Health, History, Horses, & Healing
Jill Stewart brings the power of massage to unlikely clients
Story by Amanda M. Smith
Photos provided by Lynn Cross
Jill Stewart works on Devlin, a young rescue horse now used for vaulting.
Saratoga Springs, N.Y., is the perfect location for a one-of-a-kind business like Jill Stewart’s. Because of the city’s famous natural mineral water and the upscale spas that use it, Stewart’s aroma therapy and animal massage business is flourishing. “People who come to Saratoga know the power of a massage, so I don’t have to convince them that animal massage is beneficial,” says Stewart, owner of Private Label Aroma Therapy and Animal Massage.
She began her business in Porter Corners, just outside Saratoga Springs, simply out of curiosity after learning she had an allergic reaction to fragrances incorporated with synthetic ingredients. Due to her incessant sneezing, she began researching which elements in scent she could tolerate. Stewart became so interested in her investigation that she enrolled in Australasian College of Health Science’s aromatherapy program that taught her how to properly mix essential oils. While researching for homework, Stewart’s new chocolate lab puppy constantly stole the test strips. She decided to study her dog’s reaction to the smells, which ended up being the majority of her research.
Stewart enjoyed the aromatherapy program so much she decided to further her education in massage, since the course taught her that the best way to apply oils is through massage. “I figured I’d rather massage animals than humans,” she says. “I never met an animal I didn’t like.”
“I figured I’d rather massage animals than humans,” she says. “I never met an animal I didn’t like.”
She came into the field at a time when people put their trust in the benefits of massage. Mary Schreiber, chief instructor of Equissage, says that animal massage became popular when pet owners began to re-evaluate the effectiveness of traditional therapies once expensive prescription drugs became overrated. After attending Equissage canine and equine sports massage therapy, Stewart began working on more than just dogs and horses— she worked on other animals like cats and cows too.
“Having Jill work on the horses makes them comfortable, and that’s what it’s all about,” says Lynn Cross, owner of Little Brook Farm. Little Brook is an animal rescue and sanctuary in Old Chatham, N.Y. who also owns 60 horses, many of them rescued from slaughter or abusive homes.
“Any horse that isn’t fast enough can be up for slaughter,” Cross says. “It’s all about money.”
Stewart became familiar with Little Brook when her mother began sponsoring one of their horses about five years ago. She volunteers a good chunk of her time at the not-for-profit organization. “I’m emotionally involved with them,” Stewart says.
Young, untrained horses are usually the type most seen at auctions because “race horse owners are businessmen,” Stewart says. “When an animal no longer has an income, it is rid of, and they buy another in hopes of making money… I do not believe in racing; it is an abusive way for a young animal to grow up. They are ridden too hard before their joints and bones are properly developed.”
Race horses have problems with their front right and left back legs from sprinting around the track, and Stewart helps to relieve Little Brook’s retired race horses with that. She also massages Little Brook’s neglected horses. “We rescued 23 horses at a girl scout camp,” Cross says. She explains it’s a common misconception that rescued horses are older rather than younger. “More than half were under 10 years old.”
Vaulting is a sport that consists of doing gynastics while standing atop a moving horse.
Stewart works on Devlin, a young rescue horse now used for vaulting. “He’s using different muscles now than he was before,” Cross says. “Jill is very thorough. She comes a few times a month and spends 45 minutes on each horse, and four to five horses for that day.” Cross says that she can see a difference in the horses after Stewart works on them. She says that before Jill worked on the horses, they are tense and defensive, but then after, their eyes soften and they become more receptive. “You can see their muscles are more retentive afterward,” Cross says.
“[Unlike humans who may hide their injury for whatever reason,] animals move themselves towards you to tell you where they are hurting,” Stewart says.
Stewart says that massage therapy increases blood flow and lessens symptoms, and the best way to use her homemade oils is through massage. “You can’t do too much topical stuff with oils, so I usually use it as an inhalant to relax the animal,” she says. She explains that the ratio of oils is different for each animal. For instance, a horse can handle more oils than a cat because of body size.
“Believe it or not, horses do hug.”
Stewart makes and sells her own human lotions and oils online as well as animal products. Ninety percent of her clients use her homemade products on themselves and their pets. Customers use it to comfort their favorite furry friend and sometimes help to prevent injury.
“Most animals' injuries could be prevented if their owners paid more attention to [signs like] limping,” Stewart says. One way Little Brook Farm avoids further injury to their horses is by refusing to offer trail rides. “Inexperienced or poor riders can hurt a horse’s back,” Cross says. Surprisingly though, most injuries Stewart sees occur in winter when the animal spends more time cooped up inside. It makes for sore tendons and can make bad arthritis worse.
Stewart says there’s nothing more satisfying than helping an injured animal get better. “Believe it or not, horses do hug.”
