Equine Sports Massage Therapy
Overview:
The purpose of massage is to bring about physiological or mechanical effects on the body or soft tissues.
It provides “stretching” of the soft tissue and helps to prepare healthy tissue for strenuous activities and sports.
Does my horse need a massage?
Massage assists the body in recovering more quickly from activities… as well as post-injury. Massage can play an integral and useful part in the healing process.
How can I tell if my horse would benefit from a massage?
There are some common signals horses present when needing body work. For instance, if your horse exhibits any of the following behaviors, he might just be a great candidate for Equine Massage:
- Stiffness or one-sided
- Resents training/ridden work
- Resents girthing or saddling
- Refuses or resists correct lead
- Head tossing
- Above the bit
- Carries tail to one side
- “Cold-backed”
- Behind the bit
- Off stride
Any and all of these behaviors could be signals of muscle soreness or pain and massage could alleviate or decrease these symptoms.
Massages are not just for “feel-good, spa-day” moments… Any and all horses can benefit from massage – all ages, all disciplines:
- Barrel Racers
- Hunters/Jumpers
- Dressage
- Roping
- Cutting
- Reining
- Pre/Post-Conditioning
- Long transports
- Working cattle horses
- English & Western equitation
- Post-hunting season
