For the horse. Always.

Forward Momentum Equine Services provides structured sports massage and soft tissue assessment for performance and sport horses in the Richmond, Virginia area by working alongside your veterinary, farrier, and training team to support long-term soundness, performance, and quality of life.

About Me

I'm Josie Wank, a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist (CESMT) based in Richmond, Virginia, with a B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in progress.

My career with horses started at age three, followed by riding hunters and jumpers with Ken Rheynard at Around Tuitt Farm as a child. I went on to compete in 3' non-pro divisions as a teenager and trained in eventing with Megan Cole and Jennifer Wright at HL Bleu Fox Farm after graduating with my undergraduate degree. I’ve had the opportunity to ride in clinics with international riders Daniela Moguel and Fleur Bryan. volunteered in therapeutic and equine-assisted settings, and most recently worked as an emergency and surgical assistant at Woodside Equine Clinic.

Working with Megan showed me what correct movement actually looks like. Self-carriage and collection that is achieved without force produces a horse that is stronger, sounder, and more willing to engage in a working partnership. My neuroscience degree and background in healthcare gave me the framework to understand why. Horses presenting with tension, resistance, and performance issues can be traced back to unaddressed soft tissue problems, clearly showing me there was a gap in how horses were being cared for. Forward Momentum exists to fill it.

For the horse. Always.

The Process

Approximately 2.5 hours at the barn plus at-home analysis. Includes gait analysis, postural and conformation documentation, thermal imaging, and full massage protocol with a written clinical report delivered within 48 hours

Initial Evaluation - $295

Approximately 90 minutes. Ongoing massage with documented findings and a brief session note. Builds on the initial evaluation to track progress and address your horse's evolving needs.

Follow Up Session - $160

Re-Evaluation - $245

Approximately 2.5 hours at the barn plus at-home analysis. A full reassessment mirroring the initial evaluation at defined intervals — directly comparing findings over time to identify what has improved, what hasn't responded, and how the plan needs to evolve.

Travel within 30 minutes of Richmond is included at no charge. A travel fee of $25 applies for 31–60 minutes, and $45 for 61–90 minutes. Travel beyond 90 minutes is arranged individually.

Add-Ons and Programs

  • Infrared thermal imaging identifies areas of relative heat and cold across the body, revealing patterns of inflammation, reduced circulation, and soft tissue asymmetry that may not yet be visible through palpation alone. Available at initial evaluation and re-evaluation, adding approximately 15 minutes. Images are analyzed at home and included in your written clinical report.

  • Kinesiology taping supports soft tissue recovery between sessions by providing gentle proprioceptive feedback, reducing inflammation, and encouraging correct movement patterns. Applied following the massage protocol to targeted muscle groups identified during the session. Available at any appointment, adding approximately 15 minutes.

  • Frequency and structure tailored to your horse's individual needs — from twice weekly to monthly depending on workload, competition schedule, and clinical findings. Sessions purchased in packages receive a reduced per-session rate.

    Horses requiring more intensive support are accommodated on a case-by-case basis following initial evaluation.

Let’s Work Together