The Art of Equine Wellness: An Interview with Giorgia Ilari, Equine Osteopath and Massage Therapist

For Giorgia Ilari, the bond between human and horse is not just a passion—it’s a vocation. From a young age, Giorgia was captivated by the grace and strength of horses. “I’ve always had an uncontrollable passion for horses, ever since I was a child,” she recalls. Unfortunately, circumstances led her to step away from riding, but the love she had for these majestic animals never waned. “After my university studies, I returned to riding, and given my experience in the working world, I asked myself, ‘Why can’t I help horses feel better too?’ That’s when I decided to pursue studies in equine osteopathy and massage therapy. After completing my training, I finally understood what it meant to turn a passion into a career.”

The Benefits of Equine Massage and Osteopathy

Giorgia’s approach to equine wellness is comprehensive. She emphasizes the importance of addressing both the skeletal and muscular systems during treatment. “The two techniques go hand in hand because the muscular part is anchored to the skeletal part, and the skeletal part anchors the muscular part. To do a good job, you need to work on both fronts to make the musculoskeletal system flexible, elastic, and responsive.”

The benefits of this dual approach are profound. Giorgia explains that an animal’s ability to adapt to physical demands is crucial for optimal performance, especially in sports. “A body is considered athletic when it can adapt to

sporting circumstances, and to do so, it must be reactive and flexible.”

Recognizing When a Horse Needs Treatment

When it comes to identifying a horse in need of treatment, Giorgia relies on both preventive and therapeutic approaches. “Usually, in most cases, what indicates to me that a horse needs my help is the sensation that the rider describes when they are in the saddle. There may be more evident stiffness on one side than the other, or a noticeable difficulty for the horse in performing certain exercises.”

Following the rider’s feedback, Giorgia conducts a detailed visual assessment. “After this introduction, a visual evaluation is performed where we delve into the details, observing postural attitudes in all gaits.”

In cases of trauma, Giorgia collaborates closely with veterinarians to ensure the most effective treatment plan. “If we’re dealing with an issue caused by trauma, we rely on the veterinarian’s indications to guide the appropriate course of action.”

A Session in the Life of an Equine Osteopath

A typical session with Giorgia begins with gathering information from the rider. She then observes the horse’s movement to assess gait quality, posture, and balance. “After evaluating the right and left sides, we return to the stable where I begin the treatment.”

For horses unfamiliar with treatment, Giorgia takes a gentle approach. “If the horse has never received treatment before,

I ask for its permission to proceed using sacroiliac and myofascial techniques—establishing contact and trust to make the horse comfortable.”

Giorgia’s method is thorough, starting with the pelvis and sacroiliac joint, then working her way up to the cervical area and finally the limbs. She checks the mobility, flexibility, and response of all joints, finishing with stretching exercises and a unique sacroiliac technique. “The concluding work involves listening to the ‘primary respiratory mechanism,’ the fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid, and the motility of the skull and sacrum, which must have a regular rhythm.”

Challenges and Successes in Equine Therapy

Despite her success, Giorgia faces challenges, particularly when dealing with horses that are apprehensive or distrustful. “Fortunately, I haven’t encountered major difficulties, but one situation that has arisen more than once is the somewhat distrustful and fearful attitude of the horse.”

Understanding the horse’s mood is essential to her approach. “I gauge the horse’s mood from the moment it starts to walk on the lunge—whether it’s evasive, uncomfortable, or disoriented. In these cases, to gain trust and introduce myself, I start lunging the horse myself and initiate contact there before continuing in the stable.”

Patience is key in these situations. “Sometimes it takes a long time for a horse to let me into their world, and when

that’s the case, I rarely give up. That’s why the treatment can sometimes last more than an hour.”

Integrating Techniques for Optimal Recovery

Giorgia emphasizes the importance of integrating massage and osteopathy with other treatments for the best results. “If the horse is in good health and the work is purely preventive, I recommend maintaining the treatment monthly.”

However, in cases of trauma or specific needs, she adjusts the frequency of treatments accordingly. “If other needs arise due to traumas or particular specifics, based on urgency, we may work on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.”

In more severe cases involving injuries like tendonitis or strains, Giorgia opts for anti-inflammatory machines rather than manual therapies. “I don’t use manual therapies, but rather anti-inflammatory machines like laser or Tecar therapy.”

The Power of Touch

Giorgia’s work is a testament to the profound connection between touch and healing. “When we touch, even simply with a hand, another body, we effect a change,” she says. “Both humans and animals are made of energy, and when we apply pressure, whether strong or light, the receiving body changes.”

By concentrating warmth and blood flow in targeted areas, Giorgia helps correct dysfunctions and restore balance. “Our goal is to resolve and unblock the necessary area, where due to the blockage, there is little warmth and blood flow.”

Through her dedication and expertise, Giorgia Ilari continues to help horses achieve better health, performance, and overall well-being. “It’s about understanding that every body has a continuity between its structures, thanks to fascia, and ensuring that nothing in the body works in isolation.” For Giorgia, each session is not just about healing—it’s about forging a deeper connection with the animals she loves.

V. Sozzi

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