About Claire

“No hour of life is lost that is spent in the saddle.”

- Winston Churchill

Claire Demarest Hi! I am the founder, massage and energy work practitioner of Equine-Touch LLC based in Portland, OR. My mission is to provide a tailored and results oriented bodywork program for your animals. I started this business to celebrate my love and partnership with horses, and all animals, and combine it with my passion for teaching and healthcare.

I spent extensive amounts of time around horses during childhood, and unfortunately did not keep it up through college and starting my career. After fifteen years in the social work and high tech industries, I came back to my roots and realized how much I missed being around horses, and knew I needed to make it a part of my life again. I have had cats, dogs, rats, rabbits, fish and hamsters as pets my whole life, and once I realized how much I can help all animals, I quickly added them into my practice!

I took up riding lessons at the facility where I met Ruby Slippers (picture in my top banner) and fell instantly in love, and then an experience with my lesson horse that was in tremendous pain inspired me to focus on improving the lives of horses. I witnessed the outcome of treatments provided by an equine bodywork specialist– the difference that one hour of care made, and the obvious relief of that wonderful horse solidified my belief in the benefits of equine bodywork.

This further sparked my journey into my own health, and I became a student of Reiki. I had no idea of the significance it would play in my life and career when I started the journey. It is truly incredible to see how animals respond to Reiki and any kind of energy work. The sense of peace and thankfulness that I see lets me know it helps to optimize the bodywork session and provide a sense of comfort and supportive healing for animals.

My ability to “listen to” and sense the animal's needs stems from a true desire to optimize their health, comfort, and performance. I commit to continually updating my techniques and methods of partnering with each horse/animal and owner, as well as educating owners in each session. As well, each animal teaches me something, for which I am ever grateful.

My Credentials

I graduated from the Northwest School of Animal Massage and currently hold my general and sports massage certification for large animals.

I am forever a student of Energy Work, focusing my studies right now on Reiki. I am a Usui Reiki Master, under the tutelage of Bente Hansen (http://www.dynamicenergyhealing.net/index.htm), and Jennifer Lovejoy, both Usui Reiki Masters, among other credentials around energy healing, spiritual counseling, Yoga, and Soma. I am happy to provide the lineage family tree if requested.

I am a member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB).

I am a member of the Northwest Reiki Center (NWRC), through the International Reiki Association.

I hold my BA in Sociology/Social Work from Seattle University, Seattle Washington.

I have over 15 years of experience in a professional services/training environment.

I have over 8 years of experience in the high tech industry.

I have a genuine love of, respect for, and fascination with animals, which makes this all an honor and privilege!

Client Testimonial

- Shelley Rayhawk, Abbey Creek Stables

"Claire’s visits here have made a significant difference in many of our horses. She quickly gains the confidence of even the skittish horses, and the owners delight in being a hero in their horse’s eyes as they learn to apply the “homework” Claire gives as follow-up. With relief from pain the horses are happier, easier to handle, and more willing to work."

Equine-Touch: Shelley Rayhawk and her horse Chris

Equine-Touch: Horses Coming in for the night at Abbey Creek

My site is built and maintained by Equine-Touch.
The top photo of me with Ruby Slippers was taken by Vera Jagendorf, and Ruby Slipper's breeder is Sterling Bloodstock