Dynamic Equine Bodywork

Presence. Flow. Performance.

Quieting the Mind, Dissolving Tension & Restoring Motion

About Me

Dynamic Equine Bodywork is guided by Stacey Gensler, whose passion for horses is matched by her curiosity and commitment to continuous learning. Stacey is devoted to enhancing the well-being of both horses and their owners, striving to make a positive impact through her work. Stacey’s unique background as an educator, mindfulness and yoga teacher, assist in shaping her holistic and gentle approach. She works with sensitivity and respect for the nervous systems of both horses and the people who love them, fostering well-being through thoughtful, compassionate bodywork.

Stacey’s love for horses began when she was young, thanks to her parents. Her dad, an RCA roper and rancher from Northern California, got her involved with horses early on, teaching her hands-on skills while riding through the foothills of Hollister. Complementing her father’s influence, Stacey’s mother played a crucial role in nurturing her passion, supporting her development with lessons, and purchasing her first horse-Chico, closer to home in Freeport, Illinois. This combination of family encouragement and practical experience laid the foundation for Stacey’s lifelong commitment to horses.

My Approach

As a practitioner of the Masterson Method, one of my primary responsibilities during your session is to carefully observe and interpret the subtle signals your horse communicates. These initial responses may present as behaviors such as blinking or fluttering eyes, twitching or quivering lips, softening facial expressions, lowering the head, or changes in breathing patterns.

Each of these subtle gestures directly corresponds to the level of touch being applied. Because of this, I am constantly making adjustments based on the horse's feedback to ensure their comfort and safety. Through attentive observation, I can identify specific areas where the horse may be holding tension or experiencing restriction.

This ongoing communication between myself and the horse guides the progression of our session, allowing us to work collaboratively toward releasing tension, addressing restrictions, and ultimately promoting better health.

This process represents a form of communication that evolves throughout the session. Over time, the horse learns that the bodywork is a collaborative experience, conducted with them rather than merely performed on them. Establishing this understanding helps the horse feel safe and encourages a natural relaxation of their nervous system.
When the horse is in a relaxed state, movement and mobility techniques can be introduced more effectively, as the horse is less likely to brace or resist. Achieving relaxation allows me to identify areas where movement is restricted so the right type of movement and pressure can support the release of tension wherever it is present.
Horses typically express the release of tension through more pronounced responses, such as licking & chewing, repeated yawning, snorting, sneezing, loosening up the head and body through gentle shaking, stretching, flexing, and rolling back their second eyelid. These larger reactions signal that the horse is letting go of stored tension and that the bodywork is having a positive impact.