There are several components to massage.  Please click the following links for more information.  Before the massage, during the massage, and after the massage.

BEFORE THE MASSAGE:

Muscles should be warmed up prior to a massage.  Any kind of movement will do.  A walk.. a light hacking... after a lesson... any type of activity, really.  We just don't want to massage a horse "cold".  There should always be some type of activity before the muscles are worked.

Back to Top

DURING THE MASSAGE:

We focus on the pressure points of the horse as described below:

Pressure points (stress points)

Pressure causes discomfort spasms and pain the horse responds to this by resisting, refusing or not performing certain movements.  Through massage you can break down these knots and elevate their pain giving them back freedom and ease of motion required for athletic performance.

EQUINE  SPORTS  MASSAGE  IS  NOT  A  SUBSTITUTE  FOR  VETERINARY  CARE

Muscles of the body

Your horses body weight is 60% muscle!  Click here here to see an awesome chart showing the equine musculo-skeletal system.
 

Signs of Muscular Problems:

- Back Soreness
- Girthing problems
- Head tossing
- Refusing or resisting leads
- Being "off" Lameness
- Improper tracking forward, back, or laterally
- Resistance when bending &/or backing
- Hind leg scuffing
- Unwilling or unable to walk up or down inclines
- Poor disposition, eating, or sleeping habits

Back to Top                                                              
                                                                                                                                                                                  

AFTER THE MASSAGE:

There are several things you should do after the massage, such as walking your horse and the various exercises described below:

Walk After Massage 

When the full massage sequenced is finished, walk your horse at a fairly brisk pace for at least 5 minutes.  The horse may pull back at first, as he is still anticipating pain.  That resistance, however, should last but a few strides – and he should then begin to move forward easily and walk with you.

You will find that walking your horse is a wonderfully effective way to prevent “after massage stiffness”. 

A few minutes into the walk, you will begin to notice a big difference in your horse’s head carriage.  Since the most obvious area of stiffness is usually the neck, this walk after massage will shortly have the head bobbing freely up and down.

Back to Top