Horse Massage - Equine Sports Massage

The air of heaven is that which blows between horse's ears.

Arabian Proverb

‘Equine Massage…Not Just for Treatment Anymore’

No longer considered useful merely as a treatment for injuries and soreness, equine massage is now widely recognized as a valuable preventative measure worthy of being included in your horse’s regular maintenance schedule right along with visits from the vet and farrier. Not only are you likely to receive an appreciative nuzzle, but you will be extremely pleased by the noticeable health benefits.

Over sixty percent of a horse’s body is composed of muscle, so when considering your horse’s care, the muscles obviously cannot be overlooked. Even if your horse is not ridden or shown regularly, healthy muscles are still vital. Just a slip in a muddy turnout is all it takes for your horse to come up lame.

Regular massage will loosen and relax your horse’s muscles, allowing him or her to move with greater ease and a wider range of motion, thus lessening the likelihood of injury. Massage also promotes healing by increasing circulation, aiding in the elimination of toxins and excessive fluids, reducing inflammation, releasing endorphins, and increasing the nutrient flow to the muscles. Don’t be surprised if you even notice a glossier coat, and a positive change in your horse’s temperament.

Of the many types of massage performed on equines, the most natural and least invasive (and therefore the most comfortable for your horse) is sports massage derived from the human form of Russian sports massage.

Russian sports massage was developed in 1860 as an alternative to pharmaceuticals that were in short supply. This highly effective, natural healing form of massage uses vigorous manipulation of soft tissues to speed up the healing process, and aid in preventing future injuries.

Not only is using this form of massage important, but the manner in which it is performed is crucial. EquiPower Massage only performs full body sports massages to ensure that the horse's body is maintained in balance as a whole, as opposed to individual parts. The appearance of discomfort in a particular area can be misleading, often times leading a massage therapist that does not perform full body massage, to massage the “wrong area”, thus creating an imbalance. By only performing full body massage, this possibility is totally removed, and treatment is guaranteed right at the source. Lasting about an hour, EPM's massages encompass the massage of every major muscle group.

Equine sports massage therapy (or any form of massage therapy for that matter) should only be performed by a certified equine massage therapist. A certified equine sports massage therapist holds the title of ESMT, and EquiPower Massage utilizes Lisa Smith. Lisa earned her certification from the leading facility in the United States, Equissage, Inc.™®©. There are many certification facilities out there, but not all of them are created equal. This facility has over two decades of hands-on experience, knowledge, and research, and it truly offers the finest program. Each graduate is taught a proven sequence utilizing perfected strokes, is guaranteed to be thoroughly trained in equine anatomy and musculature, and has hours of hands-on experience. Anyone can massage a horse, but if they aren't properly trained and certified, they could actually do harm.

In short, it's easy to greatly enhance your horse's life - utilize sports massage regularly, and use certified equine sports massage therapist, Lisa Smith. For more information about Lisa, please see our Contact page, and then the About Lisa page.

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The goal of the EquiPower Massage website is to provide information to promote the use of equine sports massage as a viable tool to aid in the healing process, and in the prevention of injury to these fine and noble animals. Sports massage is by far the most natural, most comfortable, and least invasive massage technique for the horse.

The goal of EquiPower Massage is to provide every horse owner the information and opportunity to utilize this extremely valuable tool to enhance the lives of their horses.

Horses are a true gift from God and deserve to be treated as such. They give, asking nothing in return but our love, kindness and attention. The time has come to give back with a simple act of thoughtfulness - giving your friend a massage!

Lisa Gronek Smith, ESMT

Member:

International Association of Animal Massage Therapists

Delta Dressage Association

United States Dressage Federation

Women of the Horse

Certified By: Equissage, Inc. ©®™