Lucy's Massage

There's that moment in a massage when the moan just slips out. Oh, that tight muscle finally lets go, or you just really needed to be touched, and out the energy goes... with a moan or a sigh. Lucy was moaning. Her eyes were half closed and she blew air out her nostrils... she was enjoying her massage so much. She really needed it.

Ian Hewins was using his entire body's weight to counter her pushing against his massaging hands. His frame is solid, from doing this work, but it was not a small feat, considering she weights around twelve hundred pounds. Hewins, a favorite massage therapist among his human clients, also massages horses. He was volunteering his time to give Left-eye Lucy an equine massage, because Lucy had been rescued. She had been abandoned in a space too small for her, was on her side and unable to get up. She had been starving, lying in her own waste. She was lucky to be alive. As I got to know her, I had a strong sense she knew this. As she responded to Hewins' skilled hands, it was obvious she was enjoying being alive.

I had heard Hewins describe massaging horses many times. I had a sense of what to expect, the horse's innate way of letting Hewins know what they wanted, the power and strength of the animal when it started pushing into the massage, and against Hewins himself. What I hadn't counted on was the feelings that I had towards this horse. It was of the utmost importance that she feel comfortable at all times, she had been through so much. It was obvious immediately that she understood that he was there to help, and seemed quite pleased with the entire experience.

When Lucy's massage was over, we fed carrots to her and the other horses and I asked Hewins about his work.

How long have you been doing Equine massage?

"I began working with horses in 2002 while I was at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy. I loved it from the very start. I did an animal massage workshop and then three Equine internships. Shortly after I graduated I began working on them professionally."

What do you think are the major benefits of Equine massage?

"Massage is a very flexible medium, if you'll excuse the pun, that addresses the needs of each individual. It reduces stress and tension while improving flexibility both physiologically and psychologically. It improves circulation while helping toxins release and increasing healing potential. In a horse such as Lucy it helps her to adapt to her new surroundings and let go of her experience of abandonment, hunger and sickness while she is regaining her health."

What about the work do you enjoy the most?

"That's a hard question to answer! It's certainly great to get feedback from the horses owner or trainer that the horse is doing better as a result of what I did. It's even better when the horse recognizes me from the past and whinnies at me when it sees me. What I really love though is the direct connection that forms between me and the animal during the massage process."

Are you interacting differently when you approach a horse that has been abused?

"The simple answer is yes, I do approach an abused horse differently. Horses like people are all different, so ultimately no two horses need the same thing. There is a constant reevaluation process going on as I figure them out and they figure me out. When I meet a horse that has been abused I approach very gently, and quietly. I don't make any sudden movements and I hold my hand out palm down with fingers curled under and see if the horse wants to approach me. I always contact them first with my hand like this to their nose and speak quietly to them."

Do you feel you get to form a special relationship with horses because of the massage?

"Yes I do. People generally like their massage therapist and it seems horses do too. Many horses realize they can help me to make the massage better. Some push into me when they want me to work deeper. Some use their noses to point out areas they need more work, or things I haven't gotten too. Many gently nuzzle me back when I find a good spot or look at me with half open eyes as if to say, "Yes right there, that's the place!"

If you could speak for the horses you work on, what do you think they'd say?

"More carrots please!" and "Let's go have fun!", would be common responses. But on a more serious note, "Do unto us as you would have others do unto you."

Anything you'd like to add?

"Many horses have excellent care for their whole lives. Lately the cost of keeping horses has gone up. There are more and more horses in need these days. Lucy ran into some hard luck, but due to the kindness of the people at Mountain Mamma's Charities and a few other individuals she has gotten a second chance. Thank you to everyone who has helped and is helping her out."