About Geary Whiting
A Sudden Change In Direction
While rehabbing a client who had been injured in a horse-related accident I was asked if I had ever massaged a horse. I said, “No, but it would be no different than doing a person.” By envisioning the horse as a person I was able to figure out the meridian lines, and I then had her bring me her horse. I massaged my first horse and I now had a new direction…horse massage!
In 1995, a time when few had ever heard of massaging horses, I pioneered my way into the world of equine athletes. People were seeing wonderful results with their horses and wanted me to teach them. I bought the Walking W. Ranch from Wayne Willis in Atascadero and I started my academy. The rest is history!
Mentorship and Achievements
Over the years since founding the Geary Whiting Equine Massage Academy, I have been honored with numerous accolades and awards. Reflecting on these accomplishments, I am deeply grateful to my first teacher, Dr. DoAnn T. Kaneko, who has been one of the most significant influencers in my life.
In this photo, I am joined by my mentor, Dr. DoAnn T. Kaneko, L.Ac., OMD, Ph.D., and my 2005 Canadian graduate student, Yvonne Allen, founder of Voice For The Horse. It was a privilege to induct them into the 2017 Massage Therapy Hall of Fame at the World Massage Festival.
Accomplishments and Awards
Pioneer of Massage Award, World Massage Festival
I accepted the Pioneer of Massage award from the World Massage Festival in 2015. I became known as a “Bridge Builder”. My Equine Massage Academy was seen as a ‘bridge’ between dreams and achievements not only in my life, but in the lives of those who attend my program and use their new found education to dream, accomplish and achieve.
Outstanding Achievement Award, Oriental Medicine
After I first became interested in massage in 1981, I studied at the Shiatsu Massage School of Southern California in Santa Monica. After graduating, I was asked to manage the school. Four years later, I was given the Outstanding Achievement Award for my contribution to Oriental Medicine as an educator through the use of Shiatsu Massage.
Massage Magazine, Bob Wieland Ironman
I was featured on the cover of the anniversary issue of Massage Magazine with one of my athletes, Bob Wieland. Working with Bob, a double-amputee, gained me recognition in the massage world. I was able to greatly improve his performance through my shiatsu massage techniques.
Massage Therapy Hall of Fame Award, 2015
Inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2015 at the World Massage Festival in recognition of Geary Whiting’s contributions to the art and science of massage therapy.
Geary Whiting on Equine Massage
Geary talks about his background, accomplishments, and concerns for the equine massage industry.
Final Thoughts...
In life, there are three types of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. At Geary Whiting’s Equine Massage Academy for Horse and Rider, you’ll be empowered to take the lead and make things happen, gaining the skills and confidence to excel in equine massage.
It has been a wonderful journey, and I would like to leave you with a final thought. When someone thinks what you’re going to do is a silly idea, simply tell them: “I have discussed this with my board of directors, Me, Myself, and I; and we collectively think learning Equine Massage is a wonderful idea.”
Happy Trails Padnas,
Geary
