Bodywork for Riders
YOU ARE A PART OF THE TEAM TOO.
Is Your Body Holding You Back?
Lots of riders invest in bodywork for their horses (which is great!) but neglect to do so for themselves. But the rider is just as much a part of the team as the horse - it’s a partnership, after all! Just as it is necessary to make sure your horse’s muscles are comfortable and loose, it is so important that riders do the same for their own bodies.
I experienced this phenomenon firsthand as a rider. For years, the sitting trot was incredibly difficult for me to master. I desperately wanted to improve and tried everything I could think of to do so - I took lunge lessons, watched YouTube tutorials, rode with respected trainers, but still, I found it impossible to swing my hips naturally to follow my horse’s movement. I found it so frustrating that I seriously considered giving up my dream of riding at the upper levels and doubted my talent.
It was around this time, though, that I entered massage school and began receiving regular bodywork myself. I soon learned that my iliopsoas, which is the major hip flexor, was incredibly tight, as those of so many lifelong riders are. I learned some targeted stretches for before and after riding, and before I knew it, the elusive sitting trot improved!
If my story sounds familiar to you, I strongly urge you to book a bodywork session for yourself. I can almost guarantee it will improve your riding, and it might just help you achieve a major breakthrough like it did for me.
A human bodywork session can include whichever combination of massage, MagnaWave, and stretching is most beneficial to you. I’ll leave you with some stretches you can take home to help keep your muscles comfortable and loose between sessions.
Invest in yourself as an athlete, and get in touch today to set up your own bodywork session!
Great News!
We can help with that.
I began receiving bodywork a couple of months ago with noticeable improvement in my range of motion, balance/evenness, and overall performance. I look forward to my monthly sessions and highly recommended Freely Forward Bodywork!!-
-Susan Heiken
In Person Bodywork Sessions
For those local to Chester County, PA, Maija Luttinger, LMT and owner of Freely Forward Bodywork, offers in-person bodywork sessions for horses and humans alike.
As a rider and an expert in equine and human massage, Maija is well-equipped to provide therapeutic bodywork treatments that help horses and riders overcome the obstacles in their own bodies. She has an innate ability to identify problem areas, apply tailored combinations of massage, stretching, and Magna Wave PEMF therapy to improve muscle function and comfort level, thoroughly explain the causes of pain and recommend management plans to prevent future pain or issues. Maija currently has limited availability for additional in-person clients– please reach out directly to inquire about booking a session.
An excellent, unique clinic to host at your barn! Maija will travel to your farm and provide in-person instruction on equine massage. Massage clinics are suitable for horse people of all ages and levels, so they’re sure to be popular regardless of your clientele.
Please reach out directly to Maija to inquire about booking a massage clinic. Minimum of 7 people are needed per clinic.
Massage Clinics
Still wondering about something?
Our MostFrequently Asked Questions
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Every session is a bit different. Some sessions include purely massage and myofascial release; some include only Magna Wave treatment; and some include a combination of both. Maija will make sure to gain a thorough understanding of your horse and their needs, then discuss with you the best option.
If you know of any muscular problem areas in your horse’s body, feel free to let Maija know! She can focus treatment specifically on one area or spend time on the whole body.
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Each session with Maija lasts approximately 60 minutes.
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At this time, Maija is only able to travel up to an hour outside of Chester County, PA. However, if you would like to arrange a bodywork clinic, Maija will travel further, decided on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Maija directly for more details if you would like to set up a clinic.
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Not at all! All horses benefit from myofascial release and Magna Wave, regardless of age, breed, discipline, or level of work.
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The best way to schedule is to email Maija directly at maija@freelyforwardbodywork.com.
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Please make sure your horse is inside, clean, and dry. Please also make sure that there is a quiet, clean space for Maija to work - cross ties or a stall are great! It is best for your horse’s muscles to be warm for their session, so if possible, please ride or hand walk your horse to prepare.
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It is best to hand walk or turn your horse out after a session. Maija also recommends giving your horse the following 24 hours to rest.
If your horse is older or just beginning their bodywork journey, it is best to give them 48 hours off after their session, as their muscles are still acclimating to massage.
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Please don’t hesitate to reach out! Just send Maija an email and she’ll get in touch directly at freelyforwardbodywork@gmail.com.
Take your horse’s comfort & performance into your own hands
Enrol on the Equine Massage 101 course now! Designed to provide an in-depth, easy-to-understand introduction to equine myofascial release. This includes anatomy, signs and symptoms of physical discomfort, massage and stretching techniques, as well as how to troubleshoot common issues.