Equine RnR

Helping Horses release tension, restore balance and move into their full potential

Serving the Walla Walla Valley and surrounding areas

Let me introduce myself:

My name is Brenda Richerzhagen. I was born and raised on our family farm near Dixie, WA. I have been riding and loving horses since my Grandma got me my first pony at age 4. By age 9, I graduated to my aunts back country trail mounts. At age 12 I managed to save up enough money from working on the farm to buy my first horse, a 1 1/2 year old Paso Fino colt. I went on to train him for trail riding, showing in 4H, moving cows, and even used him for parades and run-ins as a princess for the Waitsburg Days of Real Sports.

By the time I graduated from high school I knew horses would always be a major part of my life. I headed off to the University of Findlay in Ohio, where I graduated with an AA degree in Equestrian Studies. Upon returning to Walla Walla, I started breeding and raising quarter horses. The horses  got put on the back burner for a few years while I took time to raise and homeschool my kids, but came back again when the kids where graduated.

I enrolled in the Equine Natural Movement School in Battle Ground, WA, and in the winter of 2019/2020 completed their program to become certified in Equine Structural Integration! I will shortly be nationally certified by NBCAAM in equine massage therapy, and will acquire my Wa state license as and Equine Therapist.

My practice is centered around Walla Walla and the 60 mile surrounding radius. I specialize in working with injured or rehabbing horses and enjoy helping your competition partner excel!

What is Structural Integration?

Structural Integration is a type of bodywork that focuses on the connective tissue of the body, also called fascia. Fascia is the tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, organs, bones, and nerves, binding some structures together while  permitting others to slide smoothly over each other. It is also a network of communication that sends messages faster than the parallel nervous system. 

Fascia is designed to be elastic and move freely.  However, Injury, stress, repetitive movements and the effects of aging can cause fascia to lose its elasticity and become shorter, tighter, and more dense. Tightened fascia pulls muscles and skeletons out of proper alignment which can cause pain or discomfort.

Structural Integration works to lengthen, stretch, and soften the fascia to release tension, restore balance, and increase ease of movement. It is practiced in an organized series of sessions or individual sessions within a framework that is designed to restore balance by aligning and integrating the body in gravity. Structural Integration is based on the work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf and was originally called Rolfing.  As it has been remodeled to take a more gentle and respectful approach, incorporating more subtle myofascial release work, it has also been renamed Structural Integration.

Equine Natural Movement School:

At the Equine Natural Movement School we learned the five sessions of Equine Structural Integration.  Joseph Freeman, the founder of the school, was originally trained in human Structural Integration. He has developed the Equine Natural Movement series and has been practicing for over 25 years with horses. We use this series to reeducate the horse’s fascia, nervous system, and connective tissue system by rebalancing and repatterning the way the horse uses his whole body.

Rather than trying to fix problems as most modalities do, we strive to bring out the inherent natural balance and adaptability of the horse. We do this by using our hands and the well established principles of Structural Integration, sequentially unwrapping accumulated restrictions and helping the horse release its holding patterns.  As chronic adhesions release their hold, the compensations the horse has developed in his body and movement start to fade.

The overall effect of Structural Integration is the freeing of the horses body, allowing it the ability to bring greater power and rhythmic grace to it’s gaits. These changes help to develop smoother strides, better balance, and increased flexibility and evenness. This helps horses feel more calm and collected, encouraging them to be more pleasant to work with while they move into their full potential!

For more information, check out their website @ www.equinenaturalmovement.com.

Expected Results:

  •  More graceful movement
  •  Optimal overall performance
  • Power and strength through efficient use
  • Greater precision
  • A sense of bodily comfort and ease

Testimonials:

“Horses are responding to treatments.”

~Lazelle (Royal Stuart Arena)

(Photo of Sir Sir)

“You’re amazing!!! Fly is looking great!

Can’t wait to bring my stud colt home for you to work on!

~John Hallowell (Owner)

(Photo of Fly before top and after bottom)

“My horses love it when Brenda comes to the arena. We are seeing wonderful results with her skilled hands.

Riva can still run with the buffalo! I think you helped so much with all the massages!!”                                          

~Lisa Thonney (UB Best of the Best Trainer)

                   (Photo of Lisa and Riva on a buffalo chase)

~Alison Cranor (Trainer)

Contact Information:

 

Equine R n R

Brenda Richerzhagen

476 Clancy Rd.

Waitsburg, WA. 99361

Phone: 509-386-7005 (call or text)
 [email protected]

 

    Rates: 

$100 per session

or Prepay all 5 sessions $400 (get one session free)

 

$1/mile (outside 30 mile radius of Dixie, WA.)

 

~ Most sessions take 1 1/2 hours.

~ Any travel fees beyond 60 miles will need to be discussed.

Animal massage is limited to providing massage solely for the purposes of animal well-being. The practitioner will not: diagnose, prognose, or treat diseases, deformities, defects, wounds, or injuries, physically adjust or manipulate any articulations of the animal’s body or spine, perform acupuncture, or perform mechanical therapies that are restricted to the field of veterinary medicine.