ABOUT MASSAGE

Equine sports massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. It can help trigger the body's own natural ability to heal, relieve stress and assist in recovery from injuries.

Massage techniques such as stroking, effleurage, petrissage and tapotement benefit the whole body by improving circulation, muscle tone, freedom of movement, calming of the nervous system, lymphatic drainage to dispel toxins from the body and increase oxygenation - which leads to better performance!

All horses, of any age, from performance horses to happy hackers, can benefit from massage.

Performance horses, like human athletes, work hard to achieve top results. A lot is put into training and nutrition to help the horse reach its potential in all disciplines, but such performances reult in more injuries, pain and worn-out animals.
For years strong drugs were seen as the answer.
But over the years the equine industry has seen the negative side effects of such drugs. Now the horse world has strongly benefitted from the progress of modern medicine such as sports massage which is now widely accepted and recognised by vets and trainers.

STRETCHING

Stretching is important as it improves balance, frees movement, reduces tension on joints, tendons and connective tissue and lengthens muscle fibres - all helping to create a supple, happier horse with a larger range of movement making the horse more comfortable to ride.

Muscles and ligaments which are prepared for action are a lot less likely to suffer injury and damage.

When a horse has had an injury the nerve endings in the muscles provide information to adjust the body and movement to compensate the area. Over time the brain can think this is normal movement. By stretching, this can "reset" the nerve endings and with an excercise routine the horse can get back to correct posture and movement.

Does your horse show signs of:

• Stiffness
• Short choppy/uneven strides
• Bucking, napping
• High head carriage and hollow back
• Cold backed
• Lack of flexion and bend
• Leaning on the bit
• Favouring one rein
• Uneven muscle development
• Uncharacteristic changes
• Knocking poles
• Resistance to go forward

Massage can help in many cases like the above or just help to keep your horse in top condition.