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Horses have always been a passion for Gwen. When her beloved gelding Cecil turned 15, he began to suffer from chronic back and shoulder pain as the result of a long career doing upper-level medals and jumpers. It became a natural progression for Gwen to learn how to perform bodywork to ease his discomfort. Cecil has been in full work and competitions thanks to consistent bodywork. When people ask Gwen why she chose equine bodywork as her lifelong profession, she just winks and says, “It was Cecil’s idea.”
Gwen began Bernardo Equine Therapy in 2008 after receiving her foundational bodywork training and certification from Equissage. She has continued her education with over 300 hours of advanced study including Equine Anatomy with Debranne Pattillo (Equinology), Myofascial Release with John Barnes and Tamara Thomas, Equine CrainoSacral Therapy with Maureen Rogers, Structural Integration with Jim Pascucci (Advanced Certified Rolfer), and Equine Microcurrent Therapy with Deborah Powell.
As a National Association of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer, certified Spin instructor, amateur triathlete, and hunt seat rider, Gwen understands the rigors and stresses that the body is subjected to during high-performance activities. Both pleasure and performance horses benefit from this unique knowledge and how it relates to healing and recuperation. Bernardo Equine Therapy has a large and varied clientele in the different disciplines of equestrian sport, from jumpers to polo ponies to Prix St. Georges dressage horses and more.
I firmly believe in having the necessary education, knowledge, and experience to perform equine bodywork.
I encourage you, the owner/trainer to take the same precautions in selecting a body worker for your horse as you would in choosing one for yourself.
Bodywork, of any type, is an art form. Anyone can give a rub down, but to successfully perform bodywork and achieve professional results, a therapist must have the necessary skills, talent, training, and background.
As a National Association of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer, Spin instructor, amateur triathlete, and hunt seat rider, Gwen understands the rigors and stresses that the body is subjected to during high-performance activities. Both pleasure and performance horses benefit from this unique knowledge and how it relates to healing and recovery. As a result, Bernardo Integrated Equine Bodywork has a large and varied clientele in the different disciplines of equestrian sport, from jumpers to polo ponies to Prix St. Georges dressage horses.
Gwen Bernardo recognizes the work it takes to be successful in a very competitive industry and takes pride in giving equine athletes that “extra edge.” She receives great joy in seeing the achievements of her clients. She wants you and your equine partner to succeed as much as you do and will go the extra mile to help you get there!
I firmly believe in having the necessary education, knowledge, and experience to perform equine bodywork.
I encourage you, the owner/trainer, to take the same precautions in selecting a body worker for your horse as you would in choosing one for yourself.
Bodywork, of any type, is an art form. Anyone can give a rub down, but to successfully perform bodywork and achieve professional results, a therapist must have the necessary skills, talent, training, and background.
Whether your horse is a sport horse, trail horse extraordinaire, or a precious retiree, you want your friend to live their best life.
Serving Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. Travel outside of this area by request.
