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The Healing Touch

Craig Schade of Heber, Utah, uses Equine Touch, a method he has studied directly under Jock Ruddock, the founder of this healing method.

Equine Touch aims at releasing traumatized muscles and providing detoxification and deep relaxation, among other things.

As Craig moves his hands around a horse's muscles, gently holding and then releasing points, the horse will react with a gentle whinny or nudge to let him know how much his work is appreciated.

Staff members say they have noticed dramatic differences in the horses Craig works with, although none of them can explain what he does.

Little Joe, who has neuromuscular problems is more outgoing since Craig started working on him. Dobbin was limping in the morning and uninterested in his food. His caregivers feared an abscess in his hoof. But then Craig worked on him and by the time of the afternoon feedings, Dobbin was walking fine.

Craig, who retired after working for 30 years as an operating engineer, said he has studied healing modalities since 1969. "Equine Touch," he says, "is the best healing method for horses ... and people."