Why Massage Horses?

Massage therapy is an effective method for locating and reducing muscular stiffness and relieving muscle spasms.

Massage will promote freedom of movement within the horse’s body.

Along with its physical curative effects it will help to reduce mental and emotional stress.

 What causes stiffness?

Stiffness and tension inhibits movement. This can occur as a result of the build up of lactic acid and other natural waste products within the muscles which may be due to over exertion, inadequate warming up or cooling down and poor body posture.

Tight muscles are also courtesy of the horse not using his body in total balance, which may be because the horse has not yet learn't how to balance under a rider or because the rider is unbalanced and is thereby working against the freedom of movement of the horse.

Locomotory, or superficial muscles, are designed to propel the horse forwards. These muscles are being used ineffectively if they are being utilised to maintain balance. In an ideal world the postural, or deep muscles, will do their job to maintain posture and balance while allowing the complete use of the 'movement muscles' to generate movement. In most situations, this is not the case.

It is common to find local muscle spasms in certain areas of the body which adversely affect the whole movement of the horse; resulting in a further shortening of muscles and tendons and ultimately injury if not addressed.

How does massage benefit my Horse?

The increase of venous return of blood is greatly enhanced during massage which can greatly relieve an area by improving metabolic waste removal and an improvement in blood flow.

The physical pressure of massage allows muscle fibres (actin/mysoin filaments) that are held in contraction to release. This can result in either a full release of muscle spasms or a partial reduction.

Since muscles work in chains and relays, one group of muscles can greatly affect the functioning of another muscle group. Thus a reduction of tension in one area can have a profound effect on the whole horse, and often does!

Horses invariably enjoy the therapeutic touch of massage and often will communicate clearly the sources of tension. Horses quickly realises the pleasurable sensations of releasing knotted tissue.

For a highly emotional being such as a horse, the touch of massage provides an effective way of releasing emotional tension.

Owners should feel encouraged to mutually groom or massage their horses as part of bonding with their individual horse and maintaining a sense of well-being and relief.

What techniques are employed?

Jo is trained as both a human massage therpaist as well as being an equine masseuse and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having been trained in 4 different massage systems, and explored many more. She uses massage techniques taken from conventional forms of Equine Sports massage and Swedish massage along with techniques taken from myofascial release techniques, acupressure techniques, polarity techniques and vibrational energetic healing methods.

Regular sessions will support your horse in his training and development along with his or her emotional well-being. 

You can find ESMA (Equine Sports Massage Association) therapists in your area here.

To book a massage for your horse with Jo send an email.