Amy Kendis
Dressage rider, Southwestern Washington
Thank you Jan. The work you did on Trini allowed her to release the stubborn tension pattern in her neck. I had an Equine Chiropractor check to see if she needed a follow up adjustment and she discovered that all was back in and the knots had disappeared. You did a great job. A couple of days later I had a wonderful ride on her even though I didn’t have time to warm her up. Her neck continues to feel soft . THANK YOU. YOU’RE GOOD!!!!!
Leslie Cox
Haven Farm, Bainbridge Island, WA
Jan has worked with three of my horses. She helped my young horse, Monkey, unwind long held tension patterns that hindered his training, Now he is eager to perform and much more relaxed and accepting of instruction.
As a result of the ENM sessions, my 12-year-old mare has resolved huge issues with her neck and poll. She does much better in her lessons and has a greater tolerance for life in general. This is a big improvement for her.
Jan’s maintenance sessions on my 13 year old gelding, my main jumper, have allowed him to participate in clinics and continue to compete in 3.9’-4.0’ jumper divisions.
All my horses compete on the A and B jumper circuits and I expect a lot from them. Providing them with the best care I can is high on my list. I wholeheartedly believe Jan’s work has helped all my horses do better in competition as well as everyday life. They really enjoy everything. On a five scale, I give Jan five solid stars.
Marcia Adams
Dressage, Kingston, WA
Two years ago I purchased Pete, a 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding. Since then he was plagued with physical problems including a lameness issue that was difficult to diagnose or treat. He dragged his lift hind foot and the lameness in his left hindquarters made the muscles in his back, hip and thigh tight as ticks.
I’ve always been impressed by Jan’s gifted sensitivity to animals and her intuitive understanding of their well being. When she suggested ENM for Pete, I was only too happy to do it.
During the ENM series Pete slowly and steadily improved, Jan was very calm and patient with him and seemed to know just where he needed help and how to make him better. It’s been wonderful to watch Pete respond to her. He completely trusts her and allows her to work very deeply. As the sessions progressed the muscles in his hindquarters softened considerably and it’s obvious his general well being has improved. He is much happier and moves with greater ease and comfort. Pete has gone from an uncertain future to being ridden again and is now healthy enough that I can offer him for sale, knowing he is a great horse again.
Mollie Borgardus
Owner of Haven Farm, Hunter/Jumper Barn, trainer and competitive show jumper, Bainbridge Island, WA
The body work that Jan Gillanders provides for our horses is a necessary part of the overall program to keep our show jumpers happy and healthy. Just like human athletes our horses need those kinks worked out that occur from work or play and inhibit comfortable use of their bodies as a whole. Jan’s deep tissue work is the only thing I have found that treats problems at the base of concern. My 15 year old jumper wouldn’t be the same without her !!
Kim Clemons
Owner, breeder and rider of National Show Horses
Last year I attended an Equine Natural Movements clinic taught by Jan Gillanders. I wanted to use and understand this technique for my mare Abbey who was recovering from a suspensory injury. The class was very informative and I learned that the technique is good for all horses, all ages, working or not. I would recommend this clinic to anyone who owns a horse and wants to have more meaningful communication with their horses.
Deb Hurd
Hunter, Dressage Instructor, Kingston, WA
Jan has worked with several of my students' horses. Especially in one of our older horses, Patrick, she made a considerable difference in the ease and fluency of his movement. I noticed a degree of comfort in all the horses she worked on, the horses love her, and as a bonus she is a born teacher helping my students to help their own horses. I would recommend Jan without hesitation.
Jessica McGreal
Hunter/Jumper rider, Kingston, WA
If only horses could talk! They would tell their owners exactly what parts of their bodies ached. Luckily there are practitioners like Jan Gillanders. Her body work has been an eye opener to me as an interested horse owner. Any bad riding habits are registered on my horses body. She alleviates his stiffness ,unwinds his tension patterns and helps me understand the correlation between horse and rider. I enjoy activities: from jumping to galloping on trails and when my horse was injured last year, Jan's techniques helped the long term healing process immensely. Jan has a great touch and my horse appreciates her not just listening to him but doing something about it!
Leigh Manheim
Hunter, Haven Farm, Bainbridge Island, WA
The body work that Jan does for my horses has helped them feel more comfortable and move more freely on the ground as well as under saddle. One of my horses has had an on-going soundness problem and after the first session I saw a big improvement in his movement and attitude. I feel that this work has made it possible for him to continue working. It is so good to see him move in such a free way. His attitude about life in general has also improved and he is happy to go to work now.
Lorna Hitchman
Dressage, Eglon, WA
I am not sure I could explain what it is that Jan does but I have a sensitive picky horse who seems to enjoy the sessions and responds as though he understands that Jan is there to help him feel better. I admire Jan's ability to find his sore spots and areas of tension and to unwind them. He feels and moves better after her visits.
Thanks!
Kathy Schmidt
Natural Horsemanship rider, Port Angeles, WA
I attended a horse/owner clinic that Jan put on at Freedom Farms, Sequim, WA. It was great ! Very well organized. I really appreciated both the background information and the hands on practice. I like the calm, focused intent and having another way to build a better relationship with my horse (s).I’d like to see a follow- up session in about 5-6 weeks. I think it would be very helpful to check and fine tune our progress.