What are the benefits of massage therapy and how can it help your horse?
Equine massage can have a significant
impact on the overall health and performance of your horse. Whether you are a serious competitor or just ride a couple
times a week, massage can benefit your horse in the following ways:
- Promotes relaxation
- Relieves, reduces and inhibits pain
- Improves athletic performance
- Aids in injury prevention and recuperation
- Increases circulation
- Facilitates delivery and removal of nutrients and wastes
- Promotes muscle tone
- Improves pulmonary function
How often should you have your
horse massaged?
You will most likely see results after your horse's first
massage. Your horse might move more freely or be calmer under saddle. For long term results, it is recommended
that you have maintenance massages performed on your horse. The frequency of massages may vary depending on the level
of work they are in. For healthy horses in regular work, typically maintenance massages are performed every 3-5 weeks.
Horses that are recovering from an injury or in heavy work/competition will require massage more frequently.
Are there times when massage should not be performed?
While massage is beneficial for horses on many levels, there are circumstances under which
massage should not be performed. These include the following:
When
your horse has a fever
When there is acute trauma to a muscle
If your horse has nerve problems or a nervous system condition
If your horse has a skin condition that is of fungal origin or is contagious
If your horse has an acute viral disease
