Optimum Equine

Equine massage can benefit many horses--from top competitors preparing for an event to those recovering from training or injury. Contact us to learn more!

Many sport horses suffer from chronic soreness in joints and muscles as a result of training, and nothing can impede progress more than an injury. To keep your horse happy and healthy, and able to train and compete to the best of his ability, a regimen that regularly includes sports massage can be truly beneficial for maintaining optimum health and decreasing time spent recovering from injury. Fro

m my own journey as an athlete and and doting horse owner, I have been inspired to learn more about equine massage and begin this practice to help horses feel their best and continue to bring joy to the people who love them. You can read more about our story at www.optimumequinellc.com and follow this journey on the linked blog site.

03/21/2025

The horse who owes me nothing, yet continually gives me more... I interrupted his carefree feral existence for an hour Tuesday night so I could learn about softness and relationship to connection, the first elements of nerve release therapy.

We take for granted how much they give and how selflessly. We forget how easy it is for us to take from a creature so giving.... and of course it is among the most humbling of actions: to work on your own horse. To face your failings as they are written all over their body. To acknowledge the trauma that you inherited and asked them to work through.

But I am here to be the be the best steward I can be for these creatures. To be a human that is worthy of such a generous soul. That means not shying away from difficult truths. So here I am, humbled and open and ever appreciative of the horse who gave me everything. Somehow, I think he knows that I'll never make the same mistakes again. I swear he knows that his gift to me is infinite. He knows the wisdom I have gained from knowing, loving, and caring for him will touch so many horses.

So he gives me what I ask of him over and over. He knows now that what I ask is fair and is kind. And he knows that when his hour is up, he goes back to that delicious freedom he knows and loves. And trust me, Beau knows when that hour is up 🤣🤣

01/21/2025

Sometimes the gentlest work can be the deepest. After some subtle but powerful acupressure type touch on the pelvic release points along with standing on surefoot pads, this sweet soul finally allowed some previously off limits hind limb releases to happen. These feelings were so powerful and so profound for him that once he came out of the release, he circled once, twice, and then decided he needed to lay down to process it all. I stepped back, mesmerized, and watched him. He stretched and shook and snorted for a bit and then just curled up for a big snoring snooze. His body has received all it could from the work and now he knew he needed time for his nervous system to integrate it all.

01/03/2025

It's been a pretty quiet year on social media for Optimum Equine, but not in real life. I have been quietly enjoying the beautiful chaos of my life, bringing healing and release to all the horses I am lucky enough to meet, sharing ideas and knowledge with the people who love them, and always hungrily soaking up more.

After I completed my The Masterson Method, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork Certification last fall, I told myself I was due a little break, and to take a step back from the grind of work + classes for a moment. But then I attended the Manolo Mendez clinic this spring which was nothing short of life altering. The funny thing about learning something new is the way it illuminates just how much you have yet to learn...

While I toyed with the principles of his training at home with my own horses, the ideas so seamlessly dovetailed with the Balance Through Movement Method principles I was learning in lessons with Stacia Strong. Everyday it became clearer that the answers would always be incomplete without movement. Static bodywork alone would only progress the healing so far. It wasn't the singular key to open that door. A healthy body isn't possible without correct movement, without relaxation, both mental and physical.

Just like magic, Celeste-Leilani Lazaris then opened up a new cohort for her Nerve Release Technique self study course combining both unique manual bodywork techniques, which were totally new and exciting for me to learn, as well as her techniques for relaxed and correct posture both static and yep, in movement. I dove in. These techniques were a puzzle piece I had been missing and definitely needed.

For the past six months, I have devoured her lectures, her videos, her thoughtful webinars with passionate professionals who are setting out to change this industry by using the horse's truth as their compass. Horses don't lie. Neither do their bodies, once we learn how to read them. With the knowledge I have gained this year, I feel sometimes equal parts inspired and deflated. Deflated because of the sometimes overwhelming hurdles of changing hearts and changing perspectives amidst a "this-is-just-the-way-we-do-it" kind of industry and inspired because wow. With tools like these how can we not bring about that change we desire?

In 2024, I studied quietly behind my laptop, working diligently beneath the portraits of the equines I adore. I want 2025 to be the year I'm brave enough to trust myself. To speak this knowledge I believe in and find the courage to be the person all of the horses deserve me to be. Here's to the boldest, brightest year yet! ✨️

10/27/2023

It's official! You can now call me a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner! This journey started over two years ago and took me to Oregon, Indiana, New York, and Wisconsin in the pursuit of knowledge and techniques that would better help our beloved equines. But is this certificate the end of that journey? Far from it. I feel like it's only begun. The horses are my greatest teachers and I have so much to learn.

Onward and upward!

10/03/2023

Last night I completed my 30th case study towards my Masterson Method certification. I chose to work with my beloved mare and as I drove home reflecting on what I felt and what I learned from the session, I realized that I've learned so much more than the powerful bodywork techniques. I have learned a whole new way of asking questions and understanding these generous creatures who give us their all. This journey is one I never could have imagined, and I have so many people and animals to thank for sending me down this path.

So with any luck, I'll have a few more letters after my name by the end of the month, but it will be just a formality. I already know that this work has forever changed me as a horsewoman and a bodyworker.

💖

07/22/2023

So this happened a while ago. Like, A WHILE AGO. But it isn't real until it's on social media, so I am happy to announce that I am a certified SureFoot practitioner at the 1-HOOF level! It was a joy to learn from Wendy Murdoch who absolutely blew me away with her knowledge but most of all her humble curiosity and horsewoman's intuition.

I truly believe in the magic of these "squishy pads" and if you haven't seen it for yourself yet, let's try it on your horse sometime! Oh, and did I mention that I am the only certified practitioner in western PA, OH, and WV? If you're looking for posture correction, increased balance and proprioceptive therapy for your horse along with bodywork, I'm your girl 🦄😉

https://surefootequine.com/practitioners/north-america/41-english/authorized-sure-foot-practitioners/practitioners-north-america/389-mandy-collier

07/06/2023

Tonight I drink a toast to bravery and courage and trusting your intuition. Six years ago I took a leap onto the path less traveled and filed my LLC for Optimum Equine. I never could have imagined the course the universe set out for me once I walked through that door, but I am forever and wholeheartedly grateful that I have allowed this moment to change and define my life.

In this work, I found my calling and my purpose. I am given a chance to indulge a lifelong love and fulfill a need I didn't even know I had: to help the horses. I can scarcely remember a time when this wasn't who I was or what I did, that's how pivotal these last six years have been.

I also toast to all of you--my friends who have become clients and clients who have become friends. Thank you for trusting me with your horses and learning with me along the way. I can't wait to see what the coming years will bring to us and our beloved horses! Cheers 🥂🦄✨️

05/25/2023

If you and your horse are putting on your dancing shoes and heading to the Mountaineer Flight dressage show this weekend, hit me up! Currently scheduling sessions for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to keep your dance partner feeling their best in and out of the show ring 💃🩰🦄

04/16/2023

Yesterday I shared my knowledge and passion with a group of young professionals at the National Collegiate Horseman's Association conference and all I can say is wow. The question and answer portion was far and away my favorite part of the day. I am blown away by how hungry these equestrians are for knowledge. How curious they are. And what open-minded critical thinkers they are. Sharing knowledge with them was an absolute joy, and being part of this day gave me hope for the future of our industry! I'm seeing a thoughtful, compassionate future ahead 🤩

04/13/2023

A bit belated, but what else is new? Last week I traveled to Olean, NY to work in person with Terry Crisafulli and successfully completed Block 2 towards my Masterson Method certification. I came home full of confidence and more eager than ever to bring this effective method of bodywork to all my favorite horses, like the darling Vera, who was kind enough to pose for a selfie with me after her session the next day! 🦄🙌

03/25/2023

Knowledge is power! If you've heard me say it once, you've heard me say it a thousand times. Since launching my business and becoming dedicated to helping horses through bodywork and massage therapy, I have also stayed dedicated to furthering my own education, learning all that I can because when we know better, we can do better.

So it's no surprise that I am positively thrilled that I've been invited to share some knowledge with students at the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association National Convention next month. I'll be presenting along with Dr. Dara Brown of Allegheny Equine as part of the adjunctive therapies demonstration, and I cannot wait to get the next generation of equine professionals excited about all the creative ways we can learn from our horses' bodies to understand them, to help them, and become thoughtful, compassionate equestrians.

07/19/2022

Get out the smiles and the white saddle pads, it's time for another horse show! Lucy will be relaxing at home, but I'll be on site at The TREA Almost Heaven Dressage Show to provide well-deserved massage and bodywork for your hard-working equine athletes!

Sessions are currently being scheduled Friday through Sunday--send a message now to reserve your spot on your preferred day!

06/29/2022

There are so many heart melting moments when you work with horses, but sharing that passion and knowledge with horse kids is an extra special dose of feels!

I remember being a horse girl at horse camp with a heart full of plans and dreams and no idea how or if I would reach them. Horses were out of my reach when I was a kid, but books weren't. I read and learned everything I could, just in case...

Fast forward to grown up me at horse camp: I never could have dreamed this outcome, but I know knowledge and opportunities were the keys that got me here. And I'll always say yes to a chance to pay it forward 💕

05/27/2022

"I have to tell you Dorotea was so awesome during Jameson’s lesson on Wednesday. The work you did on her on Tuesday really made a difference. She was really stepping under herself & really using her back. We have always had trouble with that right rear side especially, but on Wednesday she looked better than she ever has!

It really was a definite difference! Shellie was amazed & that’s huge! Thank you for always being so patient with Dorotea!"

Thank you for the feedback 🤩 reviews like this make my heart happy!

05/24/2022

If you are going to the wild & wonderful Mountaineer Flight Dressage Show this weekend, reach out to schedule your horse's bodywork session!

I will be on site all weekend offering full and mini sessions to help your horse tune up, recover, and feel 100% going up centerline!

Pre-booking strongly encouraged as I am filling up fast 🤩🦄👐

05/21/2022

Exciting news! I've been chipping away at my Masterson Method Fieldwork Studies and have just graduated from Block 1 after a day of testing and training with my incredibly gifted bodywork coach, Terry Crisafulli.

My skills and techniques have quadrulped in scope and effectiveness since beginning my Masterson Method certification training, and I am so grateful for the horses and humans who have taught me so much.

Onward to Block 2! The learning is never done when you're a horsewoman, a bodyworker, and a total nerd.

03/19/2022

Nothing brightens my day and warms my heart quite like some positive feedback from happy horses and riders!

Brenda shared this update after beautiful Risueño's last bodywork session with me:

"Risueño is maintaining and enjoying his new found ways to relax. His movement on lunge and in under saddle is lengthening and feels a little more fluid. We are both so thankful we found you🥰🐴✌🏻"

Three cheers for relaxed, fluid, lengthening movement! That's what it is all about ❤

03/06/2022

Why does a bodyworker care about a horse's feet?

➡️ Because the hoof is a sensory organ.

➡️ Because the feet affect the body and the body affects the feet.

➡️ Because balance and proprioception are absolutely critical for every single horse sport.

➡️ Because a horse's correct and comfortable posture starts from the ground up.

And for some inexplicable reason, these crazy foam pads have the potential to bring a horse into a deeply relaxed state...

So here I am at SureFoot Masterclass for equine practitioners because, "No hoof no horse" is one of the truest statements in all things horse. I can't take care of the body if I'm not addressing what the feet are telling the brain.

One day in and one day to go and I already CAN'T WAIT to come home and get my hands (and these pads) on some horses

thehorse

Address

Pittsburgh, PA
15203

Telephone

+14124408307

Website

http://www.optimumequinellc.com/

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