

A little info on equine massage therapy:
A full-body massage takes approximately one hour.
A few recommendations for a massage appointment:
feed horse prior to appointment or wait until after massage
If horse tends to be antsy/energetic, please lunge prior to massage
If horse isn't use to being in barn without favorite buddy, leave buddy in next stall.
Have water readily available in stall/area
Horse needs the next 24 hours off from riding/working
A little info on canine massage therapy:
A full-body massage takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
A few recommendations for a massage appointment:
feed dog either 2 hours before or an hour after massage
Allow extra time for an excitable dog to settle down
Owner needs to stay with dog during massage
Have water readily available
Dogs need the next 24 hours off from exerting activities (i.e., agility)
My goal is to ease
muscle knots, relax tense muscles and have the massage be a great experience for
your horse or dog. Massage is much more than a grooming session. I am doing deep
muscle massage, using different levels of pressure and different techniques.
Techniques will differ between people, horse, and dog massage as well as how and
where the massage therapist was trained & certified. If I find an area that is
sensitive to the horse or dog, I back off of my pressure level and reapproach it
at a level that is comfortable to the horse or dog. It usually takes more than
one massage to work on major knots and tense areas. I recommend a maintenance
massage every 8-10 weeks. I have several raving references from happy and
pleased clients. I am certified through Therasage EMC and PetMassage LTD. I
am a member of IAAMB (International Association of Animal Massage and
Bodyworks).
Some signs of a great massage:
lip smacking (horses & dogs)
yawning (horses & dogs)
drinking water (horses & dogs)
urinating (horses & dogs)
resting of legs (horses)
lowered head (horses)
sighing (horses)
resting a leg (horses)
sitting or laying down (dogs)
grooming/licking (horses & dogs)

Photo courtesy of Caryn Henry
What's the
cost?
Horses
Single rate (1-2 horses): $50 per horse ($40 for 1st time clients)
Group rate (2-6 horses): $40 per horse
Out-of-Radius Trip
Charge (more than 1 1/2 hours from 53550 – about 80 miles): - .48 cents per mile
out of radius area AND at least three horses (group rate will still
apply)
Dogs
Single rate (1-2 dogs): $25 per dog ($20 for 1st time clients)
Group rate (2-14 dogs): $20 per dog
At My Home: $15 per dog
Out-of-Radius Trip
Charge (more than 45 minutes from 53550 – about 30 miles): - .48 cents per mile
out of radius area AND at least four dogs (group rate will still apply).
I travel to the following areas:
Jefferson/Ft Atkinson
Waukesha
Elkhorn
East Troy
Lake Geneva
Madison/Oregon
Platteville
Janesville/Beloit
Monroe/Brodhead
Freeport, IL
Rockford, IL
Other areas may be available upon request (Out-of-radius trip charges may apply. See fees above)
My typical radius from zip code 53550 is 1 1/2 hours for horses and 1 hour for dogs. Click on image below to see map of service area)
I have times available during:
Monday - Friday 5pm - 8 pm (Sorry, not available for out-of-radius clients.)
Saturday & Sundays 8 am - 5 pm
During most of Summer(June, July, and part of August), Friday daytime will also be available
I am also available for:
Demonstrations for clubs or groups $75 (includes travel time) Discounts available for 4-H clubs
Horse shows - Pre- & Post-event Massages ($30 each or $50 for both - would need at least 5 horses)
Dog Shows - Pre- & Post-Event Massages & Full-Body for non-competing dogs ($15 each or $20 for both - would need at least 10 dogs)
Coming in 2010 – Spa, Stable, & Kennel Massage Services!!
I am currently
going through the process for training, certification, and licensing as a human
massage therapist!
How to contact me:
2dogfarm@wekz.net
or check out website:
www.HorseTouch.net
References/testimonials available

Photo courtesy of Caryn Henry
Here's what people are saying!
Hi, my name is Kris and I have a 21 year old quarter horse mare. She loved what Bonnie did for her. She rides stiff on the left side and it softened her left side up. I have also seen Bonnie work on an abuse Thoroughbred gelding, He took the massage really well and enjoy her touches. I have known Bonnie for a long time and we have worked with horses together for a long time too. She has a gift and the horses know it and they respond to her, I know she can help your horse. If you need any other information, please don't hesitate to email. Your horse will enjoy the gift that Bonnie has to offer. Have a great day and great ride.
Kris A., Brodhead, WI
Hi Bonnie,
Just wanted to drop you a line with some feedback on your massage services.
Thank you so much for coming out to do a full body massage on Josie. She was
apprehensive at first until she realized you were making her feel better. Your
timing was right on target as the massage kept her relaxed for the incoming
storm later that day. And for days afterward. She lets me massage her aching
muscles (due to a metabolic condition) now that you showed her it's a good
thing.
We also appreciated the pre-event massage at Midwest Horse Fair! That helped
my introverted mare relax on the day of record attendance. How thoughtful of
you to bring Josie sugar-free peppermints for her neck stretches!!
After these two successful massages, we'd like to incorporate you into our
regular health maintenance since it helps Josie so much. You really zeroed
right in on all her trouble spots which helps ease her metabolic stress level.
Thanks again and it's always great to see you,
Julie & Josie Mukwonago, WI
"My experience with Bonnie
massaging my horse happened when I had moved my mare to a different barn. She
isn't a colicky horse, but about a week after being there, she wasn't full blown
colic, but she just wasn't right either (it was feeding time, and my mare laid
down...she never does that when food is around!). We got the vet out and helped
her, but we noticed that she was a little bit dehydrated. So I got Bonnie
to come out the following day and give her a massage because I was at a loss of
what to do. She was very professional about the whole experience: she let
Kittie get to know her a bit, and we kept my mare in her stall so she would feel
comfortable. During the massage, Kittie started to drink her water!
I also really liked how Bonnie is very
knowledgeable about horses in general...she told me that by doing massage, we
would be releasing any of the toxins out of the horse, and she fully answered
any of my questions. Bonnie would also back off if she hit a knot on my horse,
and then would slowly go to it again. She is easy to schedule with, timely, and
is very respectful of horses. I would definitely recommend her to anyone."
Danielle N.,
Brodhead, WI
Recently, I made an appointment
to meet Bonnie and have her give my new mare a massage. The first time for both
of us! Bonnie's quiet way and gentle, but thorough hands found two sore areas
on my horse. The mare leaned into Bonnie's touch and I could see the discomfort
leave her.
A few days later, our veterinarian was out and did a short exam on the same
horse. She found the same sore areas of the horse and recommended a
chiropractic adjustment. If it wasn't for Bonnie's gift, I would not have known
my horse was in any discomfort. I will continue to use massage as a positive,
safe way to keep my horse comfortable and moving well. Thank you, Bonnie!
Polly & Honey Neosho, WI
Hello,
My name is Candace Benner. I own a small boarding/ training/ lesson in barn in Juda WI.
Recently I hired Bonnie Dittmer of Horse Touch Massage to do a massage on a 6 year old Arabian Gelding. I have had the gelding for several years and although very advanced in his training, we have had issues with the canter. He would always lay his ears back and be unhappy about it. After Bonnie did a massage, for the first time in 3 years he cantered with his ears up and moved much better. I was astounded at the results! He continues to work better for me 6 weeks later.
With those results, I had to see if I would get improvement on another problem. I had just acquired a Thoroughbred gelding that was sore in the back, very stiff to the right, and just all around crabby when asked to do anything including saddling, grooming, etc. He is a very quiet and kind horse and I felt that his issues were related to pain although he showed no signs of unsoundness. After Bonnie did a massage the difference in this horse was amazing. He happily did a lesson for me that afternoon and continues to work in a much happier condition.
I am not a big advocate of any type of quick fixes or gimmicks for horses. I believe in lots of stretching, repetition, training and hard work. However, those massages truly helped my horses work easier and happier for me. Bonnie has a very quiet and soothing touch to the horses which relaxes them like nothing I have seen. I had always been somewhat skeptical about horse massage, but after my results I am happy to write this letter and I would recommend Bonnie Dittmer's horse massage to anyone.
Sincerely,
Candace Benner
StoryBook Farm Juda WI
Bonnie did a wonderful job giving me my first massage! I can be kind of hyper but I calmed down and really enjoyed it and relaxed. I even peed on the floor I was so happy! ----“Dixie Dog” Albany WI
I am a six year old black lab/great dane mix with just a touch of “arfritus” in my hips. The massage was great for my back, legs and hips. I have been feeling better ever since with less difficulty getting up from the floor. I hope my family continues to have Bonnie come as I am now on a stricter exercise regimen and some evenings I am a bit more tired and sore. I would highly recommend Bonnie’s massage services paws down! -----“Buster the Dog” Albany WI
I'll be a repeat customer!! Bonnie was excellent with my horses and she took the time to really give them a thorough massage....spending the time needed on areas that needed more work. She handled my horses with love and respect and she didn't hesitate to explain to me what she was doing and even gave me some helpful tips on what I can do myself to help my horses problem area. Thanks Bonnie, you'll be hearing from me again!!!
~Sue
Applewood Farm Jefferson WI
We are really impressed! Thank you bonnie. You went out of your way to help our rescued horses become more comfortable with your caring hands and your compassion.
Temple & Evelyn W.
Brodhead WI
You have a gift and we appreciate you sharing your caring way with us and our horses!
Brian, Polly, Dutch and Honey
Oconomowoc, WI
I noticed a big difference in DaKkota’s flexibility & quality of all three gaits (WTC) after both massages and beyond. I’ve recommended you to everyone in my barn and hope to see up here often!
Kelly & Dakkota, Arabian horse formerly with lead problems
My horse was so relaxed and responsive after his massage. Will get another one! Jessie & Bug Neosho, WI
To set up an appointment, contact Bonnie with the
information below!
HorseTouch Massage
W1989 Shanghai Road
Juda WI 53550
(608) 934-3333 Home
(608) 558-2179 Cell
2dogfarm@wekz.net
Website designed and maintained by
Angie
Copyright © 2007-2009 Bonnie Dittmer. All rights reserved.
Revised: 02/19/09.