Syndrome Therapy — Level 3
• Core Aligned Therapy — Level 3
• Equine acupressure training

I continue to pursue additional education in equine anatomy, biomechanics, movement, soft tissue function, and whole-horse care.

Professional Memberships

Balanced Holistic Therapies maintains professional memberships that support continuing education, ethical practice, and professional development within the equine bodywork and PEMF industries.

Thoughtful Care for the Horse in Front of Me

Every horse brings a different history, workload, personality, and set of needs.

My role is to listen carefully, consider the whole picture, and provide thoughtful bodywork that supports the individual horse without overstating what bodywork can do.

Balanced Holistic Therapies serves horse owners throughout Ocala, NW Ocala, WEC, Reddick, Dunnellon, Williston, Gainesville, and surrounding areas.

To ask a question or schedule a session, call or text Rachel at 954-821-8966.