Benefits of Massage
All horses can benefit from massage therapy no matter their workload, age, size, routine.
Here are some of the many benefits of massage:
Loosens tight muscles.
Increases flexibility.
Improves suppleness.
Relieves muscle cramps and spasms.
Decreases muscle fatigue.
Increases muscle strength.
Provides relaxation.
Stimulates circulation.
Firms up muscle and skin tone.
Can speed up injury healing processes.
Signs your Horse may need a Massage
Some signs to look for while riding your horse include:
Your horse being cold backed,
Stiffness
Shortened strides
Incorrect canter lead, or the horse becoming disunited.
Problems with lateral work
Hollowing of the back
Leaning
Sudden behavioral changes including bucking or rearing.
Toe dragging
Not engaging hindquarters
Refusing or knocking down fences uncharacteristically.
Some signs to look for in the stable or while being tacked up include:
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Reluctance to being tacked up.
Biting or kicking while being groomed or tacked up.
Not standing still to mount, or becoming tense while mounting.
Fidgeting while being groomed/tacked up.
Some other reasons for a massage may include:
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Falls in the field or while being ridden.
The horse has previously been cast.
Poorly fitting tack.
Owners should pay close attention to what your horse is trying to tell you as some horses may only show very subtle signs.