About Equine Massage
Everyone deserves a massage every now and again. Whether it be from physical activity, stress or just needing some time to relax, massage can be the cure. Why should this be any different for our equine counterparts.
A horses body is like a finely tunned machine. When one area of the body is not working properly other parts will begin to overcompensate. With time, the areas of overuse begin to fail.
In so many instances of todays equine industry horses are asked to carry thier bodies in ways that are unatural. Sure, with time and training horses acheive these desired positions but not without creating stress in other areas of their bodies. Whether it be an unbalanced rider, tight reins, over/underuse, ilness, injury, performance situations, even age, massage can alleviate many of the symptoms of these ailments as well as many others.
Through massage, a completely different creature can become apparent. Without the ability to express their aches and pains horses resort to other means of communcation. Many times behaviors such as short striding, biting, bucking, resistance, can all be alleviated through regular massage. Horses that are timmed or impersonal can greatly benefit from the one on one interaction and bonding that is created through massage. A sense of trust for people can be formed.
Equine massage most certainly is not a cure all, however the benefits of regular massage in our equine athletes can be considered an investment in the health of these animlas. Keeping muscles flexible and smooth promotes proper blood supply throughout the body. A horse cannot perform at his best with stressed, contracted muscles.
Please remember that massage is not a substitute for veterinary medicine and your vet should be consulted prior to using massage.
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