Helpful Healing Bodywork

Helpful Healing Bodywork alternative therapies including trigger point, custom herb blends & Equitape to enhance equine and canine health But he needed more, more often.

OUR STORY

At Helpful Healing Bodywork, our goal is to provide effective, affordable alternative care to enhance animals’ performance, comfort and well being. The practice grew from our personal experience of decades training horses and working with animals. Helpful Healing Bodywork came to be because Kristen and Gina were searching for ways to help a very sore and unbalanced horse recover and thr

ive. Our usual toolbox just wasn’t enough, so we had to learn something different. In February of 2022 we brought a 10 year old Thoroughbred to the farm. Pool Winner, now renamed Roy, was a very successful Stakes winning race horse, adopted through TRRAC. His adoption video was great; in person Roy needed some work. We knew he was underweight but didn’t realize how asymmetrical his body was until we started working him. Roy is a big guy at 17.2h, and he had a hard time keeping himself together. He interfered behind to the point of bleeding, he cocked his head to the side as he went around – he wasn’t pretty. A change in nutrition helped, as did a chiropractor, and well fitted boots. Research led to two modalities with promise – trigger point therapy, and kinesiology taping. So we set out to learn what these techniques could do, and see if it would help Roy. For over two years we studied Niel Asher’s NAT Trigger Point Therapy, Equine Kinesiology Taping, and other modalities. And we tried out what we learned on Roy, creating a hybrid approach that worked so well he stopped interfering and going crooked, and became a balanced, strong horse. Roy thrived with the bodywork, so much that we wanted to see how other horses would respond. They loved it too! That’s when we knew that this was something we needed to share. We use a blend of modalities customized for your animal’s specific needs. Our work doesn’t replace veterinary care or proper training, but works with your good management to help your animal. Because we know how expensive care can be, we have developed a variety of options to make our work affordable. Best of all, we always leave you with simple things you can do on your own to maintain the improvements that bodywork brings. Our bodywork isn’t a miracle, but it is an important tool to help animals be their best. Call us today to see how we can help! ABOUT US

Kristen Layfield Renshaw and Gina Kazimir are the team that created Helpful Healing Bodywork. Kristen has a BS in Equine Science from Delaware Valley University. She has spent her career in both the equine and veterinary industries, running a successful boarding and training stable and working as a veterinary technician. Kristen is an accomplished horsemanship coach, Eventing competitor, and she is now exploring the sport of carriage driving. Kristen is completing her certification from Equitape in 2024. Gina has been involved in the horse world for decades as an owner, Hunter competitor, and occasional local judge. She has run a therapy pet nonprofit for over six years, and was certified in aromatherapy in 1996 through the Michael Scholes School of Aromatic Studies. She will complete the NAT Trigger Point Therapy Diploma Course and her certification in NAT Trigger Point Therapy for Horses in 2024.

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06/04/2026

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has provided an important update on New World Screwworm which has been detected in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. Read the full press release here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

General information about New World Screwworm (NWS) can be found in the text below and in the attached infographic.

The adult screwworm fly is about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger), with orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along its back. It gets its name from the behavior of its larvae (maggots) as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go. The maggots (larvae) cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can quickly become enlarged and deeper as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue.

Because they feed on live flesh, NWS maggots may burrow deep into wounds or openings, while other species of maggots may appear around the outer surface of the wound. In addition, even the smallest wounds have the potential to attract flies, so it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your animals for any signs of wounds.

Lastly, NWS infestations are a reportable disease! Immediately report any suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations to a local accredited veterinarian, your State Animal Health Official, or a USDA veterinarian.

For more information, reference this resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm

Come see us at the Harford Horse Shows Association show today! We have an on site mini bodywork session special and disc...
05/30/2026

Come see us at the Harford Horse Shows Association show today! We have an on site mini bodywork session special and discount coupons for all participants!

05/20/2026

Imposter syndrome in dressage is real.

Sometimes it feels like everyone else belongs more than you do.

You wonder if you’re “good enough” to even call yourself a dressage rider.

But here’s the truth: dressage communities do not need another copy of someone else. They need YOU. Authentically you.

Maybe You:
• Encourage nervous riders at the in-gate.
• Make people laugh when tension is high.
• Keep showing up after disappointment.
• Are an exceptional learner who squeezes every ounce of value from each lesson.
• Ask thoughtful questions and genuinely want to improve.
• Say no to gossip and negativity.
• Celebrate other riders instead of competing with them off the scoreboard.
• Truly enjoy your horse—not just the ribbons.
• Are patient on the hard days.
• Listen to your horse when something feels off.
• Make newcomers feel safe and welcomed.
• Bring honesty, humility, grit, humor, and perspective.
• Remind people that this sport is supposed to be about partnership.

Those things matter. Deeply.

The riders who make the biggest impact are not always the ones with the highest scores. Often, they are the people who make others feel welcome, seen, supported, and inspired to keep going.

So instead of asking, “Do I belong here?”
Ask: “What unique thing do I bring to this community?”

Because no one else can bring what you do. 🖤🐴

Horse friends - Ariat.com is having a sale and there is 20% off SALE prices for Memorial Day if you are or sign up as an...
05/20/2026

Horse friends - Ariat.com is having a sale and there is 20% off SALE prices for Memorial Day if you are or sign up as an insider. They have paddock boots and riding jeans on sale!

Ariat is a performance footwear and clothing brand with an emphasis on technology and innovation. Shop our newest Western, Work, English, and Outdoor styles now.

"Ok people the entries for the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred horse show this coming Sunday 5/17 are LOW. If we can’t rally m...
05/14/2026

"Ok people the entries for the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred horse show this coming Sunday 5/17 are LOW.

If we can’t rally more people unfortunately the show will have to be cancelled.

If you have any interest enter online so we don’t have to cancel it!!!"

https://www.horseshowing.com/show.php?show=15032&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHhKmJcZC2owUSq4FD8mXBoMgggfnQFEyDVj0tAjbHQpU5_V9fjRMRWyJaFS4_aem_op44YkJtNNoAbQ3ybi4ldA

Please join us this Sunday for our 2026 All Thoroughbred Benefit Horse Show at Tranquillity Manor Farm, Monkton MD. Classes for everyone, from the greenest of greenies to the seasoned campaigners; from beginner riders to nervous novices to adult reriders to young guns to old pros.

Fun supportive atmosphere where great folks join together to celebrate great horses and raise money for MidAtlantic Horse Rescue. TIP classes too!

Just click the link in comments to enter. We'll see you next this Sunday!

05/09/2026

Our Hunt Valley, MD store will soon be closing its doors. Thank you for your support and loyalty over the years.

Serving you and your horse has truly been our privilege, and we’re grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us.

With sincere gratitude, we thank you for riding with Dover and wish you the best on your riding journey.

Exclusions apply. Effective 5/8/26, all sales are final. For purchases made prior to this date, returns will be honored with an original receipt within 30 days.

Many of our clients are OTTBs. We are glad to see this appointment.
05/06/2026

Many of our clients are OTTBs. We are glad to see this appointment.

"Her appointment reinforces a principle that must guide the future of our sport: horse welfare belongs at the center of every meaningful conversation about racing’s growth, integrity, and sustainability."

05/05/2026

MHSA Education Series Presents:

Hillary Morrow of Fairchild Educational Services

Discussion on College Application Process

for Riders and Non-Riders

Monday, May 11th @ 7pm via Zoom

05/05/2026

🌟 We Need Volunteers! 🌟
We’ve got a Recognized Horse Trials May 16th & 17th and need several more awesome helpers to make it a success! 🐴
All volunteers get a free tee, lunch, snacks, drinks 🥪🧃, AND earn a schooling credit!
💥 Want in? Text or call Stacey at 302-547-7576 or email [email protected] or sign up at:
https://www.eventingvolunteers.com/events/16060/signup
Come join the fun—we’d love to have you! 🙌

Address

Jarrettsville, MD

Telephone

+14109251453

Website

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