Question 1

How do I book an Appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can either send me a message via the contact form on this website, send
 
 a text to +1-781-541-0057, or write an email to flowingwaterswholistics@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Question 2

How are the travel fees calculated?

Accepted Answer

Travel fees are calculated by putting in the total mileage (back&forth) of the trip, the current, local gas price and the MPG of my car into a fuel cost calculator - I use this website: https://www.calculator.net/fuel-cost-calculator.html

Travel fees will be split by the number of participants/clients at one barn or in one area.

Question 3

Where are you located and how far and where will I travel?

Accepted Answer

I am located in Northern California, specifically in Siskiyou County. I mostly travel all around California and Oregon, but am willing to travel almost anywhere - just send me a message to ask and I'm sure we'll be able to figure something out!

Most of my clients are 3-5 hours away from me, and I'm always willing to figure something out so I can get you on the schedule wherever you are located in whatever way we can make it happen, so don't hesitate to reach out even if you are farther away!

Question 4

What is required for you to come work on my horse if travel is more than 2+ hours away?

Accepted Answer

For appointments that are more than two hours away, I ask that I have at least 3 horses to work on. If I need to stay the night due to the amount of horses or hours of travel, I will also need a place to stay. All I need is a bed and access to a shower. For appointments more than 3 hours away, I'll need at least 4-5 horses to work on, as well as a place to stay.

If you are wanting me to come work on your horse but don't think you will find enough other people to make it happen, don't hesitate to reach out and I'm sure we can make something work. I also have flyers I can send to you, which can make it easier to find more people that want an appointment.

Question 5

How can I prepare my horse for the session?

Accepted Answer

• Horses should be lightly groomed to be free of dried or wet mud, or ice clumps on body or legs, it is also helpful to have cleaned out their hooves. 
• If the session coincides with feeding time, consider offering the horse a snack beforehand to prevent any distraction due to hunger.
• It's important that the horse is able to safely lift all four feet to facilitate complete motion tests and therapeutic maneuvers.
• Prior to the session, inform the therapist if the horse is pregnant, experiencing a fever, or has tested positive for any reportable and/or contagious diseases, as this may necessitate adjustments to the therapy techniques or require postponement until the horse is non-contagious.
• While horses can be lightly ridden/worked a few hours before their appointment, I would advise against any strenuous exercise, as that can alter what the horses body shows up with during a session. 
• Please keep in mind that horses should have at least 2 days off for hand walking and rest after an osteopathic session, in order to let their body acclimate to the changes in them. If additional downtime is advisable, the therapist will discuss this post-session.

Question 6

How can I prepare myself for the appointment?

Accepted Answer

• Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes (consider hand warmers in winter).
• Sessions typically last between 1.5 and 2 hours. Time may vary slightly, depending on the individual horse. For example horses with severe arthritis, highly anxious horses, or post-trauma cases might need a slower, potentially altered approach. Please be prepared for potential extended sessions and remain flexible.
• Feel free to bring snacks, beverages, and an alternate handler if multiple horses are scheduled, ensuring everyone can enjoy the session.
• Lastly, come prepared with curiosity and questions! Sessions are rich with valuable information and tips for maintaining your horse's well-being between sessions.

Question 7

How should I prepare the workspace for a session?

Accepted Answer

• Ensure the workspace is protected from extreme weather as best possible and free from other loose animals or distractions nearby. It is always favorable to work in an area the animal feels most comfortable in. 
• The workspace should provide ample room for safe maneuvering around the animal.
• The footing within the workspace must be clean and devoid of tripping hazards, excess mud, standing water, or ice and be as flat as possible.
• All animals must wear a halter and remain securely held throughout the session, except when the practitioner requires control of the animal's head for specific tests or techniques.

For dogs: 
• dogs must be able to lie on their side and back for longer stretches of time, and might be muzzled for liability purposes (you can bring your own muzzle or use mine)
• of course, sessions will be tailored to the individual animal, they will get breaks, and I'm aware that some dogs might not be able to lie still for a prolonged amount of time to begin with - if that is the case though, I might not be able to address all the systems, but I will work on your dog and do as much as makes sense for the individual at that time.

Question 8

What does an Equine Osteopath EDO® do?

Accepted Answer

• Equine Osteopathy is a holistic approach that aims to work seamlessly in conjunction with other healthcare modalities, such as veterinary medicine and acupuncture, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body's systems rather than focusing solely on individual components.
• Osteopaths utilize their detailed knowledge of the nervous systems connections between spinal segments, viscera (organs), and the craniosacral system to identify and address potential immobilities or disruptions in the body's flow, thus aiming to alleviate discomfort for the horse.
• By the Equine Osteopath resolving these restrictions and immobilities, the body's natural state of balance and homeostasis can be restored. 
• In the words of Osteopathy's founder, A.T. Still: "Find it. Fix it. Leave it alone and let nature do the rest."

Curious to learn more about osteopathy?

Question 9

Do you work on any other animals, aside from horses and dogs?

Accepted Answer

I do! While my main focus and expertise lies in the realm of equines and canines, osteopathy really is applicable to any body, no matter the animal. As long as I know the animals anatomy and general biomechanics, I can and will try my best to help other animals - of course the anatomy isn't completely the same, but most four-legged animals do have very similar anatomy. So far I've had the pleasure of working on several cats, as well as a goat. All that to say, if you have an animal that you'd like me to look at, don't hesitate to reach out and ask me, and I'd love to see if I can help you!

Question 10

Do you work on humans?

Accepted Answer

I am currently in school at the Ankrum Institute for Functional Bodywork to learn how to apply what I know for animals, to humans. So while I am not a (european) osteopath for humans at this time, I am in the process of learning to apply osteopathy to humans. If you are interested in a session for yourself, feel free to reach out to me. At this time I offer sessions on a Donation Basis / Gift Economy (excludes travel fee). These sessions usually address just a few areas of your body, depending on how far along in my human training I am at the time, so it is not a full spectrum osteopathy session, but it can and will help with certain things.

Question 11

I don't live anywhere near you - how can I find an EDO® that can help me and my animal?

Accepted Answer

You can visit the website of the registry of equine diplomate osteopaths international, where you'll find all registered EDO®'s; and if I am still the closest one to where you are located, please feel free to reach out and I'm sure we can figure out how to get you on the schedule and make a trip work!

REDOi's website: https://www.redointernational.org/

Question 12

What is a Private Ministerial Association (PMA)?

Accepted Answer

A Private Ministerial Association (PMA) is a private, membership-based framework that allows me to offer my work outside of the public domain and within the private domain. Rather than providing services to the general public, I work exclusively with members who voluntarily choose to be part of this private association.
Operating as a PMA allows me to practice in a way that is structured, intentional, and aligned with my holistic, educational, and whole-being approach. It creates a clear private agreement between practitioner and client, which supports professional boundaries, informed consent, and autonomy for everyone involved.
For clients, this means:
Our work takes place within a private, member-based relationship, rather than a public service model.
You are choosing to engage in this work by consent, as a private member.
The nature and quality of the work itself does not change 
Communication, education, and decision-making stay collaborative and individualized.
For me as a practitioner, operating as a PMA allows me to:
Offer my work within a clearly defined legal and professional framework
Maintain the integrity of my holistic and educational methods
Work in a way that prioritizes autonomy, responsibility, and informed choice
Continue offering services sustainably and transparently
All clients - new and existing - are required to be members of the PMA in order to receive services. There is a one-time, lifetime PMA membership fee of $5 per client.

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