Shanell Thomas, owner of Optimized Equine Wellness LLC, is a lifelong horsewoman whose passion for equine health and behavior began in childhood. From her earliest years riding and showing horses, she developed a fascination with how the horse’s emotional and physical well-being influences every aspect of their performance, comfort, and connection with humans.
Over the years, Shanell gravitated toward working with rescue and rehabilitation horses; especially those misunderstood as “stubborn” or “difficult,” only to discover their challenges were rooted in pain, trauma, or imbalance. This inspired her to expand her education in equine wellness, earning certifications in The Masterson Method® (MMCP, 2021), Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES, 2024) and additional holistic modalities.
As an MMCP practitioner, Shanell focuses on helping all horses release tension, restore balance, and move comfortably. Her approach is grounded in softness, communication, and a deep respect for how horses process the world around them. She works collaboratively with owners, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, and other equine professionals to support horses in all stages of life and disciplines.
As an MMES practitioner, Shanell brings her skills into Equine Assisted Services programs, where the comfort and emotional regulation of the equine partners are essential. She uses The Masterson Method® to help EAS horses stay relaxed, healthy, and mentally grounded, supporting not only their longevity in service, but also creating meaningful interactions for the humans they work with. Shanell believes that when the horse is truly comfortable, the entire EAS experience becomes deeper, more connected, and more transformative for both partners.
Through Optimized Equine Wellness, Shanell is committed to supporting every horse as a whole being; physically, mentally, and emotionally, while strengthening the horse & human relationship at the heart of both performance work and equine assisted programs.