Equine Massage Therapy for Horses

massage for horses

Massage is a centuries old therapy for horses. Its use can free up tight muscle tissue, enhance blood circulation, improve muscle tone and relax and calm the horse.

For horses involved in competition, equine massage therapy can boost performance by improving range of movement and stamina, because you are improving muscle quality and circulation.

The ultimate goal of equine massage therapy for your horse is to restore freedom to each muscle group.

When a horse's muscles become tight or in a contracted state this puts pressure on surrounding tissues.

This results in a decrease in blood circulation, restricted movement and pain. If not relieved and loosened this muscle tightness can cause more problems and will continue to worsen.

More than 60% of the horse's body weight is muscle and muscular problems can be

a source of a variety of problems and training set-backs.

Other techniques include direct pressure in varying intensity to relieve a spasm, shaking to increase circulation, and vibration to get to the deeper muscle structures and equine joints. Nerve manipulation such as stretching and pressure is used for nerve maintenance and therapy, and friction helps to break down scar tissue over muscle fibres.

Whilst they are working massage therapists are looking out for problems in the horse that can be indicated by tenderness in certain areas, body temperature, tension, feel of the skin and muscle fibres.

Technical training is required to learn and understand equine anatomy and the physics of motion.

Prompt attention to minor muscle injuries not only improves a horse's performance but may also prevent major problems in the future. Massage is an excellent, drug free non-invasive treatment that can have fast results.

There are several massage movements, which can be used in a combined treatment, and have great effect on the horse's skin, muscles, blood vessels, lymphatic system and nerves.

massage rug for horses One of the basic massage techniques used on horses is stroking, which is intended to affect the central nervous system by soothing the horse.

Equine massage therapists may also use hand held massagers or pads and massage machines such as the Equissage equipment from Niagara Healthcare developed for use on horses.

These are available for purchase by individuals and can be used to great effect, but be sure to get a good demonstration on how to use these machines before you buy!

Equine Body Work & Sports Massage

Equine Body Work is a hand-on form of complementary therapy that treats the whole horse, not just the bit that hurts.

It is suitable for all horses and ponies, regardless of age, breed or training. Equine Body Work can be used to treat and prevent injuries, to maintain a healthy working physique and to find that extra inch in competition horses.

Wiltshire and surrounding counties covered.

Vera Brimacombe EBW
Tel. 07527 804445
www.suppleequine.co.uk

Benefits of Massage Therapy for horses

Improves muscle tone
Relaxes muscle spasm and tense muscles
Relieves
Helps maintain joint flexibility in the horse.
Reduces congestion within blood and lymph vessels
Faster healing through the increased flow of blood to the muscles and improved dispersal of excess fluids and toxins.
Stimulates or relaxes the nervous system
Stretches connective tissue
Reduces inflammation of tissue in joints
Prevents the formation of adhesions and fibrous bands in muscles, tendons and ligaments
Increases intestinal movement
Stimulates glands
Helps clean pores
Improves circulation

IMPORTANT!

In the UK The Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1966 states that any owner may give massage to their horses, but that anyone else must have permission from the owner’s veterinary surgeon before giving any treatment.

When to use Massage on your horse

To aid your horse to recover from a diagnosed lameness, if recommended by your vet
On horses with reduced performance as it helps to return the muscles and joints to full flexibility.
To improve performance of healthy horses.
Equine massage is of great benefit to competition horses as part of a warm up routine, releasing tension and loosening the muscles.
Equine massage is also of enormous benefit after competing when used as part of your cooling down.
To relax and tone your horse as part of its daily grooming routine.
To help keep an older horse or pony active.

When NOT to massage your horse

Don't massage a horse that is suffering from Azoturia (“tied-up”).
To treat a lameness that has not been seen by a vet.
If your horse suffering an infection - massage can spread the infection further through the horse's body
Where a horse is suffering from Lymphangitis.
If your horse has a fungal skin infection.
On a horse suffering from an undiagnosed illness

If in doubt ask your veterinary surgeon.

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