My name is Marcilyn Brient. I have a BA of Equine Science from Otterbein College (1990). I am a Certified Equine Massage Therapist. I was certified originally at Equissage in Round Hill, VA (2003) and with a secondary massage certification from Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio (2009) as well as a Certificate of completion of Equine Acupressure Level II.
After working in the Equine Industry for four years as a horse trainer and riding instructor, I had a horse accident that left one of my legs severely damaged. Over the next ten years, I struggled to maintain myself as a trainer and bought myself some time through my own journey of alternative healing. Although I slowed the degeneration of my leg, it continued to slowly go downhill and I had to accept the fact I would no longer be able to pursue the training of horses. The horse is, and always has been, my passion, and I was determined to find a way to stay in the Equine Industry.
The Universe had once called upon me to fulfill my role as a healer but at the time, I had turned down the “job.” I later obtained my Equine Sports Massage Therapy certification because of my own healing experience and the part that massage therapy played in that process. I was awed at how much massage therapy had helped me in my healing process and I became aware that I could be of service and help in the healing processes of the horses. I am now honored to fulfill my role as a conduit for healing for the Horse.
The Universe had once called upon me to fulfill my role as a healer but at the time, I had turned down the “job.” I later obtained my Equine Sports Massage Therapy certification because of my own healing experience and the part that massage therapy played in that process. I was awed at how much massage therapy had helped me in my healing process and I became aware that I could be of service and help in the healing processes of the horses. I am now honored to fulfill my role as a conduit for healing for the Horse.
Being a part of the process and what happens during is sometimes difficult to put into words. The horse watches my approach…just another human being coming…it’s body sore, the mental and emotional frustration of not being able to perform the way its human wants it to…its spirit sometimes wanting or broken. As the massage begins, the horse anticipates more pain and tenses its body…his mind and my hands do the work. Then the horse feels the energy behind the touch; energy connecting with energy. The horse takes deep breaths. Head dropping, its eyes soften and the horse does not resist for it knows I am there to help in its healing process.
The movement of the energy is where most of focus is. The healing energy does not come from me, but through me as I have asked the Great Spirit to help me to be a channel. The physical massage helps by increasing the flow of circulation, removing toxins and waste, reducing inflammation, increasing range of motion and flexibility and allowing muscles to relax.
The owner is in awe as well after watching the process and seeing how the horse behaves and moves post-massage. I just smile quietly and know that we all are one.
Marcilyn C. Brient, E.S.M.T.
Through this site, I want to provide all horse people with knowledge of the basic healing principles of what has worked for me in my practice and with the horses that I have worked with over the years.
I also want to develop a network of folks who are willing to share their stories. There are so many of you whose horses have had similar issues and wouldn’t it be neat to get you all together to share experiences? I am currently exploring Facebook as another alternative networking source by which to hook you all up. Enjoy!