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ATX Equine Wellness

Enhancing Equine Performance and Well-Being Through Skilled Bodywork

Serving horse owners across the Austin, TX area

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Equine Therapy Services

EMFT

Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy

A form of bodywork that addresses dysfunction in movement or the body's ability to work optimally — restoring proper function through targeted muscle manipulation.

EMFT specifically addresses the myo-fascial system: the muscles influenced by fascial layers. Injuries to fascia result in decreased range of motion and pain, impairing your horse's movement and increasing the risk of further injury.

Myofascial release is a hands-on, whole-body technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to release barriers in the connective tissue. It takes 90–120 seconds to release the first barrier, and a minimum of five minutes for a full release in one area.

ANMR

Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique

A body alignment technique that uses a specialized tool to manipulate soft tissue around joints and vertebrae, helping your horse's body reset itself to improve posture, range of motion, and gait.

ANMR is a soft tissue technique — not chiropractic — meaning it does not adjust bones.

Conditions that benefit from ANMR:

  • Back pain
  • Difficulty picking up correct lead
  • Head tossing
  • Bucking or rearing
  • Difficulty pushing off hind end
  • Difficulty bending
  • Sticky stifles

Desensitization

Building Genuine Confidence

Horses are prey animals, hardwired to react quickly to anything they perceive as a threat. Through patient, systematic desensitization work, I help your horse build genuine confidence rather than simply suppressing their natural responses.

Each session progresses at your horse's pace, starting with low-intensity exposure in a calm environment and gradually working up. I never use flooding or force-based methods — the goal is to help your horse learn to think before they react.

What situations can desensitization help with?

  • Spooking at unfamiliar objects
  • Anxiety around clippers, fly spray, or grooming tools
  • Fear of tarps, flags, or flapping objects
  • Nervousness during trailering or loading
  • Reactivity to loud or sudden noises
  • Difficulty with new environments
  • General nervousness under saddle

What to Expect at Your First Session

  1. Initial Consultation

    Sophie starts by asking questions to get to know you and your horse, including any past or current injuries, so every session is informed and intentional.

  2. Assessment

    A hands-on evaluation of your horse's body condition to identify areas of tension, soreness, or restricted movement.

  3. The Session

    Calm, professional bodywork customized to what your horse needs that day. Your horse's comfort is always the top priority.

  4. Follow-Up Report

    Detailed updates with photos and videos after each session, so you have a complete record of your horse's care and progress.

Meet Sophie

Sophie Van Baren, equine bodywork practitioner

“I’ve spent most of my life around horses… Now, I’m able to help them live their best lives.”

Hey there, I’m Sophie Van Baren. At 12 years old, I stepped into a barn with my friend just to pet horses, and that’s where it all started. I became a barn rat, offering my help to the barn manager to earn a few free lessons and saving every penny for equipment. I was completely hooked.

My first horse love story started with a Thoroughbred named Olrick. I couldn’t wait to see him.

Then life took over, and I went into the corporate world — but I never forgot my love for horses. A few years ago I found a barn, started to ride again, and something had changed. I wanted to give back to the horses all the joy, unconditional love, and “free” therapy they had given me over the years.

So I quit my job and became a full-time Certified Equine Massage Therapist. And like everything with horses, I never stop learning.

Why Choose Sophie

  • Always starts by asking questions to understand you and your horse, including past and current injuries
  • Uses only proven, safe techniques to promote your horse’s well-being
  • Sessions are calm and professional, with your horse’s comfort as the top priority
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs

Certifications

Certified in EMFT and ANMR techniques from Holistic Animal Studies School

EMFT certification diploma from Holistic Animal Studies School ANMR certification diploma from Holistic Animal Studies School

What Clients Are Saying

I am so glad that I found Sophie to provide therapeutic massage services to my horse! As a performance athlete entering his golden years, preventative maintenance is critical to keeping him healthy, happy, and feeling his best.

Sophie provides a thorough report of my horse’s body condition each week, letting me know where he feels tight or sore so that I can address those issues promptly. I love that Sophie customizes each session to what my horse needs that day.

Beyond her practical skills, Sophie is an excellent communicator who sends me detailed updates and photos/videos after each session so I have a record of my horse’s care and treatments. I highly recommend Sophie and her services to anyone who is looking to provide their horse with top-quality care!

— Alie

Sophie has worked wonders with my mare! My horse is more senior and can get quite sore and stiff. With regular massages I have noticed her happiness, recovery time, and body improve substantially.

She had also had shortening of stride with her chest being so tight, but Sophie fixed that! She now moves freely at all four gaits.

I’m incredibly grateful that she cares for my horse’s health and wellbeing. I couldn’t recommend Sophie enough — you and your horse will love her work!

— Ashley

My mare has been so happy since Sophie started bodywork sessions with her. The tension has been leaving her neck and side, and when she had a pulled check ligament, Sophie helped her maintain relaxed muscles during rest and rehab.

I can always tell if I ride her a day after a session — she’s looser with her movements.

— Stacey

Get in Touch

Ready to give your horse the gift of optimal health and performance? Reach out today.

Phone (704) 737-3343
Email sophievanbaren@gmail.com
Facebook Sophie Van Baren