I was delighted to be asked to write a testimonial regarding my experience with Shannon and my Lusitano mare, Easter. I first met Shannon more than five years ago, as a friend of a friend with a shared love of the Connemara horse. Long before she began serious study of horse biomechanics, physiology and integrative modalities, she always asked thoughtful question about my mare and I enjoyed hearing about the horses she was working with. She is gifted with a sensitive discernment of both the physical and emotional comfort of our equine partners and I was happy to let her sit on Easter and get her feedback. When I learned that she was pursuing a comprehensive education in equine body and energy work I was overjoyed, both for her and the horses.

Over the past year I have had Shannon work with Easter a number of times. I’m one of those “you tell me what you see and feel” people, meaning I didn’t give her a lot of specifics, only general information about how my mare was going. Her holistic approach takes into consideration equine discipline and level of work, the horse’s physical environment and other factors (i.e. turnout, prior injury) that could impact comfort and soundness. Each time, she systematically and thoughtfully evaluated areas of potential discomfort and most importantly, Easter’s reaction to the work. I particularly appreciate that Shannon will, if feasible, work with the horse in a stall or small enclosed area rather than in cross-ties. This allows the horse to be less constricted and more comfortable in their bodies and also walk away for a moment if needed.

I have found that it is important to leave them alone during the session to let them develop their own communication/language. At the end of each session, Shannon provides a comprehensive verbal and written report (upon request), and supports that with suggestions for exercises, videos, readings and anything complementary to her work. She is fully committed to getting to know each horse on many levels and truly puts their well being first and foremost. Because she is so approachable, clients are comfortable asking questions (the same ones more than once in my case) which is critical to being an informed owner/advocate.

Many modalities can come into play when selecting a team of professionals to keep our horses happy and healthy. Bringing Shannon onto your team is a win for all!

-- Bonnie Gilmore

I called Shannon to help my horse, Gunner, because he was stumbling on his right front constantly. Sometimes to the point of going down completely on his front knees while going down a steep grade. Pretty scary and I was worried he might strain his back during the going down process let alone the getting up process with me and my heavy saddle on him at such a horrible angle. I was concerned every time we went riding, to the point that I was going to semi retire him at 20! 

He is a big boned 1,300 LB 16 hand guy. One of the best horses in the mountains I've ever had.

I was also noticing he was losing his top line and he was having a lot of anxious moments while riding in larger groups and with certain high energy horses.

I called Shannon by suggestion from a good friend. (I have had Gunner worked on in the past by another therapist but I was noticing that, at times, the therapist would no sooner be down the driveway than the sore back symptoms would return.)

The first visit Shannon made I didn't understand my role in the process and I hindered her ability because I kept forcing Gunner to stand still. (Because that was the expectation of the other therapist.) So the rest of the visits were done at Liberty in his corral and in his timing. Shannon's energy is quiet and never in a hurry. She totally let's the horse choose the healing work she does. Gunner has gotten so he tells her where he wants her to work and shows her his symptoms too! At one of her visits she was trying to release his back area and he kept leaving when it got to be too much, but he would always come back and let her continue. He finally wouldn't come back and he wasn't completely released, so Shannon perceived he was associating the pain with where she was standing in his corral so she moved to a different area in his corral and he came back to her and got the final release he needed. I went on a 5 day trail ride/camping trip 2 days later and he didn't trip one time.

There were other bonus releases he got from his therapy too. Shannon has been 6 times in the last year and Gunners top line has filled out and he hasn't had anxious moments riding in groups. He has always had runny poop since I've owned him (10 years) and that is pretty much gone now. Still no tripping and I've done some pretty steep inclines with him.

Unfortunately, this kind of therapy takes time. It's not done in one visit. Gunner has had some bad experiences with people in his past and he had some emotional baggage from it. Hence, gut issues. Gut issues cause all kinds of ripple effects because the nutrition isn't processing right.

I'm going to continue having Shannon come over and work with Gunner because he deserves it. I am looking forward to many more years with him doing trails.

I love what Shannon has done for my horse! 

 -- Sandy Leitch