Forward Momentum Equine Services
Terms and Conditions
Effective: June 2026
1. Services Provided
Forward Momentum Equine Services provides equine sports massage therapy and soft tissue assessment services. All services are provided by Josie Wank, Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist (CESMT).
2. Scope of Practice
Equine sports massage therapy is a complementary service and does not constitute veterinary medicine. Forward Momentum does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any medical condition. Clinical observations and recommendations made during sessions are informational in nature and do not replace veterinary evaluation or treatment. Clients are encouraged to consult their veterinarian regarding any health concerns identified during a session.
2a. Disclaimer
The services provided by Forward Momentum Equine Services are complementary in nature and do not constitute veterinary medicine. Nothing communicated during or following a session — verbally, in written reports, or through any other medium — should be construed as a veterinary diagnosis, prognosis, or prescription. Clinical observations and recommendations made by Forward Momentum are informational in nature and do not replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a licensed veterinarian. Clients are strongly encouraged to consult their veterinarian regarding any health concerns identified during a session. Forward Momentum Equine Services assumes no liability for decisions made based on session findings without appropriate veterinary consultation.
3. Client Responsibilities
By scheduling an appointment the client confirms that:
Their horse is current on vaccinations and has no known contagious conditions
Their horse is in a safe and suitable condition to receive massage therapy
They have disclosed all known health conditions, medications, recent procedures, and veterinary diagnoses relevant to their horse's care
They will notify Forward Momentum of any changes to their horse's health status prior to each session
A responsible handler will be present for the duration of each session
4. Horse Safety and Handler Responsibility
The safety of the horse, the handler, and the practitioner is the primary concern at every session. Forward Momentum reserves the right to decline or discontinue a session at any time if the horse's behavior presents a safety risk, if the horse's condition suggests a session is contraindicated, or if the environment is unsuitable for safe practice. In such cases a cancellation fee may apply at the practitioner's discretion.
5. Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment.
Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance: no charge
Cancellations made within 24–48 hours: 50% of the scheduled service fee
Cancellations made within 24 hours: 75% of the scheduled service fee
Same-day cancellations and no-shows: full service fee
Package and maintenance program clients who cancel within 24 hours forfeit that session from their package without refund.
Forward Momentum reserves the right to cancel or reschedule appointments due to illness, weather, or other circumstances beyond our control — in such cases no fee will be charged and the session will be rescheduled at the earliest mutual availability.
Please note that a significant portion of each appointment involves preparation and travel time in addition to hands-on work. Late cancellations affect not only the session itself but the time reserved around it.
6. Payment
Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise arranged in advance. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, and electronic payment through Square. Package and maintenance program fees are due at the time of booking.
7. Limitation of Liability
Forward Momentum Equine Services and Josie Wank, CESMT are not liable for any injury, illness, or adverse reaction arising from massage therapy services. Equine sports massage is a low-risk complementary therapy when performed within scope and with appropriate clinical judgment. By scheduling an appointment the client acknowledges the inherent risks associated with working with horses and releases Forward Momentum from liability for any injury to horse or handler occurring during or following a session, except in cases of gross negligence.
8. Privacy and Confidentiality
All client and horse information collected by Forward Momentum Equine Services is kept strictly confidential. Information will not be shared with third parties without explicit client consent, except where required by law. Clinical reports and session documentation may be shared with the client's designated veterinarian, farrier, or trainer at the client's request.
9. Research Data and Consent
Forward Momentum Equine Services collects longitudinal outcome data for the purpose of practice-based research into equine sports massage therapy outcomes. Participation in research data collection is entirely voluntary and separate from your clinical care. The quality and content of your horse's care is not affected by your decision to participate or decline.
If you consent to research participation:
All data used for research purposes will be fully de-identified — no horse name, owner name, or identifying information will appear in any publication or presentation
Data will be stored securely and accessed only by Forward Momentum Equine Services
You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting your horse's care
Participation may include completion of follow-up questionnaires at defined intervals
Consent is collected through a separate checkbox on the client intake form. You are not required to consent to research participation in order to receive services.
10. Amendments
Forward Momentum Equine Services reserves the right to update these terms and conditions at any time. Clients will be notified of material changes. Continued use of services following notification constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
11. Governing Law
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.