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Shannon G. Donnelly

B.A., ESMT, CMT

About & Credentials

Beginnings

Where it all began...

My love for horses began at a very young age. I can remember at the age of three, my parents took my brother and me to Disney World and I was absolutely enthralled by the Clydesdales in the Main Street parade. From then on, I was enamored with horses.

 

My mother grew up riding horses for seven summers at Camp Tegawitha in Tobyhanna, PA and I have no doubt she passed her passion for horses on to me. When I was turning seven, my father's job was transferred to London, England, and we moved 'across the pond' to Surrey. One day, I saw people riding their horses past our house and I begged my mother to take me for riding lessons somewhere. I didn't exactly have to twist her arm in order to convince her. From that moment, and after we moved back to the States, I was hooked. 

Shannon and Mia, Summer 2017

Below: Shannon at age 9

Growing up,  I was involved in multiple sports, drama club, and dance- but riding always came out on top. I was not only in love with the feeling that riding gave me, but I became so passionate about learning and working hard to not only better myself as a horsewoman and rider, but to better my horse as well. Through the years, I moved along from ponies, to small horses, to horses- up the ranks of pony hunters, children's hunters, and the big eq, all with a "hands on" approach. I participated in the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program for three years, and completed various clinics with Michael O. Page, George Morris, and Anne Kursinski, to name a few. I developed a great sense of responsibility and discipline that I truly believe would not be the same if it were not for my involvement with horses.

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Before my third year at Penn State University, I retired my big eq show horse to Goucher College and I was offered the opportunity to work with an off-the-track thoroughbred, Mia, who had done little for 10 years. She was bought as a 3 year old, with the intention of transitioning her to the hunters. As it turns out, she is indeed, not a hunter. When I first began riding her, she was under-muscled, hollow-backed, and high-necked; unable to properly use her back muscles or understand how to do so. I worked diligently and patiently with her, as one must with thoroughbreds. She began to trust me and that summer, I was able to take her to do amateur and thoroughbred jumpers in Saratoga, NY. She performed incredibly- doing combinations and liverpools (which she had never jumped before).

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After my graduation from Penn State in 2015, having received a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising, Mia's owner ultimately decided to give her to me. She stated that, "any worth she has now is because of you- I don't want anything for her, but for you to love and care for her as you have these last few years." It touched me so much and I am forever grateful for her kindness. Now 17, Mia is a fantastic athlete, the princess of the barn, and will throw her heart and soul over a jump for me.

Above: Shannon's mother, Trisha, and her horse, Beau

I truly believe that connection with horses begins and ends with interactions out of the saddle. I recall watching an equine massage therapist work on a former horse of mine, who had injured his pelvis under the care of a previous owner. I was so intrigued by her movement, changes in pressure, and my horses' subsequent responses. I believe touch is the very basis of connection- human to human, human to animal. Touch transcends language and speech, and often says more than words ever could.

Interest in Massage Therapy

Interest In Massage Therapy

Below: Shannon and Mia (Ms. Demeanor) in Saratoga, NY

We, as humans, understand the value of getting a massage ourselves- we when we are sore, tired, or have built up tension as a result of compiled everyday stresses. Not only does massage aid muscle recovery, it eases the mind and body- similar to the benefits of meditation. In those moments during a session, that is all that matters- and everything else goes away. As our bodies relax, so does our mind- producing endless benefits to our well-being.

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To me, it only made sense to learn and understand this therapy as a benefit to our four-legged companions. Horses and dogs alike are athletes, just as we are- subject to conditioning and bodily stresses that require attention and healing.

Love for Animals

Love for Animals

Overall, my fundamental lifelong love for animals has driven my desire to work with them in this capacity. Massage offers a therapeutic shared experience that provides mental, physical, and emotional benefits- all of which should be valued equally.

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In the simplest sense, I hope to help dogs and horses as much as they have helped me.

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Shannon-

Shannon and her beloved labrador, Maggie (2002-2016)

Hover over the left or right-most image to scroll through

Credentials

Received certifications in Equine and Canine Massage Therapy from the Internationally Acclaimed program, Equissage, LLC - founded and taught by Mary A. Schreiber

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Equissage, LLC is an Approved Provider with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage Bodyworkers

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Graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Advertising

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18+ years of experience in the equine industry, 24 years of dog-owner experience

Credentials
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