Sue Kellogg-Graf - EEBW
When I was 8 years old, my Dad bought me a pony. He always said it was the worst $65 he ever spent. She was a chestnut mare – a Shetland pony – whose name was Ginger. You can imagine how many times I fell off that pony. But it all begins with a passion. Passion is a funny thing, and for me it’s always been about the horses. There is something about them that intrigues me, comforts me, and energizes me. Growing up, it was all I wanted to do. I could sit on the fence post at the barn in Michigan and watch my riding instructor give lessons for hours. My Mom would drop me off at 8am in the summers and I’d do whatever needed to be done – clean stalls, clean water buckets, move horses around – it didn’t matter. I just wanted to be there. Some things never change.
Lisa Bergstedt - EEBW
I've had a lifelong love of horses, competing in the hunter/jumper show circuit as a junior and now as an amateur rider. Five Star Equine was named after my mother, Jackie, whose nickname from her friends and loved ones was “Five Star.” She always sought the “best” for her family and animals, and she devoted herself to their health and well-being, often helping me take care of my show horses.
My personal experiences led me to develop a passion for a holistic view of equine healthcare. My commitment to addressing the health complexities of my horse, ironically named Exellent, directed me toward like-minded veterinarians and equine professionals who shared the same affinity.
Seeing firsthand the benefits of equine bodywork ignited my belief that all equine partners should have access to this service as part of their wellness routine. It also propelled my pursuit of an education and certification in Equine Massage and Bodywork through the Equinology Institute.
I completed additional training courses to utilize laser and LED light therapy (photobiobodulation) with my equine clients. I am certified in Level 1 Large and Small Animal Acupressure through the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage. Continuing education is something I embrace to expand my skills, knowledge, and understanding of equine health and wellness.
My approach of infusing evidence-based MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) techniques prior to each session is unique. I find that being a calm, grounded practitioner improves a horse’s relaxation response and the overall effectiveness of the session. I witness our equine partners constantly communicating their needs through their physical and emotional responses, and I believe we must ‘listen’ through observation both under saddle and in the barn.
