FAQ
Why should I have my horse massaged?
Equine massage therapy can benefit your horse in many ways. Some of these benefits are listed here:
- Massage has mechanical, physiological and psychological effects on a horse, and thereby contributes to an improvement in its carriage, performance and flexibility.
- It helps to prepare muscle tissue for strenuous activities or events.
- It helps the body recuperate more quickly after these activities and events.
- Massage therapy has been found to strengthen limbs and contribute to a horse’s soft and shiny coat.
- It is a useful complement in the healing process following an injury. However, in these situations, massage therapy should always be performed with the approval of – or under the supervision of – a veterinarian.
Can a therapeutic massage be performed immediately before a competition?
Therapeutic massage is not recommended immediately before a competition.
How many days prior to a competition can my horse receive a therapeutic massage?
It is recommended that a horse be given a therapeutic massage two or more days before an event or competition. Normally, a therapeutic massage should not be performed the day of – or the day before – a competition.
What is the difference between a therapeutic massage and a sports massage?
A therapeutic massage lasts for approximately one-and-a-half hours, sometimes a little longer, and covers all parts of the horse’s body. A therapeutic massage is a deep tissue massage designed to relieve muscle spasms and tension, and remove “knots”.
A sports massage is performed before and/or after an event, and focuses on specific areas of the body. The goal of a sports massage is to either relax or stimulate the horse’s muscles, depending on its needs. It also has a much shorter duration than a therapeutic massage.
Can massage therapy really improve my horse’s performance?
Massage therapy can definitely improve a horse’s performance. However it is impossible to guarantee or predict the level of improvement that will be achieved. There are different factors that must be taken into consideration, including:
- The horse’s abilities and limitations;
- Whether the discipline being practiced is suited to the horse’s physical structure;
- Whether or not the horse enjoys the work within the discipline imposed upon him.
Are there contraindications to massage? If so, what are they?
Yes. Contraindications can include:
- Local acute inflammation
- Elevated body temperature, fever
- Lesions, infections, rashes
- Infectious diseases that affect bones and joints
- Vascular diseases or heart problems · Moderate to severe contusions
- Ossification of the soft tissues
Should I seek veterinary approval before having my horse massaged?
Always consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts or uncertainties.
Who is qualified to massage my horse?
A massage therapist who has completed a professional training in equine massage.
Am I able to massage my own horse?
Yes, you can massage your own horse. Your massage therapist can demonstrate some light to moderate massage techniques. The massages that you give can help strengthen the bond between you and your equine companion, and will maintain the horse’s level of progress between sessions with the massage therapist.
