A Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist / Reiki Master
Jean's Background
Jean's Credentials
Jean's Background
Ever since I was a young child I have wanted to surround myself with horses. I grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, in a rural section of town across the street from the Shawsheen River. Along the river were a dairy farm, a horse boarding facility and a Palomino horse farm. I spent my spare time watching the horses, praying that someday I would own one.
My dream did not come true until I turned 36 and adopted a 15-year-old thoroughbred cross that needed a home. He was underweight, had little muscle and was not completely sound. His name was Official Business or "Biz" for short.
Little by little we learned to trust one another and eventually a strong bond developed between us. It was satisfying to watch him transform back into a beautiful animal with the help of proper nutrition and good grooming. His coat changed from a dull chestnut to a rich color with copper threading. It took a year, but we finally built up his weight and put muscle on him.
Biz needed lots of TLC, so I went to equine massage demonstrations, rented tapes, read books on massage and practiced on Biz. He taught me a lot and it felt good to give something back because I knew how much he appreciated it. I often say that Biz was my greatest teacher because he taught me to be patient and understanding. He made me a better person.
Our time together lasted only five years. At the age of 19 Biz died from a tumor in the small intestine. It never entered my mind that Biz would die of anything but old age at home with us. But I get great solace in knowing that the best years of his life were the last five he spent with me, my husband Greg, our daughter Jillian and our son Jason. Biz was part of the family.
It took over a year for me to even think about a new horse. But four years ago I bought a Morab named Magic. He was smaller and very athletic and he taught me how to ride. Well, for years my horses have reaped the benefit of equine sports massage therapy. In fact, I now have more than 15 years experience massaging horses.
Today, as a graduate of Equissage, I am certified to help prevent injury in horses, and help horses that are already injured recover faster. I became certified in equine sports massage therapy while working as a staff journalist at a local newspaper where I covered health, animals, wildlife and politics from the Statehouse on down. After five years, I was promoted to editor of the paper.
I know I will never be able to give up writing, so my goal is to work in equine sports massage therapy and write as a freelance journalist for equine publications part-time. I also have a children’s book underway, which is set on a New Hampshire horse farm.
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Jean's Credentials
Jean MacDougall-Tattan
42 Hadley Road
Merrimac, MA 01860
Education
NH Institute for Therapeutic Arts
Hudson, NH
Licensed in MA, NH and ME
B.L.A. English/Psychology
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
National Dean's List
A.A., Liberal Arts
Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill, Ma.
High honors
Equine Sports Massage Therapy Certification
Equissage
Round Hill, Virginia
Reiki I Certification
Carol Westcott, Reiki Master
Newburyport, Ma.
Reiki II Certification
Carol Westcott, Reiki Master
Newburyport, Ma.
Advanced Reiki Certification
Roger and Pam Mailloux, Diane McNulty
Reiki Masters and Teachers
Haverhill, Ma.
Reiki Master Certification
Roger and Pam Mailloux
Reiki Masters and Teachers
Haverhill, Ma.
Awards
2007
Inducted into the YWCA Academy of Women, Haverhill, MA
New England Press Association, First Place for Editorial
2006
Named one of the 60 most influential women in the Merrimack Valley by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.
2002
New England Press Association, first place for outstanding achievement in environmental reporting.
1999
New England Press Association, third place for outstanding achievement in health reporting.
1998
National Dean's List, honorary award recognizing academically gifted students nominated by their college dean. One half of one percent of all college graduates qualify.
1993
Who's Who in America, nominated and placed in the category of "Up and Coming Young Women in Communications."
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