We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Morgan Rooks-turcotte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with morgan below.

Morgan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

When I first decided I wanted to become a Equine (Horse) massage therapist, I knew I wanted to stand out. I knew that this particular field of work was becoming widely more popular with the increased access to schools, and the demand for the services. So, I took my time with my education and really pursued many modalities and took a lot of extra courses along the way. This overall slowed my business down to be honest. I was a few years behind when it was becoming widely sought out, and got beat to the punch on creating my business and getting client off the hop. But I wouldn’t change it if I could! Because of my all pursuit in additional education, I have had such unique opportunities in the past year I am grateful for! I now teach online courses and have found a whole new passion in teaching people. I still run my bodywork business and have exceptional client’s that I have gained. I also believe in my heart that learning the most you can in this line of work is what is going to keep you going for years to come!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I operate Stable Mind & Body: Equine Nutrition and Remedial Therapies, which I started in 2021. I knew I wanted to become an equine bodyworker when I first learned about it in highschool, but always planned it being a side business to my pursuit of Veterinary Technician. I started my education with nutrition after purchasing my first horse in 2020 and battling with his health and weight for several months, paying for people to help me and then getting no where. After pursuing my nutrition education, it truly opened my eyes to the powers of holistic healing and from that point forward I knew I wanted this to be my passion. I still pursued my Veterinary Technician Diploma, but after just 5 years in the industry, I came to the realization that I loved animals too much to be in that line of work. My mental and physcial health declined with the stresses of the industry and not being able to figure out how to leave work out my personal life. So, I switched it up while working hard at finishing my education in horse massage and other therapies and growing my business. I finished my certification in Massage, Kinesiology Taping, Red light laser therapy, Aromatherapy, Acupuncture and finally finished small courses in continued education for everything I was pursuing. My dedication to learning has opened up my knowledge vastly, and has made me a better therapist today. Everyone has something different to offer and learn from and that is how I approached my education journey! Since all my education I started a Horse treat business and a horse care product business from my certifications giving me the knowledge to create unique products! Furthermore, I got to create online courses for the same platform I took a majority of my education through which has not only created this amazing new experience in teaching like-minded professionals amazing modalities but has also empowered me to keep thinking of new ideas to grow! With my various educational backgrounds, I feel I have the confidence and the knowledge to really empower and enhance holistic healing in horses

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Be driven and never give up. Every day is a learning opportunity, and you may not go and work on your first horse and feel super confident, but keep going! Through perseverance, I have impacted many horse’s lives and their owners! I didn’t get out of school knowing everything and having all the answers, and I was hard on myself when I didn’t know what to do in certain situations, but know where your limitations are. It is never bad to be honest with both yourself and the horse and owner and to let them know that you think someone with more experience is needed for their case – Owners will appreciate that far more than you being silent.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

When I first started out, I offered my services for free. This really drove people to me, because who doesn’t love free stuff? Then I aimed to WOW them, and hope they appreciated my skills and mindset enough to have me back. Not everyone did, but most did, and have been long term clients since.
I also donated my services to local charities or horse rescues to auction off in silent auctions to raise funds for their cause. Not only did I feel good about doing this for them, I gained many clients from this, because they saw me supporting a good cause and donating my time and energy into something, and that resonates with people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stablemindandbody.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stablemindandbody
• Other: https://www.holisticanimalstudies.net/about