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What is equine massage?

Equine massage is the therapeutic application of relevant and specific massage techniques applied to the horse. A thorough understanding of anatomy and the interaction of the skeleton, ligaments, tendons and muscles is the basis of equine massage. A massage therapist looks at the 'complete' horse and attempts to determine all possible causes and effects of any muscle tension while reading a horse’s reactions.

Equine Massage is effectively massage therapy for horses and is commonly used to enhance performance levels and stamina, to identify and prevent injury and to aid the recovery rate post injury/illness.

Does your horse do or show signs of any of the following:

• Dislikes being groomed - particularly in certain areas

• Prefers one rein - goes 'smoother' on one rein

• Shows stiffness - particularly until 'warmed up'

• Reluctance to canter on one lead - or 'feels' different

• Dips back when rider mounts

• Dislikes having bridle put on - head/face touched

• Bucking, rearing, 'jumping', 'twitching'

• Dislikes being tacked up - saddle on, girth tightened

• Difficulty in bending and stretching

• Has an uneven stride length

• Holds the tail to one side - or clamps down

• Excessive rolling

All of the above can be signs of pain and discomfort and should be investigated further.

In comparison with human athletes, few would train and compete without preparing their bodies using massage and stretching exercises, so why should it be any different with the horse?

Benefits of equine massage

ALL HORSEScan benefit from an equine massage treatment; from the much loved family pony, to the top quality competition horses who compete in a range of disciplines.

‘MASSAGE CAN BE USED AS PART OF THE ROUTINE CARE FOR THE HORSE’

Used during training, and pre and post competition, massage keeps muscles healthy, builds up those that may have wasted, maintains strength and suppleness and prevents atrophy (wasting) even during times of box rest or restricted work. After exertion massage minimises stiffness and speeds repair to tissue damaged due to physical stress and fatigue. Passive stretches help to keep or restore joints and muscles in full working order.

Additionally, the various massage and stretching techniques enable the horse to perform to its full potential by:

• Increasing and improving circulation
• Enhancing muscle tone
• Relaxing muscle spasm
• Preventing and relieving adhesions
• Increasing the range of movement
• Restoring joints and muscles to full working capacity