Student Success Stories
"A true master is not the one with the most students, but one who creates the most masters."
See What Students Have to Say
Students consistently share that they are glad they chose me as their instructor. By joining us, you’re choosing a transformative education that will equip you to make a meaningful impact in the world of equine care.
“He went well beyond the expectations of your “everyday teacher” once I got there. Geary truly and deeply cares about people in general and, above all else, his students, their well-being, and their success.”
Hello to everyone who may be reading testimonials about “Geary Whiting’s Equine Massage School for Horse and Rider.”
My name is Meladee Ann Tyrrell, I’m 56 years old, and I attended/graduated from Geary’s “Equine Massage School for Horse and Rider,” class of November 2007.
I arrived at his school very pale, very weak, and still quite sick, but in all sincere thanks and credit to Geary, I left school a week later mentally/physically healthier, much stronger, and a very proud graduate. So I’d like to share the story of how that all came about with you, to hopefully give you some insight into what sort of man you’ll be meeting and studying under, and the lifelong benefits/teachings of choosing his school.
I checked Geary out extensively online, personally, professionally, and the Equine School itself. Needless to say, I was quite amazed to find that his career and the endless, impressive accomplishments in his lifetime were truly amazing for just one man and quite lengthy to say the very least. His drive, energy, positive outlook on life, business sense, and personal “goal setting” is highly contagious -- so fair warning! After my research, I soon wanted desperately to attend Geary’s “smoke-free” school, so I quit smoking cold turkey the day I made my class deposit. I was a 2-pack a day Camels smoker for 40 years. My body, in turn, reacted violently to the nicotine withdrawals and stress, and I was soon diagnosed with a severe case of interior and exterior shingles. Rendering myself helplessly bedridden for 6 very painful weeks and simply heartbroken thinking I would miss school.
It was during that time that I spoke with Geary for the first time on the telephone. It was as if I was talking to an old friend, not someone I had never met, as the man is pure “down-home country” and very comfortable to sit and converse with. That “positive input” hour-long conversation was the beginning of a very wonderful life-changing experience for me. And his name was Geary Whiting.
As to this day, I have never forgotten his “above and beyond” kindness, comforting words of encouragement, hope, and emotional support, nor promise to help me heal my body and my immune system, plus keep it healthy in the future. I struggled to get up and out of bed to get to him in California. And I am so glad I did it!
He went well beyond the expectations of your “everyday teacher” once I got there. Geary truly and deeply cares about people in general and, above all else, his students, their well-being, and their success.
So true to his word, heal me the dear man did, as that’s one of his many endless talents -- mentally and physically healing people and horses. And he does it upright.
So when you read his words advertising “a school for horse AND rider,” know it’s quite true and well worth every red cent you’ll spend for tuition. His school, I could go on and on about that as it’s still one of my favorite memories and subjects.
His stress-free, kicked-back atmosphere and the endless laughter filled his classes, guaranteed to make even the shyest of students comfortable. Geary's deep human compassion, kind heart, and true caring for each and every student’s physical and mental well-being, let alone their understanding/learning of Equine Massage and all it entails, made each technique easy to learn and fun. The personal one-on-one time with each student and his patience in answering each and every question or concern made for a truly relaxing course. His extensive background of bodybuilding, resistant weight training, and vitamin therapy, guaranteed to make the weak and sick (like myself) strong and healthy again, (which is important when you’re massaging a thousand-pound horse!) was amazing. Geary has an endless fountain of knowledge for Equine Massage/horses and business. His honesty, integrity, morals, beliefs, and values in life, which are excellent and very admirable, and his willingness to always be available for you long after you graduate goes far beyond what any other school could possibly offer you. So I highly recommend that if you are thinking of a career in this field to choose his school!
Those of us that have graduated are truly blessed. You will not only leave class a knowledgeable, confident graduate, but also a true friend of his for life. Helping people and teaching people is his true calling in life and God-given talent, which he does extremely well.
So, to all that may read this testimonial and to you my dear beloved teacher, know that I now proudly stand before you a much healthier and stronger woman, who is now massaging 3-4 horses a week at my stable as we’re in the height of “show season,” and a woman who’s now shopping for that perfect piece of land to start her very own Equine Training Center on.
But above all else, I’m a woman who is very proud to call Geary Whiting my very dear and a good friend. I miss you so Geary and happy trails to one and all.
My love and friendship always,
Meladee Ann TyrrellEquine Shiatsu Healing/Helping Hands - Corvallis, Oregon
A New Focus on Life after College
I was in my final year or college, working towards (and eventually graduated with) a Bachelor's of Art in Kinesiology (focusing on Sports Performance and Biomechanics), but wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do with my career path. I found Geary Whiting's Equine Massage School through a close friend in the very beginning of the lockdowns and I instantly knew that I was going to focus my career path on equine rehabilitation and bodywork. I grew up riding and competing in hunter/jumper, and knew I wanted to stay within the equine sport for a profession, but I never really knew where exactly I belonged until I found Geary's Equine Massage School.
Minutes after signing up, I received a phone call from Geary where he talked about all the different aspects of the course that I would be learning and covering, and I couldn't wait to receive the materials. I soon received my MASSIVE binder full of valuable information that, along with the DVD's and many phone calls with Geary, would guide me along in learning all of the material. Learning all of the hands on techniques was difficult at first as I wasn't able to have Geary physically critique my technique, but through sending him many videos and talking to him in-depth about hand placement, important landmarks and lines, I was able to improve my technique and was even seeing improvement in the horses I was practicing on.
At the end of April in 2021, I received my certification and went on to start my own business, Mito's Elite Equine Services, and have not looked back. I get to do what I love everyday and have received incredible feedback from all of my clients about how their horses are feeling and moving so much better after adding bodywork into their horses wellness routine. Highly recommend Geary Whiting's Equine Massage School for either the certification, or even just to learn for yourself and your horse. I promise you, your horse(s) will thank you!
Rachele BurrOwner, Mito's Elite Equine Services
“Indeed, I think you opened new doors for me and (Shiatsu Massage for Horses) in the United Kingdom!!!”
Dear Geary,
I’m just writing to you to say THANK YOU for your phenomenal course!!! Your Shiatsu has helped me strengthen friendships across ‘the Pond.’
When I was searching for a massage school, yours was not the first one I looked at, but I daresay it’s been the absolute best choice for me. You delivered far more than I ever expected in the way of education. And your enthusiasm and ease of teaching made learning fun and memorable.
It was no more than a month after I graduated that I got to travel around the United Kingdom for three weeks, putting your Shiatsu training to the test! I worked on over 20 ponies, and countless riders during that time. Not only was I thrilled to watch as each relaxed and came right, but the massage sessions left lasting impressions on friends, acquaintances, even a farrier. Indeed, I think you opened new doors for me and Shiatsu in the United Kingdom!!!
I have returned twice to the UK since then, and each time I’ve left happy ponies and owners begging me to relocate. My only regret just now is that I do live half a world away from them. I also wish I’d learned Shiatsu sooner, but I guess I’ll have to make up for lost time.
Geary, thanks to you and your school, I now have the tools to fulfill my dreams. The sky’s the limit!
Best regards,