Jennamarie Townsend

Age || 35

Company Name || JMT Equine Holistic Solutions

Job Title || Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist/Equine Professional

Years Living In New York || Whole Life

Social Handles || IG: jmt_equineholisticsolutions; FB: JMT Equine Holistic Solutions

Company Website || JMT Equine Holistic Solutions

What did you want to be while growing up?

Ever since I could remember, I knew I wanted to be working with horses. I was around horses as a little girl since my uncle has a ranch in Florida. When I was 10 years old, I started to become more involved with horses and I fell in love with these majestic animals. At first, I wanted to be a trainer but life and my experiences with horses lead me on a different path. A path of healing and giving and being something much more profound. That's when I realized I wanted to become a healer; honestly it's something I already was and it was just a matter of me accepting and embracing that part of me and allowing it to flourish. In being Deaf, I have always connected better with animals, part of it is just having a soul to soul connection and the other part is it all about body language. I didn't need to worry about having to hear or not. Animals communicate with energy and body language. I also felt more drawn to animals and horses and they are my place where I can completely belong and not feel like I am an outsider.

When is a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist needed to work with a horse?

Equine Massage/Bodywork is so important to be included in routine health care and management along with regular veterinary care, balanced nutrition, training, and regular dental and hoof care to support horses' balance, musculoskeletal health, overall wellness, and optimum performance.

There are many signs horses will show through their body and behavioral changes that indicates the need for massage/bodywork. Regardless of the horse’s activity level, numerous issues including environment, stress, over-exertion, or even lack of exercise, can impact the biomechanics of the horse and the functioning of the muscles, causing restrictions and imbalances, putting them at greater risk for injury. My work will increase circulation to the affected areas and help release adhesions, which will help the body in healing. The release of the soft tissue around joints will help increase synovial fluid production and range of motion of the affected joint.

My use of essential oils, different methods that use the horse’s nervous system to allow them to truly let go and release tensions, and holistic mindset help bring the horse’s mind, body, and spirit back into balance.

What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out as a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist?

The best advice I have been given by other professionals is to always be true to myself and stand by what I feel is right. To always have confidence in myself and my abilities to know I am making a difference in the healing journey of the horses I work with. I am mostly self-taught in my career besides my certification and I have been blessed enough to have some amazing mentors along the way to help guide me and inspire me to where I am and where I want to be. The horses show me through their language that I am on the right track. To be honest, the horses themselves are the best teachers.

How does the process of this type of therapy work?

When I do a bodywork session, I will usually work in a place where the horse feels most comfortable and relaxed. Sessions can go from 30 minutes to two hours. Before the session I will have my client fill out an intake form giving any background information. Then I will ask my client to walk and trot their horse so that we can do a movement evaluation to detect any areas of muscle tightness. When doing my sessions, I always go slow and ask the horse for permission through energy and body language to join me in the bodywork. I start out by doing effleurage (gliding movement with fingers/palms).

I will then do a hands on evaluation to get a preliminary reading of the horse's current condition. I will palpate the horses body with my fingers and hands to look for areas of tension, knots ,soft or puffy areas, tender areas, and/or areas the horse won’t let me touch. I will look for temperature changes in the body too. These are known as the 4 Ts: Temperature, Texture, Tenderness, and Tension. Next, I go ahead and start using sports massage techniques and Masterson Method® techniques..

When using light touch and/or movement while staying “beneath their natural blocking/survival response” I help them become aware of and release tension without feeling threatened. Scientifically it is believed that these releases – licking and chewing, yawning, etc. – are signs that the horse is shifting from a state of stress (sympathetic, sometimes called fight/flight) to a state of relaxation (parasympathetic, sometimes called rest and digest). Unlike most modalities, it allows the horse to participate in the process. It is something you do with the horse not to the horse. It truly is fascinating to use this method. Each time the horse responds to it, it amazes me! Results from both methods can be seen immediately through visual tension releases & increased range of motion.

What attracted you to working with horses?

Horses have been my life’s passion since I was very young. There was a gap in my career for some years and the pull that horses always had on my heart and soul was strong enough to bring me back on the right path. I am the kind of person that takes the road less traveled and seize opportunities when they present themselves. I consider myself a dreamer and willing to take risks to follow my heart and life's purpose. Life is too short and people should do what makes their souls happy.

How does this holistic approach differ from other ways of working with horses?

The holistic ppproach differs from more traditional ways of working with horses in the sense of looking at the whole picture and not just part of the problem or issue or situation. My approach consists of working with and healing horses using their language, using patience, empathy and how they see and respond to the world. I express loving healing energy and in connecting with their spirit and soul. I am assertive and fair leader. I value having a partnership with a horse based on trust, communication, mutual respect, and harmony. I take pride in healing, caring, and rehabbing horses in the best way for them naturally; the way nature intended them to be.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process involves a lot of intuition, mindfulness and reading/feeling the horse’s energy and emotion. I prepare for sessions by making a general outline of the areas I feel the horse needs help on based on information my client has given me and what I felt/saw from the horse in previous sessions. A lot of the time I notice I don't really follow the outline due to what the horse is communicating to me at that moment. My intuition and feel takes over and I follow what is being presented to me at that specific moment.

How does your background help you with your work?

My background as a Deaf person growing up with horses and having a special connection with them and all animals allows me to do my work in a way that relies on a soul to soul connection and reading their body language and energy. This gift helps me heal in a unique way. In all honesty, everyone has the ability to connect with their spiritual self and intuition and heal each other and animals. It's a matter of being ready to face that part of yourself and embrace it and nourish it to grow. To allow your highest self to guide you on the right path.

How do you define success?

Success to me means being able to help horses and their humans in any way possible. From something small like when a horse takes a big deep breath after a specific technique or energy that I did to and with the horse that put the sparkle back into their eyes to when a horse goes through a deep profound healing that amazes me each time. Or when I’m told the horse is moving much better and more balanced than ever. Success to me is when I am helping people be more open-minded and willing to look at things in a different perspective, the way of the horse.

If more people can shift their mindset to one that focuses on love, compassion and respect for the horse and what nature intended for them, the more happier and healthier horses will be. Success is being able to encourage more people to seek out massage/bodywork for the horses and to incorporate this healing with their routine health care for their horses, also using the team approach with other equine health care professionals and working together for the health and happiness of horses and their humans.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned since starting out?

The most important thing I have learned since starting out is to never give up. No matter what challenges or obstacles I faced, to keep on going, believing in myself and my gifts. To always keep on educating myself and learning new things and perspectives that will only enhance my abilities and skills. To learn from other professionals and use their guidance and advice to keep blazing my own trail. To have the mind of a beginner is something I have found to be truly helpful in this journey. It keeps things in a fresh exciting perspective and allows room for creativity and magic.

I also realized that it is my duty to spread awareness as a Deaf business owner and to help bridge the gap between the Hearing and Deaf world in this industry. I have noticed I am the first Deaf person that people in this industry have come across and interacted with. I want to empower other Deaf people that love horses and want to have a career in the equine industry that it is possible to succeed no matter what!

What is your go-to motivational quote?

“To Be the Change I wish to see in the Horse World.” I feel so inspired by the original quote from Ghandi, “ To Be the Change You Wish to See in the World.” This quote is something I value and stand by in all areas of my life. I feel the more we lead by example, the more we can inspire others to do better and be better for humanity, animals, and our beautiful planet.

Do you have a personal motto?

I have a few mottos that keeps me going. “ Live Life with Passion,” “Stay the Course,” and “No Limits! That's the rule I live by. Imagine it! Believe it! Do it!”

These mottos have gotten me through many areas of my life and especially my career with horses. Being a Deaf person and a Deaf business owner in a Hearing World is much more challenging than for Hearing business owners. I am constantly faced with obstacles in my everyday life with communication and getting access to information. I have been discriminated against many times and been told I won't be able to do what I want to do or get to where I want to be because of my deafness. I have been limited in my education in the equine industry due to the program, clinics, and workshops not being able to have interpreters provided for me in workshops or clinics and not having online videos or DVDs closed captioned or subtitled. This has been an uphill battle for me. I take it all in stride and use those opportunities to educate and advocate for myself and for other Deaf people. I hope to open people's eyes and mind to show them that it is possible that Deaf and Hearing can work together to break down walls and barriers and have equal access for all.

Which women inspire you?

The women who has inspired me in my life and in my professional journey include my mother who have given me the skills I needed to go out in the Hearing World. My mother is part of how I am a strong independent person I am today. My grandmother who once told me I can do anything I want to do just like everyone else and don't let my deafness get in the way of my dreams. I carry that memory with me everyday. My wife, Yanina, inspires me everyday in so many different ways. She is my biggest fan and her amazing love and support inspires me to be all that I can be. I truly thank her for her patience while helping me with technology/marketing related things as I am technology challenged. We are a truly amazing team working together and supporting each other towards our goals and dreams.

Loren Raimo was my ASL teacher in high school. She helped me embraced my Deaf identity. She inspired me to become the Strong Proud Fearless Deaf woman I am today and be proud of my deafness —“Deaf Gain.” Marlee Matlin has inspired me from a very young age since her Academy Award winning role in Children of a Lesser God. She was the first and only Deaf performer to ever win this award. She is an active member of the Deaf community and advocates for awareness. Helen Keller has been inspirational to me from a young age too. She showed the world that she was unstoppable and will do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true despite her deafness and blindness. Other women who inspire me are Nancy Rourke—a Deaf Artist, Carolyn Resnick- founder of The Carolyn Resnick Method of Horsemanship, Marijke de Jong- founder of Straightness Training, Jeannean Mercuri of The Hoof Fairy LLC, Leslie Brooks of EquiHands Equine Integrated Bodywork, and Greta Thunberg.

My own horse, Babe, who had passed away 11 years ago is a huge inspiration to me to follow a different path, one that is the Way of the Horse. She taught me how to listen with Open Aware Heart and look at the bigger picture. To know there is always a better way.

How do you overcome moments of self-doubt?

The moments when I have self-doubt, I look into my soul and remember my unique gifts and why I have been called to do this kind of healing. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others and doubt your own abilities, but in reality we all have our own uniqueness to offer the world. We should always remember that we each are here on this planet for a specific purpose. To trust the universe that we will fulfill our purpose and to trust in ourselves is the key. Horses light up my soul and knowing I’m helping them feel better even if it's very slight; it makes my spirit fly.

How do you stay motivated working for yourself?

I am the kind of person that is a strong leader and also a team player. To stay motivated working for myself is to know and trust in my own instincts and skills to make the right decisions and handle things in a way that is best for me and my clients and their horses. To be a freelancer definitely has it challenges but I would choose that over working under someone or a company. To be your own boss gives you the flexibility and creativity to paint your own path and vision. I am a free spirit that knows no limits. Live life with passion!

How do you handle situations where you feel overwhelmed?

Anytime I feel overwhelmed, I take a few minutes and step back and breathe. I try to evaluate what may be the issue that is causing me to feel overwhelmed and I work through it. The key is to breathe and trust your intuition and not allow negative vibrations to interfere. To not judge yourself for having the doubts or negative thoughts but to be here now in the present moment and focus on doing things to bring your vibration higher, and the self doubt disappears.

What has been the most rewarding thing since starting out?

The most rewarding thing since I started my journey as a equine sports massage therapist is knowing I’m making a difference in the horse’s lives and their humans. To blaze a path that is more focused on the Way of the Horse and to help others be the change. When a client smiles so big when their horse feels and moves better or when they have tears of joy knowing a healing breakthrough is happening, that to me is most rewarding thing.

What advice would you give to other women trying to enter your field?

The advice I would give is to trust in yourself and your intuition and instincts. If you're passionate about your career and it makes your soul happy, do whatever you can to make it successful for you and your life’s purpose. Keep on learning and educating yourself in your field and don’t be afraid to reach out to other professionals for help and guidance. This is a valuable way to network and to collaborate and work together for the common goal and highest good for all involved. Always keep an open mind and be willing to look at things from different perspectives since it may be something very valuable you can take with you and apply it to your career and in life. Be a person that leads by example. There will always be people who will find the negative in everything so make sure not to let it affect you and rise above it all. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone—only to yourself. Imagine it. Believe it. Do it!

What are some of your goals moving forward for your work?

My goal and mission is to continue to heal and rehabilitate horses and other animals. I would like to be able to work as a team with other equine health care professionals with clients and their horses. My goal is to get involved with a few equine rescue organizations and collaborate with them to help rehabilitate horses to make it easier for them to be adopted and rehomed. I would like to work together with other charities as well to help heal horses, animals, humans and our beautiful planet. To continue to be the change I wish to see in the world.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Sarah FieldingFebruary 24, 2020