EQUINE MASSAGE
Why Massage ?
Giving Physical and Mental Health.
So they can feel and perform at their Best.
“At Its Finest, Rider And Horse Are Joined Not By Tack But By Trust. Each Is Totally Reliant Upon The Other.
Each Is The Selfless Guardian Of The Other’s Very Well-Being."
Maintaining your horse’s physical well-being will keep him in optimum shape and comfortably performing his work.
Physical discomfort affects his overall attitude and can lead to behavioral issues.
When a horse uses his body, it is important to keep in mind the interdependence of bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Tight muscles will pass along tightness to neighboring muscle groups. Muscles are attached to the horse’s bones, so they are responsible for producing all skeletal movement.
The Number One Goal Is A Full, Painless Contraction Of Muscle.
If a horse is unable to fully contract a muscle, it is unable to release its full potential. When muscle fibers are not contracting properly due to injuries and scar tissue, the muscle loses its full potential.
It leads to inefficient and stiff movement and lack of speed. A muscle can have some stretching ability with pain, but it can’t have full potential when it is injured.
It Is The Full And Complete Contraction Of Muscles That Allows For The
Explosive Power.
The Release Of That Coiled Muscle Shows As Smoothness Of Movement.
Massage Therapy improves flexibility....
through stretching techniques. Poor flexibility is usually caused by muscle fatigue, tightness or inflammation.
Massage Therapy enhances suppleness....
which is a combination of unrestricted movement in the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. Skeletal mobilization increases the range of motion in joints, allowing the horse to be more free-flowing and expressive in its movements.
Massage Therapy aids muscle recovery....
It ensures that pathways to and from muscle bodies are free of adhesions, allowing the effective expulsion of acids. These cause fatigue and cramps, as well as giving access to oxygen rich blood cells to replenish depleted stores and repair torn fibres.
Massage Therapy relieves poll tension and improves psychological well-being....
The horse’s poll is an area with a lot of tension. Stretching and massaging it can relieve progressive built up of tension and release work around poll and neck can transform an ill-treated, aggressive and timid horse.
Equine Massage Therapy can address issues in your horse such as
- Inhibited motion, stiffness
- Shortening of stride
- Difficulty with lateral bending
- Tracking unevenly
- Sore back
- Showing signs of resistance/ refusal
- Head tossing, bucking and kicking
How do I know if my horse would benefit from Equine Sports Therapy Sessions?
Indication of pain may be indicated by following symptoms:
- Pinning back ears when being saddled
- Abnormal posture
- Reduced performance
- Behavioral issues when being ridden
- Difficulties with gaits
- Sensitivity to touch
- General stiffness
