Tucked between the mossy evergreens and winding trails of Vashon Island, a quiet kind of healing is taking place, one that involves intuition, touch, and a deep respect for the wisdom of horses. At the heart of it is Maegan Blessing, a gifted equine massage therapist whose work is helping the island’s horses live more comfortably, move more freely, and connect more deeply with their humans.
Maegan’s business, Iron Faith Thoroughbreds, is based in Yelm, but sees clients throughout southwest Washington.. Her Vashon history started when she attended the Northwest School of Animal Massage on Vashon Island for its reputable certification program. Blessing’s certifications include foundation and performance massage, myofascial release, stretching, range of motion evaluations, and level 1 craniosacral therapy. Equi-Tape kinesiology tape and red light therapy are also part of her sessions, demonstrating a holistic approach to equine well-being.
Equine massage is both art and science. Being trained in multiple therapeutic modalities allows Maegan to bring a thorough understanding of anatomy and biomechanics to every session. But what sets her apart is something less tangible: an intuitive sense of where a horse is holding tension, what their body is trying to communicate, and how best to support their healing journey.
“There are several things I love about this job, but my top two are the rapport I build with my clients and their horses and the improvement they see in their horses after sessions,” Blessing said. “It sounds so cliché, I know, but it honestly gives me the satisfaction knowing I have made a difference for so many. At the end of the day, I like to tell people it isn’t whether your horse can benefit from massage, it is a matter of how often they need it.”
Her sessions are tailored to the horse’s individual needs, often combining techniques. Whether she’s working with a competitive jumper recovering from an injury or a retired trail horse easing into a more comfortable old age, her goal remains the same: to help each animal feel their best in their body.
Clients across the island speak to the results. Horses once stiff or reactive now move with newfound ease. Owners report behavioral shifts—calmer rides, quicker recoveries, and a spark of vitality returning to their equine partners.
But perhaps the most powerful endorsement comes from the horses themselves. They lean into her hands, breathe deeply, and soften. In Maegan’s presence, they know they’re safe, heard, and healed.
To learn more about Maegan Blessing’s equine massage practice or to book a session, you can reach out via her Facebook page or follow her work around the island’s many barns and pastures. For Vashon’s herd, healing is in good hands—and hooves have never been happier.
This feature is part of our ongoing series from the Vashon-Maury.com team, highlighting the unique businesses that make our island so special. If you own a local business and would like to be featured in the Observer, we invite you to submit an article for consideration at vashon-maury.com/submit-writing. Please include as much detail as possible about your business (what you offer, what sets you apart) and share a short story about how you came to Vashon or what inspired you to start your venture here. We’re proud to support the Vashon-Maury community and would love to help tell your story.
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
