Celebrating 6 Years of Balanced Holistic Therapies: A Journey of Growth, Learning, and Dedication
Six years ago, I took a leap of faith and started Balanced Holistic Therapies. At the time, I had a deep passion for equine bodywork, but I had no idea just how much this journey would shape me—not only as a practitioner but as a person. As I reflect on the past six years, I’m filled with gratitude, lessons learned, and an unwavering commitment to continuing this work.
The Journey & Challenges
My path to equine bodywork and holistic horse care started long before I officially opened my business. At 18, I purchased a self-study course on sports massage for horses because I wanted to better understand horse anatomy and biomechanics. Life took its turns, and while that course sat unfinished for nearly a decade, my passion for learning never faded. When I finally launched my equine massage therapy business, I dedicated myself fully to refining my skills, working with different horses, and constantly expanding my knowledge.
Like any equine therapist, I faced my fair share of challenges. From building a client base to balancing my own dressage training with my professional aspirations, the learning curve was steep. But every hurdle reinforced my passion for helping horses move better and feel their best. I knew that if I wanted to offer the best possible care to my clients and their horses, I had to keep evolving.
An Ever-Evolving Approach to Equine Bodywork
When I first started, I focused primarily on equine sports massage and myofascial release. While these techniques are incredibly beneficial, I quickly realized that no single method could address all the complexities of equine movement and performance optimization. Over the years, my approach has grown into a truly holistic equine therapy practice, incorporating multiple techniques to achieve the best results.
Today, my work includes Neuro Fascial Conditioning (NFC) and Rib Entrapment Syndrome Therapy (REST)—two groundbreaking techniques that have transformed the way I support my clients’ horses. NFC for horses enhances the nervous system’s communication with the body, helping horses move more efficiently and comfortably, while REST therapy for horses focuses on balancing the rib cage, improving biomechanics, and alleviating restrictions. These therapies, combined with PEMF therapy for horses, my multiple certifications in equine massage, kinesiology taping, cold laser, and my status as an FEI Permitted Equine Therapist, along with a diverse range of modalities, allow me to take a well-rounded approach to horse wellness and performance care., allow me to take a well-rounded approach to horse wellness and performance care.
Commitment to Learning & Refining Skills
One thing that has never changed is my dedication to continuing education in equine therapy. I believe that every horse deserves a practitioner who is always striving to learn more and refine their craft. That’s why I continually seek out new training opportunities, whether it’s completing my FEI Permitted Equine Therapist certification, advancing through NFC/REST courses, or deepening my understanding of saddle fit, equine movement pathologies, and biomechanics.
Looking ahead, I plan to expand my knowledge even further by studying equine hoof balance and equine nutrition—two critical factors that play a huge role in a horse’s overall movement and comfort. My goal is to provide the most comprehensive equine bodywork therapy possible, working alongside owners, trainers, and other equine professionalsto keep horses sound, strong, and thriving.
The Future of Balanced Holistic Therapies
Six years is both a milestone and a stepping stone. I’m incredibly proud of the journey so far, but I know that this is only the beginning. My vision for the future includes:
Completing my advanced REST certification to further refine my work in helping find balance and harmony in the horse's body, movement, and biomechanics.
Expanding my knowledge in hoof care and equine nutrition, ensuring that I can provide even more well-rounded support to my clients.
Continuing to build lasting relationships with horse owners, trainers, and riders who value a thoughtful, science-backed approach to equine bodywork and performance therapy.
Above all, I want to keep doing what I love—helping horses move, perform, and feel their best.
A Heartfelt Thank You
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of my clients, mentors, my amazing parents, the friendships I've built through this business, and the fellow bodyworkers and equestrians I am honored to call friends. Whether you’ve been with me since the early days or just recently started working with me, I am so grateful for the trust you place in me and my work. Every horse I work on teaches me something invaluable, and every client who prioritizes their horse’s well-being reinforces my commitment to continued growth and learning.
Thank you for being a part of my journey. Here’s to many more years of learning, growing, and helping horses thrive!
📍 Based in Ocala | FEI Permitted Equine Therapist
Contact Rachel at 954-821-8966 to schedule a session.