My love for horses and dogs has shaped both my life and my work. I grew up around horses and became a horse owner about 30 years ago, around the same time I began owning working Labrador Retrievers. I jumped in with both feet, becoming involved in competitions and developing a deep appreciation for the physical demands placed on our animal partners.
I have been a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner in Equine since 2020. My daughter rides reining horses, and I ride cow horses. Seeing the bodywork needs of our own horses as they trained and competed inspired me to pursue The Masterson Method®. Helping horses release tension and feel more comfortable became a passion and the foundation of my business, Val’s Equine Therapy, LLC. The positive changes I witnessed in horses sparked my desire to better understand the bodywork needs of dogs and inspired me to learn Masterson Method Canine Bodywork.
On August 29, 2026, I earned my Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine certification. I am thrilled to add dogs to my practice! With 30 years of experience owning working Labrador Retrievers, I understand how hard these dogs work and how much we ask of them. Our Labrador, Blue, passed the AKC Master National Hunt Test in October 2026, and I love being able to support his physical comfort through The Masterson Method.
I’m excited to offer this gentle bodywork to dogs, helping them release tension and feel more comfortable, too. You can find both my equine and canine services under the same business name, Val’s Equine Therapy, LLC.
Whether I’m working with a horse or a dog, one of the most rewarding parts of each session is seeing tension soften as the animal relaxes. I enjoy listening to their responses and working at their pace to help them feel more at ease.
My growing practice serves the Bay Area, primarily the South Bay, with travel to select Central California communities, including Ceres and Turlock. I look forward to supporting the comfort and well-being of both equine and canine partners, from competition animals to beloved companions.
See also Valarie Loera, MMCP Equine