Optimum Equine

The horse who owes me nothing, yet continually gives me more... I interrupted his carefree feral existence for an hour Tuesday night so I could learn about softness and relationship to connection, the first elements of nerve release therapy.

We take for granted how much they give and how selflessly. We forget how easy it is for us to take from a creature so giving.... and of course it is among the most humbling of actions: to work on your own horse. To face your failings as they are written all over their body. To acknowledge the trauma that you inherited and asked them to work through.

But I am here to be the be the best steward I can be for these creatures. To be a human that is worthy of such a generous soul. That means not shying away from difficult truths. So here I am, humbled and open and ever appreciative of the horse who gave me everything. Somehow, I think he knows that I'll never make the same mistakes again. I swear he knows that his gift to me is infinite. He knows the wisdom I have gained from knowing, loving, and caring for him will touch so many horses.

So he gives me what I ask of him over and over. He knows now that what I ask is fair and is kind. And he knows that when his hour is up, he goes back to that delicious freedom he knows and loves. And trust me, Beau knows when that hour is up 🤣🤣

It's been a pretty quiet year on social media for Optimum Equine, but not in real life. I have been quietly enjoying the beautiful chaos of my life, bringing healing and release to all the horses I am lucky enough to meet, sharing ideas and knowledge with the people who love them, and always hungrily soaking up more.

After I completed my The Masterson Method, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork Certification last fall, I told myself I was due a little break, and to take a step back from the grind of work + classes for a moment. But then I attended the Manolo Mendez clinic this spring which was nothing short of life altering. The funny thing about learning something new is the way it illuminates just how much you have yet to learn...

While I toyed with the principles of his training at home with my own horses, the ideas so seamlessly dovetailed with the Balance Through Movement Method principles I was learning in lessons with Stacia Strong. Everyday it became clearer that the answers would always be incomplete without movement. Static bodywork alone would only progress the healing so far. It wasn't the singular key to open that door. A healthy body isn't possible without correct movement, without relaxation, both mental and physical.

Just like magic, Celeste-Leilani Lazaris then opened up a new cohort for her Nerve Release Technique self study course combining both unique manual bodywork techniques, which were totally new and exciting for me to learn, as well as her techniques for relaxed and correct posture both static and yep, in movement. I dove in. These techniques were a puzzle piece I had been missing and definitely needed.

For the past six months, I have devoured her lectures, her videos, her thoughtful webinars with passionate professionals who are setting out to change this industry by using the horse's truth as their compass. Horses don't lie. Neither do their bodies, once we learn how to read them. With the knowledge I have gained this year, I feel sometimes equal parts inspired and deflated. Deflated because of the sometimes overwhelming hurdles of changing hearts and changing perspectives amidst a "this-is-just-the-way-we-do-it" kind of industry and inspired because wow. With tools like these how can we not bring about that change we desire?

In 2024, I studied quietly behind my laptop, working diligently beneath the portraits of the equines I adore. I want 2025 to be the year I'm brave enough to trust myself. To speak this knowledge I believe in and find the courage to be the person all of the horses deserve me to be. Here's to the boldest, brightest year yet! ✨️

So this happened a while ago. Like, A WHILE AGO. But it isn't real until it's on social media, so I am happy to announce that I am a certified SureFoot practitioner at the 1-HOOF level! It was a joy to learn from Wendy Murdoch who absolutely blew me away with her knowledge but most of all her humble curiosity and horsewoman's intuition.

I truly believe in the magic of these "squishy pads" and if you haven't seen it for yourself yet, let's try it on your horse sometime! Oh, and did I mention that I am the only certified practitioner in western PA, OH, and WV? If you're looking for posture correction, increased balance and proprioceptive therapy for your horse along with bodywork, I'm your girl 🦄😉

https://surefootequine.com/practitioners/north-america/41-english/authorized-sure-foot-practitioners/practitioners-north-america/389-mandy-collier

Tonight I drink a toast to bravery and courage and trusting your intuition. Six years ago I took a leap onto the path less traveled and filed my LLC for Optimum Equine. I never could have imagined the course the universe set out for me once I walked through that door, but I am forever and wholeheartedly grateful that I have allowed this moment to change and define my life.

In this work, I found my calling and my purpose. I am given a chance to indulge a lifelong love and fulfill a need I didn't even know I had: to help the horses. I can scarcely remember a time when this wasn't who I was or what I did, that's how pivotal these last six years have been.

I also toast to all of you--my friends who have become clients and clients who have become friends. Thank you for trusting me with your horses and learning with me along the way. I can't wait to see what the coming years will bring to us and our beloved horses! Cheers 🥂🦄✨️

A bit belated, but what else is new? Last week I traveled to Olean, NY to work in person with Terry Crisafulli and successfully completed Block 2 towards my Masterson Method certification. I came home full of confidence and more eager than ever to bring this effective method of bodywork to all my favorite horses, like the darling Vera, who was kind enough to pose for a selfie with me after her session the next day! 🦄🙌