Benefits of Equine Massage
ALL horses can benefit from an equine sports massage treatment. This can range from the treasured family pony, to top quality competition horses competing in any sphere. They all can benefit...
Massage can benefit the well being of the animal, release tension and aid mental relaxation. In the event of an injury, massage is of great benefit to aid recovery and prevent atrophy (wasting) of muscles.
In the horse, the various massage and stretching techniques enable the horse to perform to its full potential by:
- Increasing and improving circulation
- Enhance muscle tone
- Relax muscle spasm
- Prevent and relieve adhesions
- Increase the range of movement
Example Problems and Benefits
The working discipline of a dressage horse demands muscular strength, stability and flexion. Muscles, tendons and ligaments need to be in optimal health in order to create and maintain these demands. The intellectual application of massage will remove toxins and lactic acid enabling the muscles optimal ability in it’s range of required contractions.
A show jumpers discipline demands muscular strength, stability, flexion and stretch. Muscles, tendons and ligaments need to be in health in order to absorb the stresses of landing, to generate the strength for propulsion and execute stretch and flexion over each jump. The intellectual application of massage will remove toxins and lactic acid, while breaking down trigger points, enabling the muscles, tendons and ligaments their optimal working ability in a non compensatory fashion.
The working discipline of a harness horse/pony guarantees immense levels of strain. Harness horses working on the road will also become vulnerable to related injuries. The intellectual application of massage, detects and releases muscular spasms, drains away trapped toxins and lactic acid and helps to encourage the fittening and repair process from exaggerated levels of concussion.
The riding school horse has a tough job. Inexperienced riders with an unbalanced weight distribution proceed to push, pull and kick the horse forwards and sideways. The intellectual application of massage will actively work to restore nerve innervation to the barrel. Restore lateral movement, lighten the forehand and loosen the back once more.
The tough demanding discipline of cross-country horse produces real influences of muscular and skeletal stress. Much like the show jumper though with influences exaggerated and enhanced by the rough going and rough terrain. The intellectual application of massage will optimise flexibility, strength, and stability, whilst also aiding the fittening and repair process needed from the effects of concussion.
