What I Do
Equine Bodywork encompasses much more than just massage even though that is the basis of the work. Each horse is an individual and should be treated as such. Therefore no session of mine is identical. I DO NOT perform mechanical massages like many in the industry. I take the time to assess each horse and take into consideration the horses history, current job, and owner concerns. I include many modalities including myo-fascial release, acupressure, energy work, trigger point therapy, Swedish massage techniques, stretching and much more. My sessions range from 1-1.5 hours. Working on horses is like peeling an onion one layer at a time. It often takes multiple sessions to really help the horse unwind. Many horses have stored trauma in their bodies just like people do and I am there to hold space and allow them to process and release it. My main goal is to create balance and harmony in the physical, emotional, and spiritual body of the horse.
Professional Information
Life-long experience with both English and Western disciplines is where I started my equine journey. After graduating with an Associates Degree in Biology from Daytona State College I debated what kind of career path I wanted to take since “traditional school” wasn’t where I saw myself. I stumbled across The School Of Applied Integrative Therapy that teaches equine bodywork. After a 500 hour certification course I graduated and became a certified equine bodywork and massage practitioner. I am also certified by the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM). I am currently working on furthering my education and acquiring an equine kinesiology taping certification.
Personal Life
My name is Samantha Hicks. I am the owner of Healing in Color Bodywork. I am 24 years old, and I was born and raised in a small beach town in Florida. I have been surrounded by horses my entire life and have fallen in love with their healing nature. Horses are completely in tune with themselves and live fully in each moment. I have met many horses that have healed me. I decided to pursue equine bodywork so I could give back to these gentle creatures that have given me so much. I recently moved to Montana where I was blessed with the opportunity to adopt my horse Gandalf, his old troubled soul has taught me so much about love and forgiveness. He lived a hard life before we found each other and now he lives out his old age surrounded with love. He is the first of many on my life-long dream of opening a horse rescue. (Gandalf Pictured Here)
