A Maryland woman claims state officials are keeping her from her first love: massaging horses.

Mercedes Clemens shut down her equine massage practice in Damascus after officials told her state law only allows veterinarians to perform such services.

Now she's suing two state agencies, saying regulators are unfairly barring registered massage therapists who want to practice on animals.

Clemens' case is being closely watched by those in the animal massage industry, who say business has grown steadily along with interest in other alternative treatments and pampering for pets.

An attorney for the state chiropractic board says the agency is asking for the court to dismiss the case, citing Montgomery County (web|news) as an improper venue because the order was issued from Baltimore. The state veterinary board wants out of the lawsuit, claiming it never ruled specifically on Clemens' practice.

A court hearing is scheduled for next month.

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