Balanced Equine Energy
with Shannon Hopkins

About Balanced Equine Energy

I created Balanced Equine Energy in memory of Sadonis, who taught me more than I can express about what it means to learn from a horse. I had become interested in equine bodywork after a friend taught me ways I could use massage to help horses feel better. The response from the primary horse I rode at the time was heart-warming, but it was the connection I developed with Sadonis as I grew more in tune with horse muscles, fascia and energy that set me on the road to certification.

My passion for horses began early, at the age of eight, when I started riding in my home country of Ireland. There I earned my Pony Club B rating. Over the years since I’ve been with and without my own horses, but my hunger to learn with and from them has never abated. Currently I am licensed by the State of Washington and have certifications in massage and visceral therapy and Reiki. I’ve also worked with affirmative training for both dogs and horses for seven years, studying with Susan Signor of Dog Dilemma in Yakima. Susan opened my eyes to the power of affirmative training in dogs, and helped me transfer my skills to horses, where it is an additional tool in my toolbox, helping horses with challenges such as standing still at the mounting block or accepting wound care.

My goal with Balanced Equine Energy is help horses feel better, and to help their human partners find a deeper connection within themselves and with their horses. Whether you are looking for a massage session for your performance horse or seeking healing comfort for a trail buddy, I can help. I can give you simple strategies to help you help your horse between sessions. For people interested in relationship-building activities, I can suggest fun activities to help your horse develop curiosity and excitement about engaging with you. I can also help you use affirmative training to tackle issues like bridling.

I am also available for virtual sessions if you're out of the area. See my testimonials page for a positive review of a virtual session. All you need is a phone and good earbuds. Oh, and a horse (or mule or pony or mini)!

My sessions with your equine partner will combine the old and the new, art and science, feel and energy, and they will allow your horses to have a voice in their healing so they can find a sense of peace in our demanding human world.