For nearly two decades, the name Bob Roffman has been synonymous with compassion, intuition, and a deep, unwavering commitment to the well-being of horses across Western North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina. Known affectionately by many as both a healer and an advocate, Roffman’s journey into equine bodywork was anything but traditional.
Originally trained as a massage therapist for humans, Bob’s introduction to horses happened by pure chance. As Bob recalls:
“I had been working as a massage therapist for people when one of my clients asked if I could come look at her horse. I didn’t know anything about horses, but I figured muscles are muscles, so I gave it a try. That horse melted under my hands, and I realized right then that I had a gift I never knew I had. From that day forward, my path changed.”
That one serendipitous encounter revealed what countless horse owners in the Carolinas have since come to know: Bob has a rare gift—and he is a rare gift to the equine industry he serves.
When I had the pleasure of meeting Bob for this story, one thing struck me immediately: he is as authentic and transparent in person as the stories suggest. His approach is full-throttle, yet deeply empathetic and grounded in integrity. He carries no ego, no pretense—only a sincere desire to help horses feel better.
Bob himself describes it best, “I am not perfect, I am not a God, but I am confident in my ability to find out or figure out what I need to do or know in order to help this horse.”
It’s the kind of humble honesty that stands out in an industry where egos sometimes clash over ribbons worth fifty cents but treated like they’re made of gold. Bob has always kept his focus where it matters most: the horses.
A Career Spanning Over 40,000 Horses
Since discovering his gift in his mid-forties, Bob has absorbed an astonishing wealth of knowledge in a short period of time. Simply put, “He was just a natural, and I noticed it right away. He still is a natural,” said Jim Masterson of The Masterson Method®, one of the industry’s most reputable and well-known equine bodywork schools.
After being trained in the Masterson Method and mentored directly by Jim Masterson, word spread quickly. Within just a few years, Bob was booked months in advance. Over the course of his career, he estimates he has worked on more than 40,000 horses, a staggering number that underscores the trust and loyalty he has earned.
In his early days, Bob was fortunate to have several remarkable mentors. One of them, Tamara Yates, the original Director of Certification for The Masterson Method®, Also founder of Many Hands Equine Bodywork and certified in Acupressure, Myofascial Release, Cranial Sacral work took an early interest in his work and noted, “Bob had to learn a lot about horses (which he did), but he had the ‘feel’ from the beginning. He keeps seeking out new knowledge and ways to help his clients—the horses.”
When writing this article, I had the pleasure of witnessing Bob at work. As an equine bodyworker myself, I have the utmost respect for the philosophy that “the proof is in the pudding,” because not all practitioners are created equal.
Bob’s sessions go far beyond simple massage. It’s not even close. They are part physical therapy, part advocacy, and part partnership with the horse itself. He listens, feels, and responds in a way that few practitioners can replicate. Clients throughout the Carolinas tell story after story of horses who transformed under his care—performance horses regaining their edge, retired companions finding new comfort, and even stubborn personalities softening under his gentle touch.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend
To those who know him, Bob is a healer, therapist, and tireless advocate. He is quick to laugh, unapologetically honest, and refreshingly grounded.
Perhaps that’s why Bob has left such an indelible mark on this community. His work has never been about accolades. It has always been about connection, healing, respect, and integrity.
“Uncle Bob, as we call him, is here every month, rain or shine. It’s as important as quality hay and farrier work to the health of our horses.”, said local foundation trainer and equine behaviorist Lisa Fisher of Right Start Horsemanship.
Facing His Toughest Challenge
Now, the healer finds himself in need of healing. Last month, Bob was diagnosed with colon cancer just as he was preparing to retire. What was supposed to be a season of slowing down and making his final client rounds has turned into a season of doctor visits, hospital stays, and the very real challenges of navigating cancer treatment as a self-employed practitioner.
What insurance doesn’t cover, hospitals demand up front. The financial burden is staggering—and it’s arriving at the exact moment he had planned to step away from full-time work.
True to form, Bob is handling the diagnosis with courage. He isn’t afraid of the upcoming surgery scheduled for mid-October. But the financial weight is heavy, and this is where our community has an opportunity to give back to someone who has clearly given so much.
How You Can Help
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Bob through this difficult time. Donations will help offset the mounting medical costs and give him the chance to focus on recovery rather than the stress of bills. It’s important to note that Bob’s prognosis is good.
If Bob has ever worked on your horse, if you’ve ever heard his name spoken with gratitude at a barn, or if you simply want to support a man who has dedicated his life to the animals we love—this is your chance. Whether it’s a memory, a story, or a contribution, every gesture matters. Tell your story on social media and use #RoffmanStrong. Share in as many Equine Groups that you can, so we can get the word out.
Bob has touched thousands of horses and people over the last two decades. Now it’s our turn to touch his life in return. If you feel so inclined to donate you may do so here https://www.gofundme.com/f/blast-bobs-cancer
The Carolinas are rooting for you, Bob.
