Questions & Answers

Myofascial massage is a hands-on bodywork technique that targets the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding and interwoven with every muscle, bone, and organ in the horse's body. When fascia becomes restricted due to injury, overuse, compensation patterns, or trauma, it can limit movement, cause discomfort, and affect the horse's overall well-being.

SHAkti Bodywork uses myofascial release as the core technique, complemented by sure foot pads, Reiki, acupressure, kinesiology taping, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and essential oils. These modalities are integrated into a session as warranted for your horse. All modalities may not be done at one time to avoid overwhelming the equine nervous system.

Bodywork sessions are approximately one hour per horse. Shayna takes her time and moves at the horse's pace. Some horses need more time in certain areas, and that is always honored.

SHAkti Connection sessions are also approximately one hour, but the actual time varies based on where you and your horse are on any given day.

Regular bodywork can support performance horses needing maintenance and recovery, pasture companions, and horses with a history of trauma, neglect, or pain.

Bodywork is especially beneficial for horses that show signs of tension, resistance, behavioral changes, uneven movement, back soreness, post-surgical recovery, or horses that are generally difficult to groom or tack up. If your horse seems "off" but a vet hasn't found a specific diagnosis, bodywork is often a valuable next step.

Yes. This is Shayna's specialty and one of the areas she is most passionate about. Horses who have experienced trauma, neglect, or difficult histories may carry that in their bodies and behavior. Shayna's approach is gentle, patient, and trauma-informed. She allows horses to move freely when possible and reads their body language throughout the session.

Many rescue horses respond beautifully to this work once they feel safe enough to release what they've been holding.

Frequency depends on your horse's individual needs, workload, and what you observe between sessions. Generally:

- Performance horses: every 4-6 weeks for maintenance
- Horses in active rehabilitation: more frequently initially, then tapering
- Companion horses or preventative care: every 6-8 weeks or as needed

Shayna will discuss the recommended frequency based on what she observes in your horse during the session.

No. Nutrition consulting is available to existing bodywork clients only. By the time Shayna begins a nutrition consultation, she has already worked with the horse hands-on and has a more complete picture of body condition, movement patterns, and areas of tension. This informs the nutrition plan.

If you're interested in nutrition consulting, start with a bodywork session and we'll go from there!

SHAkti Connection is not traditional training. It focuses on the relationship, communication, and trust between horse and human rather than specific tasks or behaviors.

Sessions work on both sides of the relationship: helping the human quiet their own mind and become more present, and helping the horse soften and feel safe enough to engage. Shayna works in and out of the saddle depending on where you and your horse are. Basic horsemanship skills are integrated, but the emphasis is always on connection first.

Before your first session:

1. Download and complete the Policies & Consent Form and have it ready
2. Have your horse clean and brushed. Mud and heavy dirt can limit the effectiveness of bodywork.
3. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early to get your horse settled
4. Secure your horse in a quiet, comfortable space, such as a paddock, round pen, or cross-ties depending on what your facility has

Liberty-based sessions (horse loose in a paddock or round pen) are preferred when possible, as they allow the horse to communicate most freely.

Liberty-based sessions are preferred whenever possible. A loose horse in a round pen or paddock is free to move, step away when something feels intense, lean in when something feels good, and communicate throughout the session. This feedback is incredibly valuable.

That said, Shayna understands that not every facility allows for liberty work. Cross-ties or a lead rope with a handler are also fine. Let Shayna know what you have available when you book.

Absolutely. In fact, Shayna often finds it valuable to have owners present so they can observe what the horse shows during the session and learn to recognize signs of tension or release in their own horse. You're welcome to watch, ask questions, and learn along the way.

The one request: keep the environment calm and quiet. Loud noises, dogs, or other energetic disruptions can prevent the horse from relaxing fully into the work.

Generally, it's best to not ride or work your horse heavily immediately before a session. A horse that is physically warmed up and has had some movement (light turnout or a short walk) is fine, but an exhausted or sweating horse right after hard work is not ideal for bodywork.

After a session, allow your horse to rest and avoid heavy work for at least 24 hours when possible. The body continues processing and releasing after bodywork.

Booking is done through EquiPro Connect, Shayna's online scheduling platform. You'll need to create a free EquiPro Connect account to request an appointment. It only takes a minute and gives you access to your session history and records once you're a client.

When submitting your request, include your horse's name, breed, age, and what you're hoping to address. Shayna will follow up within 24–48 hours to confirm timing and discuss your horse's needs.

Existing clients can log in to manage upcoming appointments and view session notes directly through the client portal.

Shayna asks for 24 hours' notice for any cancellation or rescheduling. She understands that life happens, but last-minute cancellations leave a gap in her schedule that is difficult to fill.

Cancellation fees:
- No-show (no notice): $60
- Cancellation (less than 24 hours): $65
- Rescheduling within 24 hours: $30 (held until the rescheduled appointment)

In cases of veterinary emergency or genuine unexpected circumstances, please reach out and Shayna will work with you.

Shayna gives the same consideration she asks of her clients. If she needs to reschedule, she will give as much advance notice as possible and work with you to find a time that fits. She aims to arrive on time for every appointment.

Yes. All new clients need to complete a Policies & Consent Form before their first bodywork session. You can download it here and return it completed at or before your first appointment.

The form covers consent for treatment, your horse's information, veterinary contact, and your understanding of the complementary nature of the services (i.e., bodywork does not replace veterinary care).

SHAkti Equine Services accepts:

✓ Venmo: @Shakti-Equine
✓ Cash
✓ Check: made out to Shakti Equine Services LLC

Credit cards, Cashapp, and Apple Pay are not accepted at this time. Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Yes. Packages save money and support consistent scheduling.

Packages:
- 5-pack: $340 (1 session free, saves $85)
- 10-pack: $680 (2 sessions free, saves $170)

Group rate: When Shayna visits a barn with 3 or more horses in the same visit, the rate drops to $75/equine (vs. $85 for 1–2 horses).

Special discounts are available for loyalty clients (regular clients since 2023) and non-profit organizations.

The first 60 miles are complimentary. Beyond 60 miles, a travel fee of $10/mile applies for the additional distance.

Barn splits: When Shayna visits a barn and sees multiple horses, the travel fee can be split evenly among the horse owners at that location, reducing the cost for everyone.

Travel fee waiver: If Shayna is treating 6 or more horses at the same barn in one visit, the travel fee is waived entirely.

Yes, and Shayna loves barn visits! It's a great way to reduce the per-horse travel cost and get better rates (group pricing applies at 3+ horses). If you board at a barn with other horses, talk to your barn manager or fellow boarders about scheduling a visit together.

Reach out through the contact form and mention that you'd like to coordinate a barn visit. Shayna can work with you to schedule a date for multiple clients at the same location.

No. SHAkti services are complementary care. Shayna is a certified equine bodyworker and nutritionist, not a veterinarian or chiropractor.

Bodywork works best as part of a whole-horse care team that includes a veterinarian, farrier, and when appropriate, a chiropractor or dentist. If Shayna observes anything during a session that warrants veterinary attention, she will always tell you.

It depends on the treatment. For routine care, such as vaccinations, routine lameness exams, or dental work, bodywork can usually be scheduled shortly afterward, sometimes in the same week. For more significant procedures, such as injections, surgery, or chiropractic adjustment, it is generally best to wait a few days to a couple of weeks.

When in doubt, ask your veterinarian and mention it when booking with Shayna. She can work with both you and your vet to time sessions appropriately.

Shayna has completed a Kissing Spines Masterclass specifically to address this question. While bodywork cannot cure Kissing Spines Syndrome (an overriding of the dorsal spinous processes in the spine), it can significantly support quality of life, reduce secondary muscle tension, and improve comfort as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Always discuss any spinal condition with your veterinarian first. Bodywork in these cases should be part of a coordinated team approach, not a standalone solution.

Many horses appear relaxed immediately after a session. You may see them yawn, lick and chew, lower their head, or doze. Some horses may show mild stiffness or soreness the next day, similar to how you might feel after a deep tissue massage. This typically passes within 24-48 hours.

Over a series of sessions, many owners notice improvements in movement quality, attitude, willingness to work, behavior under saddle, and overall demeanor.

EquiPro Connect is the scheduling and client management platform Shayna uses to handle bookings, track session notes, and manage client records. Create a free account there to request your first appointment. Once you are a client, the portal gives you access to your session history and records.

Create your account or log in →

Create your free EquiPro Connect account directly through Shayna's booking page. You will be prompted to sign up when you submit your first appointment request. Once your session is confirmed, your client profile will be active and ready to go.

If you're having trouble accessing your account after booking, reach out via the contact form and Shayna will get you sorted out.