Your horse will enjoy a horse massage as much as you enjoy a relaxing massage!
If you’ve ever experienced the benefits of a good massage yourself, you will understand the potential benefits of a horse massage for horses!
In fact, because this is something you can learn to do yourself, incorporating regular sessions into your horse care routine could be a great way to bond with your horse.
Massage has excellent therapeutic benefits.
It’s also an ancient form of wellness care, first practiced by the Chinese around 5,000 years ago (or 2,700BC).
Today its considerable benefits are well known, and much loved! In this article, we look at the benefits and how you can include it into your horse’s regular grooming routine.
What Is Horse Or Equine Massage?
Horse massage is a soft tissue therapy used to manipulate tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
It involves using your hands, or some simple tools, to work on areas of the horse’s body that may be tight, sore, or tense.
Is Equine Massage Worth It – The Key Benefits
Just as we benefit from a good massage, so too will your horse.
It helps improve flexibility and range of motion, blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, recovery from injuries, performance and relaxation.
This helps reduce muscle tension and soreness as well as the chances of injuries. It can relieve psychological stress and tension.
How Can I Massage My Horse At Home?
Should you incorporate equine massage techniques into your daily grooming routine? Absolutely! It’s easy to do once you’ve learned a few techniques, and gives you more reasons to spend quality time with your horse.
How To Incorporate Horse Massage Therapy Into Your Routine
1. Familiarise yourself with the basics
If horse massage isn’t something you’ve done before, think about enrolling in a workshop or course. There are also instructional online videos and tutorials available.
2. Begin slowly
Most horses aren’t used to being massaged so may find it uncomfortable to start with. Start with short sessions, gradually increasing them as the horse becomes more accepting and comfortable.
Of course, your horse may love it from the start, in which case starting slowly will benefit your muscles if you’re not used to doing it!
3. Invest in a few basic tools
In addition to using your hands, you can also get basic tools such as a:
· Massage mitt or glove
· Massage brush
· Massage roller
· Massage ball
4. Concentrate on specific areas
Learn which areas will benefit most from massage. Typically, this is the back, neck, and hindquarters.
This is logical because these are where the bulk of your horse’s muscles are!
5. Incorporate massage into your horse’s grooming routine
This is a time when you’re already working on your horse so just add one or more of the above tools to your grooming kit and spend a few extra moments using it.
Key Takeaways About Horse Massage For Your Horse
Regardless of whether your horse is a top-level performance athlete or you just ride for pleasure, a spot of regular equine massage therapy can pay dividends.
It has many proven benefits such as reduced muscle tension and stiffness, improved range of motion, enhanced performance, and faster recovery from exercise and soft tissue injuries.
It’s also a great bonding tool!
