Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Wettstein.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always felt deeply connected to animals, especially dogs and horses. Growing up riding and working in horse barns, I was immersed early on in the rhythms, responsibilities, and quiet communication that come with caring for large, sensitive animals. Between the ages of 19 and 21, I worked full-time at a horse barn where I was first exposed to equine bodywork. Watching an equine bodyworker work with horses was fascinating — the way subtle touch could create visible change stayed with me. Not long after, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue, and I enrolled in school.
Alongside my lifelong love of horses, I’ve always been drawn to dogs. That passion led me to work in a prestigious performance dog environment where structure, temperament, and proper care were highly prioritized. Being part of that setting taught me an immense amount about canine behavior, physical conditioning, and the importance of supporting both the body and nervous system. As I cared for the dogs day in and day out, I felt called to become more directly involved in their wellness and recovery.
Today, I’m certified in massage and a range of therapeutic modalities, including cold laser therapy, PEMF, and other integrative techniques. My work blends hands-on bodywork with energetic and nervous system support to help animals feel and move better in their bodies.
In addition, I created an all-natural equine product line rooted in plant medicine, using herbs and essential oils as the foundation. Everything I do is guided by a belief in whole-body care — honoring the animal as an individual and supporting healing beyond surface-level relief.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been carving out space in an industry that doesn’t always understand or immediately trust integrative and holistic approaches. Early on, I had to learn how to stand confidently in my work while educating clients on why supporting the nervous system, fascia, and overall balance matters just as much as addressing surface-level symptoms.
Another challenge has been wearing many hats at once. Building certifications, gaining hands-on experience, creating products, and running a business simultaneously required discipline, long hours, and a lot of learning through trial and error. There were moments of doubt — especially when balancing formal education with intuitive work — but those experiences ultimately helped me refine my approach and stay grounded in both science and observation.
Working in high-level performance environments also taught me how emotionally demanding this work can be. Caring deeply for animals means holding space for their discomfort, their recovery, and sometimes their limitations. Learning how to protect my own energy while remaining present and effective has been an important part of my growth.
Each challenge shaped the way I work today — with intention, patience, and respect for both the animal and the process. Those obstacles didn’t slow me down; they clarified my purpose and strengthened my commitment to whole-body care.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am the founder of Holistic Horse & Hound, an integrative equine and canine bodywork and wellness practice rooted in whole-body care that evolved from my original work under Holistic Horse Healing. My work blends certified massage therapy with advanced therapeutic modalities including cold laser therapy, PEMF, myofascial release, kinesiology, craniosacral therapy, and Reiki, all with a strong focus on nervous system regulation and individualized care.
What sets my practice apart is the way I integrate hands-on work with energetic and subtle body therapies, allowing me to meet each animal where they are physically, neurologically, and emotionally. I don’t follow a one-size-fits-all protocol — every session is guided by observation, intuition, and the animal’s response in the moment.
In addition to my hands-on work, I created an all-natural equine product line formulated with herbs and essential oils to support wellness beyond the session. I’m most proud of building a practice that honors both science and sensitivity, offering animals thoughtful, integrative care that supports long-term comfort, balance, and resilience.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is measured by impact rather than numbers. It’s seeing an animal move more freely, soften in their body, or finally settle into a sense of comfort and regulation. Knowing the work I’m doing genuinely improves quality of life matters more than any metric.
I also define success as alignment — building a career that reflects my values while honoring intuition, ethics, and respect for each animal as an individual. It means having the freedom to work thoughtfully rather than rushing or forcing outcomes.
On a personal level, success is sustainability. It’s creating a practice that allows continued growth and learning without burnout, so I can show up fully and consistently. Ultimately, success looks like trust — from the animals, from their people, and from myself — and knowing the work matters in quiet, meaningful ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Holistichorsehealing.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GK1M4ERNB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
