We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful BROOKE DRASSAL-CREIGHTON. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with BROOKE below.

BROOKE, appreciate you joining us today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

When COVID hit, I was in Florida working. At first, like many, I thought this strange virus might pass quickly. But it didn’t. My husband was supposed to fly down later and drive back to Minnesota with me, but when lockdowns and stay-at-home orders were looming, everything changed fast.

Flights were canceled and delayed, but eventually, he made it. We packed the house, loaded the horses, and hit the road—driving through shuttered towns, sleeping in parking lots, and pulling off on highway ramps to use the trailer bathroom because nothing was open. We made it back to Minnesota just as the lockdown hit.

At first, I thought I’d lose everything. Two weeks turned into months. But thankfully, I work with horses—and I have the kind of clients who think creatively. We figured out safe, one-on-one sessions at the barn. Fewer at first, but soon my schedule was full again.

Something else happened, too. My clients—normally rushed and run ragged—started to slow down. They had time to truly see their horses again. To be curious, to be proactive, to want answers. I worked on horses who hadn’t been ridden in years, and together we brought them back. There were happy tears. Lots of them.

COVID was a turning point in my career—not just as an entrepreneur figuring out how to survive, but as a horsewoman reaffirming why I do this work. I got to dig deep with my clients, peel back the layers, and design meaningful plans for long-term results. And I saw clearly: horses are therapy—for their riders, their teams, and for me.

That season made me more grateful than ever for the equine community and reminded me I am exactly where I’m meant to be.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Brooke Drassal-Creighton, founder of a results-driven equine bodywork practice that blends deep experience with a team-based approach to help every horse—from beloved retirees to elite performance athletes—feel and perform their best.

Horses have been part of my life since before I was born. I was raised on an Arabian breeding farm in Stillwater, MN, where my mother always said I’d end up making a living with horses. I tried proving her wrong by managing a clothing store—until I realized my soul belonged to the barn. Everything changed when I met my mentor, Lin Gelbmann, who set me on a path that would shape my career.

I earned my degree as a Veterinary Technician from Argosy University, interned at Peterson & Smith in Ocala, FL, and studied equine massage with Don Doran at Animal Dynamics. I then became a Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee and worked as an overnight vet tech at the University of Minnesota—learning from some of the best vets and techs in the country.

In 2011, I had the opportunity to conduct research on Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) with EquiNew. That experience lit a fire in me—it showed me the powerful possibilities for supporting and rehabilitating equine athletes beyond traditional modalities. I’ve since built my business around FES and therapeutic massage, helping horses unlock their full potential through tailored, science-backed care.

My practice is founded on collaboration. I work closely with veterinarians, chiropractors, farriers, and trainers to ensure a cohesive care plan. I’m passionate about educating owners and providing personalized at-home exercises, stretches, and massage techniques to keep your horse progressing between sessions.

I live just west of the Twin Cities with my husband Johnny (my right hand in the business and everyone’s favorite assistant), our two dogs Louie and Clark, Bee the munchkin cat, my Quarter Horse mare Andi my heart horse, and the man who started it all, Desi, a retired Arabian. Whether your horse needs support returning to work, staying competitive, or simply staying comfortable in retirement, I bring everything I’ve learned—and everything I am—to the table.

These horses are my passion. Your horse’s success is my mission.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My business started in 2010 as a side hustle born from passion and drive. At the time, I was working overnight shifts as a veterinary technician at the University of Minnesota. During the day, I apprenticed under my mentor, Lin Gelbmann, learning the art and science of equine massage. Eventually, she began referring her clients to me, and I started seeing massage horses a few days a week, entirely from word of mouth.

One of the pivotal moments in my early journey was the opportunity to assist with research on Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for EquiNew. That research ignited a passion in me to go deeper into optimizing performance and recovery for equine athletes—and planted the seed for what would become the core of my business.

When I made a career switch to manage a high-level jumper barn, it opened even more doors. I was now in the thick of the competitive horse world—show grooming, managing elite equine athletes, and building a new network of top professionals. My boss at the time was incredibly supportive—she even invested in my first FES machine and encouraged me to keep building my business.

By the end of 2017, I took the leap and left my full-time job to go all-in on my business. It was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made. While I had amazing clients, I wasn’t sure I could fully book my schedule. Even though FES is rare in the Midwest, the competition in the bodywork space is real.

Then life threw a curveball—just as I was ready to fully launch, I needed back surgery for a herniated disc (L4-5). Three days later, I re-herniated it. Another surgery wasn’t an option for me, so I had to find another way. That’s when I found an incredible rehab Pilates teacher who guided me back to health and completely changed how I viewed movement, healing, and performance.

That experience reshaped the foundation of my business. I became even more committed to a team approach—integrating bodywork, fitness, veterinary care, and farriery into a comprehensive support system for the horse. I now approach each client with a full-circle strategy and a deep understanding that healing and performance are interconnected.

Today, I’m booked out two months in advance, often with a waitlist. I’ve built a business that blends science, intuition, and collaboration—and I’m always learning, growing, and striving to be the best version of myself for the horses and clients I serve.

What started as a small side hustle has grown into a thriving, full-time business—and a career I couldn’t be more proud of.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Without a doubt, networking has been the most powerful source of new clients for me.

I’ve put a lot of time and intention into building relationships with veterinarians in my community. They’re trusted by their clients, and they have their fingers on the pulse of what’s going on with each horse. These professionals are not only brilliant at what they do, but they also continually challenge and inspire me. By working together, we elevate the care experience for both horse and owner through shared insight and a true team approach.

I also make it a point to connect with local bodyworkers, farriers, equine dentists, and trainers. And let’s not forget the most powerful connectors of all—my clients. Horse owners talk, and when they have a positive experience, they share it. Their stories and testimonials are often what influence others to reach out to me.

In addition, I’m very active on social media—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and I’m also building out my YouTube channel. These platforms have brought in a number of new clients who follow my content and want to learn more about Functional Electrical Stimulation and equine wellness.

At the end of the day, word-of-mouth is everything. So my advice is this:
✔️ Be professional.
✔️ Bring compassion—especially when owners are navigating issues with their horse.
✔️ Create a positive and enlightening experience that includes the owner as part of the team.
✔️ Offer support, education, and encouragement.

Horse people are deeply invested emotionally, and they want to do right by their animals. When they feel seen, heard, and empowered, they become your biggest advocates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drassalequinebodywork.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drassalequinebodywork/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drassalequinebodywork
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drassalequinebodywork
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drassalequinebodywork

Image Credits

RCK Images Photography, LLC
Shelley Paulson Photography
Mary Raeth