By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

Large animal massage practitioner, Jamie Hudec, performs therapy on a local horse.

A new service will soon be available in Moapa Valley to help horse owners keep their animals in their best shape possible – contented, collected and comfortable.

Jamie Hudec, a 25-year resident of the area, has recently been certified as a large animal massage practitioner and is all set to open Transitional Equine Therapies, a new local business devoted to massage therapy for horses.

“Whether they’re for pleasure or performance, pastured or stabled, all equines can benefit from massage just as humans do,” Hudec said. “It improves their circulation, expulsion of toxins, aids in flexation and extension, dissipation of scar tissue built up from old injuries and has post operative benefits.”

Originally a heavy equipment operator, Hudec, who has been a “horse person” her entire life, said the state of the economy pushed her into the therapy business. Like human massage, the animal massage business is booming, according to the Northwest School of Animal Massage (NWSAM) where Hudec received her training.

“While animal massage has been around for some time, it is now emerging as a regulated profession,” NWSAM states on its website. “It is a highly regarded complimentary therapy among veterinarians, trainers and other animal handlers.”

Animal massage education included anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, massage techniques and first aid. It is designed to make practitioners open to the complete needs of their charges.

“All animals are receptive to massage,” Hudec said. “During my finals in Kanab, UT, I worked on a lamb and a potbelly pig and although it was a little struggle at first, once they realized we were there to help, they didn’t want us to stop.”

Hudec said through massage she can help reduce pain in an animal’s stiff joints and muscles, relieve its stress and even boost the performance level of competitive animals.

“Animals are living longer and need more specialized care,” said NWSAM director Lola Michelin. “Pet ownership is on the rise and people are taking more responsibility for their animal’s wellbeing.”

Once Hudec is up and running, she will travel to the animals for treatment. In addition to general and maintenance massage, she plans to offer rehabilitation massage as well.

“We can also help educate horse owners on exercise plans,” she said. “People should watch for upcoming dates for workshops that will include classroom instruction and hands-on studies.”

For further information, interested people can phone Hudec at 702-526-4276.