Equine Massage Therapy

You may think equine massage therapy is simply brushing your horse, but it is much more than that. Horse owners can improve the quality of life for their horses, speed up recovery from injuries and illnesses and bond with their horses on a deeper level simply by learning the practice of equine massage therapy.

What is Equine Massage Therapy?
Equine massage therapy is the manipulation, rubbing and stroking of your horse's soft tissues and muscles, much like a Swedish massage performed on a person. Sometimes therapy is expanded to the use of ice, heat, mild electrical stimulation of muscles or pressure points and muscle relaxants.

Why Do Horses Need Equine Massage Therapy?
While all horses would benefit from a little extra brushing and petting, some horses need the touch and manipulation of muscles and soft tissue to stimulate healing, relaxation and rejuvenation.

If your horse has struggled with chronic pain, illness or is simply getting old and suffering from the aches and pains of age, you can learn how to rub his or her muscles in such a way as to increase flexibility, reduce swelling, decrease pain and to stimulate your horse's body's natural ability to heal itself. Many older horses that could no longer perform jumps, run in races, pull weigh, or handle riders have found their abilities restored because of equine massage.

Service horses, especially those who wear heavy harnesses, can benefit from massage therapy since they are forced to wear equipment and perform tasks they may not be naturally suited to. Horses used as police mounts or in city environments may become stressed from all of the noise, cars and excess stimulation. These horses will become calmer and happier if these sore and tense areas are massaged.

Where Do I Learn the Proper Techniques?
You don't have to bring your horse to a professional equine massage therapist, but you may want to take classes from one to learn how to perform the proper techniques needed to provide your horse the most relief.

Look for classes at animal behavior training centers and veterinarian offices. If your horse is used for strenuous work, you may want to spend the money to have a professional come work on it. Regular equine massage therapy can save you money since your horse will stay in better health and be less prone to injury.