Horse Massage Brings Dramatic Change

Could massage therapy help your horse?

Is your horse suffering from an injury or strain? Horse massage therapy may be able to bring relief and support healing. Or perhaps your horse is showing physical wear and tear from years of riding or tack that didn’t fit quite right, unbeknownst to you. Maybe your horse’s shoes were a little wrong. Whatever the reason, your horse may be sore, lame, engaging in new negative behavior or just not performing up to par. Maybe your horse needs a good massage or a series of equine massage therapy sessions.

Recently, alternative medicine enthusiasts have been rapidly spreading the word on the medical benefits of horse massage for their own horses. There has been research that supports the benefits of equine massage for health and performance. Like countless others, you might find that horse massage from a trained, experienced horse massage therapist could produce dramatic change in your horse.

So, what’s involved in horse massage therapy?

Equine massage therapy- evaluation and plan

Experienced horse massage therapists do not usually start with the massage sessions right away. Just like any other regular consultations, they begin with a health inspection of the horse before the equine therapy procedure is applied. Evaluation of the horse can include observing its physical attributes, stance, movements, and reactions to specific stimuli. All of these aspects are essential to the therapist’s implementation of the overall program he or she will be using for the horse. The massage sessions will typically start after this initial evaluation. A series of horse massage sessions including bodywork sessions and exercises will be put into play.

Types of horse massage therapy

The horse massage therapist may use acupressure points, similar to acupuncture points without the needles, when they conduct a horse massage. Others may do deep tissue work, touch your horse very lightly but effectively, use exercises, light, heat, herbs or oils, energy work such as reiki or other methods.

What you can expect from horse massage

The equine massage therapist will usually provide you with a comprehensive report of the horse’s initial evaluation and what things need to be targeted by the message therapy sessions. The report will also include observations and results from the massage therapy sessions. Whether it is a simple horse massage or a series of complex bodywork sessions, the therapist should provide you with an explanation and rationale for the massage work. The expected results should be explained to you in full detail as well. Sometimes the results can be dramatic after the first session. Other times, many of the benefits will not be obvious for a few days or sessions. As sessions progress, you may expect your horse to show more relief and increased performance. When therapy is complete, you may also receive a post program evaluation of your horse’s performance and condition.

When should you check with your vet?

While horse massage can produce dramatic change and relief in your horse and also optimize your horse’s performance, some instances do not benefit by horse massage. You should always consult your veterinarian first to determine what is wrong and if equine therapy might help.

Get involved with your horse’s massage treatment

There are some therapists who would request your presence at the horse massage sessions as well. This is highly recommended. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and to observe how your horse is being a treated. The therapist may show you exercises to do with your horse or other pointers for your horse’s care.

What should you look for in a horse massage therapist?

Make sure the horse massage therapist you choose is trained, experienced and licensed according to your state’s laws. Some states only allow veterinarians to conduct horse massage, others require vet supervision and/or permission, and some allow licensed or unlicensed people to conduct horse massage. Check your state’s requirements. Check the therapist’s references. Certainly, make sure you are comfortable with the horse massage therapist before allowing them to work with your horse. It would be good to discuss with the therapist your goals for the massage therapy- a particular problem your horse is experiencing, general well-being of the horse or improved performance in competition.