Certified Reiki Practitioner Continued Reiki education and training specifically for horses with James French (The Trust Technique, England) and Anna Twinney (Reach Out To Horses, Colorado) Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist Certified Master Equine Manager Certified Irwin Insights Master Level 1
Kari is grateful to have thirty years of experience with horses. At a young age Kari took interest in dressage and focused on it until she was a young adult and then went on to pursue eventing. She then became drawn to natural techniques with horses on the ground and under saddle. Those experiences led Kari to integrate her horse sense, intuition, experiences and education in dressage, eventing, and natural horsemanship techniques to study the Irwin Insights training system which is incomparable to any other training system. Typical horsemanship teaches people to "desensitize horses" so they obey and perform mechanically upon command. The empathy in Irwin Insights does the opposite. Irwin Insights "sensitizes people" to connect with the horse so it can truly understand, appreciate and willingly cooperate. Kari is a Certified Irwin Insights Master Level 1, Certified Master Equine Manager, Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist, a Certified Reiki practitioner for animals and humans, and holds a MA in education and teaching. Kari has had the amazing opportunities of training with advanced level eventers, trained with an Olympic event rider for three years, competed at USEA sanctioned events, and accumulated awards at the state, regional, and national level in eventing. However, connecting to and working with horses in the most authentic and meaningful way for the horse is what is most important to her.
Equine Sports Massage Therapy Kari earned her equine sport massage therapy certification from Equissage. Equissage is listed as an accredited program with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Equine Sports Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in all horses from companion animals to upper level competition horses. Some of the many documented benefits of massage are: - Enhances muscle tone and range of motion. -Reduces inflammation and swelling in the joints, thereby alleviating pain. -Promotes the healing process by increasing the flow of nutrients to the muscles, and aiding in carrying away excessive fluids and toxins. - Creates a positive effect on the contractual and release process of the muscles, releasing tension, and relaxing muscles. - Stimulates circulation thereby releasing endorphins - the body's natural pain killers. - Helps to maintain the whole body in better physical condition.
Reiki Kari earned her Reiki certification from Priscilla Bengston, Reiki Master, and then furthered her training specifically in Equine Reiki with Anna Twinney, Reiki Master, Colorado and with James French, Reiki Master/The Trust Technique, England. Reiki is a form of therapy that uses simple hands-on and visualization techniques to improve the flow of life energy in a being. Reiki (pronounced ray-key) means “universal life energy” in Japanese, and Reiki practitioners are trained to detect and alleviate problems of energy flow on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Reiki may assist with reducing stress, stimulating the immune system, and relieving the pain and symptoms of health conditions. Reiki is a gentle and safe technique, and has been and is used successfully in human and animal hospitals.
To schedule an Equine Sports Massage Therapy Session or Reiki and Intuitive Healing Session for your horse or animal, you may call or text to 860-368-7229 or email to epothekari@gmail.com.
Testimonials
“It is such a pleasure and unique experience to watch Kari give a massage. It is like she is having a conversation with the horse. The horses respond so well to her techniques. Resulting in a looser, happier and well-rounded horse. I highly recommend Kari to keep your horse feeling their best.” - Dawn Bonin, Natural Horsemanship Trainer, Coventry, CT
“Kari VanOstrand is an excellent horsewoman. She has given equine massage to all three of our horses and they love her. Her understanding of horse behavior, how they move and what their needs are is extensive. She makes a connection with each horse she works with and they relax with her even before she starts. Kari provides the right touch to help horses. They literally melt under her hands when she gives them a therapy massage! I highly recommend Kari!” -Kristine Mika, Instructor, Colchester, CT
“Kari is very knowledgeable about massage techniques and equine anatomy. What is particularly helpful is that she explains exactly what she is doing. She also gave me tips on how to maintain a couple of problem areas my horse has. She treats horses with respect and kindness. My instructor noticed immediately the improvement of my horse's movement in my next lesson. I highly recommend Kari.” -Ken Bastura, Colchester, CT
“I highly recommend Kari for Equine Sports Massage! You can visually see the connection Kari has with the horses during the massage session and how each massage is customized based on what queues the horse is giving or what she is feeling. Kari is very thorough and spends the time needed to ensure the highest benefit for the horse. I always feel a positive difference in my horse’s motion after a massage from Kari.” -Beth Norton, Hebron, CT
“Effective Equine Massage and Bodywork requires more than being proficient with massage strokes and the execution of various bodywork techniques. Anatomy and physiology with sufficient knowledge of the attachments and the interplay of the muscles relative to the horse's skeletal body are necessary to locate and treat areas in need. Additionally, to achieve results, the physical, spiritual and emotional connections with the equine client are paramount. The "Feel" to locate the often subtle differences in the soft tissue, which usually involves muscle spasms, fascial restrictions, or general tension, will flow more easily. Kari has the horse experience, knowledge, skill and focus to administer the healing touch your horse deserves.” Doris & Ron Bouchard Owners and Instructors Equissage, New England / New York
