About Us
Five Star Equine was established to serve as a partner in your horse’s health and wellness plan.
Lisa Bergstedt
Lisa has had a lifelong love of horses and competed in the hunter/jumper show circuit as a junior and now as an amateur rider. Five Star Equine was named after Lisa’s mother, Jackie, whose nickname from her friends and loved ones was “Five Star.” She sought the “best” for her family and animals. Jackie always helped Lisa take care of her show horses and was devoted to health and well-being.
Personal experience led Lisa to a passion for a holistic view of equine healthcare. A commitment to addressing the health complexities of her horse, ironically named Exellent, directed her toward like-minded veterinarians and equine professionals who shared the same affinity.
Seeing firsthand the benefits of equine bodywork ignited her belief that all equine partners should have access to this service as part of their wellness routine. It also propelled her pursuit of an education and certification in Equine Massage and Bodywork through Equinology Institute.
She completed additional training courses to utilize laser and LED light therapy ( photobiobodulation ) with her equine clients. She is certified in Level 1 Large and Small Animal Accupressure through Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage. Continuing education is something Lisa embraces to expand her skills, knowledge and understanding of equine health and wellness.
Lisa’s approach of infusing evidence-based MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) techniques prior to each session is unique. She finds that a calm, grounded practitioner improves a horse’s relaxation response and the overall effectiveness of the session. Lisa witnesses the following:
“Our equine partners are constantly communicating their needs through their physical and emotional responses. We must ‘listen’ through observation both under saddle and in the barn.”
Five Star Equine works in coordination with Equine/Canine Massage by Sue (https://www.keahorses.com/) in fortifying relationships with veterinarians, trainers and horse owners to optimize the overall health and well-being of the horses in their care.
Education and Associations:
Certified Equine Massage Therapist (Equinology Institute)
Thor Photomedicine Photobiomodulation Therapy Training
Certified Level 1 Large and Small Animal Acupressure (RMSAAM)
20 years of junior and amateur show jumping
Completed Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program
Member International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork (IAAMB)
Member International Equine Body Worker Association (IEBWA)
Lisa holds both a BA and MBA from Pepperdine University and is a court-appointed advocate (CASA) for at-risk youth.