Read About Equine Massage

Equine massage is very beneficial to your horse and will allow him to reach his full potential. Here's everything you need to know about this pet service.

Equine Massage - What is it?

1. Description:

   Equine massage is massage therapy for horses. It involves rubbing and manipulating muscles in order to relieve stressed muscles and relax the horse.

2. Types of Services Provided:

   Normal brushing is one form of massage. Sports massage is another form. This is for show horses or horses involved in strenuous activity. Another is therapeutic massage, which is for minor aches or from muscle stress caused by injury.

3. Evaluating the Service:

   Take notice of your horse before and after service. See if the behavior improves or if the horse's gait is freer. These are indicators that the service is working.

4. Professional Organizations:

   A good organization is the Equine Sports Massage Association.

5. Duration of Services:

   The duration of the massage therapy depends on the horse's injuries or how much the horse is involved in strenuous activity. Some horses will benefit from ongoing therapy on a regular basis. Other with bad injuries will take months to recover. Some with minnow aches and pains just require a bit of massage along with their regular grooming.

6. Benefits of this Service:

   Equine massage will reduce soreness and pain, treat injuries caused by horse sporting events, and it will relax the horse which will promote healing as keep the horse mentally and physically healthy. If you do the massage yourself, it will promote bonding between you and your horse.

Equine Massage - Concerns

1. Safety & Health Issues:

   Don't just assume your horse needs a massage if it is irritable. First look for health issues. You do not want to leave one undiagnosed just to let it get worse. If you are doing the massage yourself, be careful when working with the legs. Hitting a tender spot might result in the horse kicking and you may get hurt.

2. Behavioral Issues:

   You horse will let you know when he is uncomfortable. Most of the time, their behavior will be interpreted as bad behavior, but in reality, the horse is trying to tell you something. If he gets grumpy, tried to bite, or kicks when it is not in his character to do so, first check for other sign of discomfort or ill-health. If you find none, it is highly likely that your horse's muscles are sore. Taking the time to get a massage for him will greatly improve his "behavior".

3. Expense:

   A full body horse massage will cost anywhere from $60.00 to $250.00.

4. Convenience:

   If you can get a barn appointment, it is very convenient. But it can be time consuming if you have to load your horse up and take it elsewhere.

Equine Massage - Tips

1. Choosing a Service Provider:

   Make sure the massage therapist working with your horse is fully trained and qualified.

2. Supplies You Might Need:

   If your provider offers barn service, they will bring all the needed supplies. If you need to take your horse to them, you will need a horse trailer, which most horse owners have anyway.

3. Getting the Most from this Service:

   To get the most from your appointment, begin massaging your horse a little with each grooming session. This will get your horse used to the massage motions so he can relax more when the professional is working with him.

4. Lifestage Advice:

   For older horses, a massage will stimulate the blood flow and increases ease of movement.