Equine Osteopathy
Equine osteopathy is a gentle whole horse manual therapy that restores mobility, balance, and function across the entire body system — muscles, bones, fascia, organs, and the nervous system.
At its core is this truth: structure and function are inseparable. If one is compromised the other will compensate — often in ways that show up as pain, resistance, compromised mobility, or behavioral issues.
This work listens for what's underneath. It meets the horse where the issue began, not just where it hurts. From subtle tension to deep trauma, osteopathy addresses the hidden layers beyond chronic discomfort, mobility and performance issues, unexplained lameness, or shut down states —often unlocking transformation where nothing else has worked.
Integrated Modalities
Craniosacral Therapy​
​This light-touch method helps release tension patterns that traditional approaches often miss. The nervous system is a gateway to whole body balance. Through subtle, attuned contact, Valissa helps horses release tension in the cranial bones, spinal membranes and surrounding structures. This calms the fight-flight response and can ease headshaking, headaches, poll restrictions, and support improvements in posture, movement, metabolic function, behavior, emotional well-being, and overall resilience. ​​​
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Visceral/Somatic Regulation
At the heart of Valissa's work lies a unique approach to restoring internal balance not just in structures but in the deeper rhythms of the body. Through osteopathic-informed touch and somatic listening, she helps horses release stored tension and trauma, and re-establishes internal harmony across the visceral and nervous systems. This level of regulation supports everything from digestion to behavior, from movement quality to emotional resilience.
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Myofascial Unwinding
​Listening to the body's living fabric. The myofascial system—the continuous web of connective tissue throughout the body —stores tension, compensations, and old injury patterns. Through Valissa's expert touch the horse's body is able to "unwind" layers of restriction at its own pace. This restores freedom of motion—to joints, muscles, visceral structures (organs)—while calming the nervous system. Horses often show immediate softening—more fluid gaits, freer breathing, better function of all body systems, deeper relaxation, and overall improved well-being. Myofascial unwinding also helps integrate structural and energetic changes so results last beyond the session.
What To Expect
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Every session is uniquely tailored to the horse in front of me. I draw from my comprehensive and varied background to address both structural imbalances and deeper patterns of restriction. Some sessions are very quiet and meditative; others are more gently dynamic; many have portions of both. My goal is always the same: to meet the horse honestly and with compassion, ease tension at its source, and help restore a more integrated, fluid state — in both body and being.
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Initial conversation — Brief check in with the owner together any updates ask questions recent concerns and any new relevant medical or behavioral information in addition to the written history filled out by the owner prior to the session.
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Observational assessment — I watch the horse move in-hand or at liberty (if safe and appropriate) and take note of posture, movement asymmetries, compensations, restrictions, etc. and energetic presence. I can tell a great deal just by observing your horse standing, and any movement analysis takes a few short minutes to see a great deal.
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Hands-on evaluation — Osteopathic palpation, structural movement assessments and deep listening to assess tissue tone, joint mobility, cranial-sacral rhythm, fascial restriction, organ motility, compensation patterns, and fluid dynamics.
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Integrated bodywork — A session may include elements of:
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​Osteopathic mobilization (gentle structural release)
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Fascial unwinding
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Craniosacral therapy
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Intuitive work based on what the horse presents and their body needs in the moment
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Ongoing dialogue — I respond in real time to the horse's feedback. Some releases are subtle and internal, others are visible and dramatic. All can be profound.
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Owner discussion/post-session support — I will share my findings, patterns, and recommendations during or immediately after the session to help you support your horse's integration going forward. I welcome questions at any point and highly value our exchange discussing what I've found, and how it relates to your daily experience and observations with your horse.
Rates & Session Info
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Standard session (60-75 min): $150 + travel (see below)
Includes evaluation and hands-on treatment, discussion of findings and support for moving forward.
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Extended session — $185 - $225 depending on agreed upon time length
For more complex cases, sessions requiring deeper diagnostic or emotional/somatic time. These sessions may run 90-120 minutes depending on the horse's tolerance and pacing. (Rates will be discussed in advance based on expected needs)
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Travel Fees — Travel rates vary slightly by region based on distance and barn density.
In high-volume areas or multiple horses at one location, travel costs may be shared across clients, often resulting in a lower per-client rate.
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For areas requiring extended travel: rates may be slightly higher to reflect time and fuel required. This is not necessarily a problem. Please don't hesitate to inquire.
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I always aim to keep travel fees as reasonable as possible as they should not be the reason your horse does not receive the care he/she needs.
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Note: I am not a veterinarian and do not diagnose or prescribe. My work is complementary to — not a substitute for — appropriate veterinary care. If you have any questions regarding whether bodywork is appropriate for your horse at this time, consult with your veterinarian first.