Benefits of Massage Therapy

You probably know how beneficial massage and bodywork can be to a person, but you may not realize these treatments can also benefit your horse.  I sometimes liken it to piggy-back rides.  If you were to take a toddler and carry that toddler around on your back for half an hour, bouncing around and even just sitting still, don’t you think your back would feel it? So does your horse.

Any athlete can tell you about the benefits of massage.  It helps loosen muscles that are tight, release adhesions or “knots” and also increases blood flow.  

There are various types of massage and bodywork and each horse is different in their pressure comfort.  Some horses prefer a trigger point therapy, such as Equissage.   This consists of lighter pressure that brings focus onto a certain area.  Some horses prefer a deep tissue type of massage which puts more pressure on a larger area.  Some prefer lighter, gentler strokes, such as used in a myofascial release.  Each type of massage is different and can be used in conjunction with each other.

You may have a horse that continues to hollow out and refuses to use itself.  Maybe he won’t pick up a lead or isn’t as flexible.  Perhaps he bucks under saddle. You both may have been involved in a fall or accident and now something just “isn’t quite right.” Perhaps your horse isn’t stubborn or untrainable, but he’s in pain and has no way to tell you.

Like human massage, many ailments will not be relieved in one session.  Many of your horse’s ailments have been built up over years.  Repetition of the same motion without relief can cause the muscles to tighten and adhere.  Normally it takes two to four sessions, depending on the severity, and then at minimum, monthly maintenance should be performed creating a horse that is not only happier, but more able.  Massage therapists are able to feel what is going on with your horse’s muscles.  The horse and rider will continue to work as a team after bodywork is performed.

Yes, some think massage is just a bunch of holistic mumbo jumbo.  But until you try it and see the benefits not only to your horse but to you as well, it is definitely something to consider.

Genny Thompson, LMBT, CESMT

Horse Hound Human Massage Therapy

Posted by Eileen Coite, Sampson County Cooperative Extension