My name is Barbara Breckenfeld, and my practice, Movement in Balance, offers equine bodywork and massage, as well as the popular “Introduction to Bodywork with Horses” clinics. I am certified nationally by the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM), licensed as a Large Animal Massage Practitioner in Washington State, and a Certified Practitioner of the Equine Natural Movement School. Because there is no ‘one size fits all’ in bodywork, my continued quest for tools led me to study Tui-na and Equine Quantum Healing with Suzan Seelye, DVM, and Reiki levels 1 and 2.
Philosophy
Animals have thoughts, feelings, and spirits as well as physical bodies. When we work with their nature whether training, riding, or handling them, they are able to give us their best.
Horses evolved to move — walking as they graze and surviving by running from threats. Natural movement is easy, efficient and beautiful. Unnatural movement lacks harmony, is difficult to ride, and hurts the horse. Horses reach and sustain their potential as athletes and companions through correct natural movement.
Some say that horses did not evolve to be ridden. Their relatively inflexible backs and sociable natures made them willing. Being ridden dramatically changes their balance and ways of moving. Our horses can give us their best when we ride in balance and harmony with them.
Background
I became a horsewoman in 1993 when a handsome dapple-gray gelding won my heart. He claimed me as his own, and I embarked upon a journey that changed the way I see and engage with the world. As a healer, I draw on my training and experience as an artist and designer, which taught me to see and to listen to my intuition. I’ve been delighted to discover that my creative hands and my healing hands come from the same place.
When it was time for a career change after 20 years of writing and facilitating communications projects, horses and healing work beckoned, and I answered, drawing on decades of study in personal development, energy work, and receiving bodywork to develop a healing practice for horses. The horses relax into connection with me, and seem to like my calm, grounded presence and healing energy.
Starting at age six, when I taught my younger sister to read, I’ve been teaching people how to do things I love, but they aren’t sure they can do. Today, I love sharing my knowledge of bodywork and healing because it not only benefits horses, it empowers horse people in caring for their own horses.
I learn from every horse I touch, and love donating my services to local rescues and non-profits such as Save A Forgotten Equine (SAFE), Raven Rock Ranch, Empowerment Through Connection, Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, and Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center.