Behind the Scenes with Krietta 'Creepy' Phillips of Vermont Equine BodyWorks

Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to love horses.

I grew up in an Olympic ski family. I have spent my life as a competitor, from racing on the Saab Pro Mogul Tour to competing as a nationally ranked triathlete. My life-long love for horses grew, starting at an early age, when I would help my older sister with her horses. A passion that has taken me from showing pet ponies to the Medal and Maclay Equitation Finals, as a junior rider. As an adult I showed in the Adult Hunter divisions with Missy Clark and John Brennan of North Run for 15 years.  As a competitor, I know that to ensure maximum health and to stay on top of any sport requires an integration of a variety of body work, ranging from acupressure, sports massage and therapy, to strengthening and training exercises. In addition, our equine partners require a range of body work similar to us.

How did you get started on your equine massage therapy journey?

After retiring from 30 years as a classroom teacher, I knew that equine body work would be a natural path for me to follow my dreams of being around horses.

Where has your job taken you to?

My job takes me across the equine spectrum, from working on team-pulling draft horses to horses showing in Nations Cup and World Cup Grand Prix classes.

How does your work benefit the horses directly?

The goal of my work on horses is to release tension and stagnations in the body, so they can perform at their best. My work minimizes injury during competition because they are able to stay relaxed and focused on the task at hand.

How do you evaluate your equine clients with regards to the work that they are in need of?

All horses, whether performing or not, deserve to have body work sessions. Trail riding horses benefit from once a month maintenance to the Grand Prix horse that should be worked on 1-2 times a week during the show season.

Can you draw a line between your work and show results? 

I believe my work is based on the results I get. Horses that go out and win after a session with me speak for themselves. 

Do you work closely with trainers? If so, can you explain how that happens?

To me, it's all about teamwork! Communicating with trainers, veterinarians, and farriers to ensure the best health for the horse. I enjoy working closely with trainers. Many will draw attention to specific problems they are having. On the flip side of that, I have many trainers rely on what I find through manipulation and will ask me how I am reading their horses.

How would one get into equine massage therapy?

If you have an interest in getting into the field of equine body work there are no limits to the possibilities of classwork available as a way to get started. From there you can decide whether it's something you want to do professionally, or on your own horse.

What's the ultimate compliment that you have been given/can be given?

The ultimate compliment for me comes directly from the horses. When I see them relaxing and falling asleep after my sessions the horse is telling me that we have made a connection. That's when I know I have done my job!