Horse Insights

As with most complementary health care, equine massage, by itself, does not attempt to cure anything. It is used, however, along with conventional health care (veterinarians, trainers, etc) to enable the horse to perform at an optimum level.

It is strongly suggested that all who are inclined to become equine massage therapists in North America first attend, and/or graduate, from a human massage therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy program. OR, that they are either a chiropractor or veterinarian. And that they have some previous experience around horses. After all, the equine therapist must feel comfortable picking feet, grooming, leading and trotting the horse on the line etc. They must also know and be able to educate owners on the importance of properly fitting tack. They must be able to name and locate superficial and deep muscles, as well as joints.

So what are some of the Benefits Of Massage?

By increasing the animal’s range of motion through massage therapy, the horse is once again working efficiently. By enhancing the horse’s stride- whether race, dressage, or hunter jumper- we improves its stamina, gait, and performance. A horse that moves better is more efficient in his stride. There is less wear and tear on the joints, ligaments and tendons. And this equals a longer performance life.

As humans, when we have overextended our muscles in playing a sport or doing a new exercise, we hurt. And sometimes, we tend to be a little “cranky”. It is the same with horses. Although they are usually unable to let you know where it hurts – unless its by obvious methods – suddenly pinning ears back when being saddled, for example. Equine massage therapy has been known to improve the disposition of an animal in these types of situations.

Equine massage has also been used as part of a rehab process after an actual muscle injury. Of course, the vet has stated the appropriate time for healing has occurred, but to help the healing process, equine massage can be implemented. This stretching and proper exercise can help the healing process, reducing scar tissue as it adheres to healthy tissue. This in turn helps restore the muscle to better returning function.

And we all know and love how massage improves the circulation. It is the same with our four legged friends. After a massage a horse actually looks like he’s been working out in the gym!! And when you’ve got the blood circulating properly, you are also helping to stimulate the elimination of waste. If your horse is unable to exercise due to recovery from injury, for example, massage is used to stimulate the circulation. This actually releases endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers.

Some of the proponents of Natural Horse Training encourage massage therapy, especially for those horses that don’t want to be touched. They are not used to it, and are very defensive. These horses need a little time and communication via touch as the starting point of their training.

Equine massage is sometimes the only way to assess the physical condition of your horse – you may be involved in a form of equine massage every time you go out and stroke and “love on” your animal – and discover a hot spot; or a spot where he flinches. By assessing through touch, you’ll usually receive your reward – the horse moving into your massage, and further bonding with you.

• It is worth it on a maintenance level, you and your horse bonding, and as a part of the exercise program to keep the muscles in tune and to prevent injury.

• It is worth it on a pre event level, loosening and warming muscles prior to a competition.

• It is worth it on a post event level, when the animal needs to cool down and avoid stiffening up and getting muscle fatigue.

• It is worth it on a rehabilitation level, to encourage faster healing and recovery through increased blood flow and to prevent compensatory lameness.

As with humans, there are situations when equine massage is not recommended – fractured bones, or sprains, or inflamed skin or soft tissue, for example.

Equine massage is a branch of horse care that is not well regulated at present – check with your trainer or vet to weigh your best options. However, as we utilize our horses more and more rigorously, it is proving more and more beneficial for them, as with humans, to have massage therapy to prolong their performance life.