Horse Health Article Recently Published

‘Equine Massage…Not Just for Treatment Anymore’

By: Lisa Gronek Smith, ESMT

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.

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.

There are several types of massage out there including: Acupressure, Craniosacral, Myofacial Release, Reiki, and Sports Massage, to name a few.  Of the different types of massage, the most natural and least invasive (and therefore the most comfortable for your horse) is sports massage.  Lasting about an hour, a sports massage is full body and therefore encompasses the massage of every major muscle group. 

The significance of full body massage is that it ensures that the body is maintained in balance as a whole, as opposed to individual parts.  The appearance of discomfort in a particular area can be misleading, and often leads the massage therapist to the “wrong area”, thus creating an imbalance.   Full body massage removes this possibility and guarantees treatment right at the source. 

When choosing a massage therapist trained in the technique of sports massage, make sure he or she is certified by a reputable, licensed equine massage training facility.  A certified equine sports massage therapist, or CESMT, is thoroughly trained in equine anatomy and musculature, and has hours of hand-on experience, and is, without a doubt, a devoted horse lover much like you.