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| Equine Sports Massage can be an extremely effective way to improve a horses' performance. |
| Most athletic training programs emphasize building strength, speed and endurance. As the muscular system develops, the horse tends to loose flexibility and develops muscular tension. |
| Tight muscles shorten the stride, restrict natural ability and cause poor performance. |
| Tight muscles contribute to bad attitudes and resistance to training |
| Tight muscles are injuries waiting to happen. |
| Equine Sports Massage |
| Relaxes the Muscular System |
| Increases Muscle Flexibility and Range of Motion |
| Removes Undesired Spasms and Adhesions from the Muscles |
| Helps Prevent Injuries |
| Speeds recovery from Muscular Injuries |
| Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation |
| Helps prevent Dis-ease before it Occurs |
| Strengthens the Equine-Human Bond |
| Equine Sports Massage Improves Athletic Ability & Performance |
| AND |
| There are parameters in many horses' lifestyles that limit the effectiveness of the massage |
| and potential of the horse |
| A good equine massage therapist will recognize and address these limiting factors with the owner and/or trainer of the horse. |
| Factors that Limit a Horses' Ability to Perform |
| 1. | Saddle - If a horse is consistently ridden in an ill-fitting saddle, no massage therapy in the world can help him. Massage can help a horse with a sore back, but once the ill-fitting saddle goes back on, the whole problem cycle repeats itself. If a rider is unwilling to stop riding in an ill-fitting saddle, the horse needs pain management from a veterinarian, not massage. | | 2. | Rider Balance - A rider without a balanced seat or with heavy hands, will cause muscular problems in the horse. | | 3. | Training Program - A training program should include cross training exercises that build the whole muscular system, not just one group of muscles. For example, horses used for speed events usually have over-developed hamstrings and under-developed quadriceps. This scenario can lead to stifle problems. Cross training for these horses would include exercises that build the quadriceps, such as slow, down-hill work. | | 4. | Shoeing - Not all farriers are created equal. If the horses' heels are uneven, what effect does that have on the shoulders, the horses' movement and his willingness or reluctance to make lead changes? | | 5. | Dental Health - Horses need competent dental work on a regular basis. This is one of the most over-looked parameters in a horses' life. | | 6. | Turnout - Horses need to receive maximum turnout. It benefits the muscular-skeletal system and the mind. | | 7. | Nutrition - If your horse does not get proper nutrition, he won't have the energy to perform. Processed feeds are the worst culprits. A simple, low sugar diet of corn, oats and barley can work wonders. |
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| It is the responsibility of the Owner/Trainer to change the training and living conditions of the horse in order for the horse to realize his full potential. |
| An ineffective equine massage therapist will not recognize these factors, will perform the "therapy" on the horse, will accept payment and will move on to the next client. The ineffective therapist leaves the client with a bad impression and attitude that says, "I tried that Equine Massage on my horse, it did not work". |
| Basis for a Great Equine Sports Massage Therapist |
| Horsemanship - The individual must have good horsemanship skills. Acquiring these skills is a never ending, life long pursuit. Anyone that claims to be an" Expert" on horses hasn't been around horses long enough. |
| They will be able to recognize and address equine management and training issues that effect the well-being and performance of the horse. |
| Intention - The therapist will have a positive attitude and quiet mind. They will concentrate on the massage and strive to get maximum results from the session. |
| Techniques - The therapist will know the strokes and how they apply. They will have a strongly developed sense of touch. They will understand the the body must invite the therapist in. They will know how to work on the "Edge" to get maximum results. They will know that each horse must be treated and respected as an individual. |
| Likewise, the therapist may be skilled in more than one modality. A therapist knowledgeable in Equine Acupoint Therapy, Laser Therapy and Electro-Stimulation and Cranial Sacral Therapy has more options to offer the client. |
| Know the Anatomy - The therapist will have a clear understanding of the equine muscular-skeletal system. They will know the origin, insertion and action of major muscles involved in movement and performance. |
| Saddle Fit - The therapist will recognize when they are working on a horse with back pain due to improper saddle fit. The therapist will be able to analyze and solve the problem themselves or refer the client to another resource. |
| Understand the Contraindications for Massage - The therapist will be aware of health conditions in which the horse should not receive massage -- such as acute injuries, fever, broken bones, skin conditions. |
| Ethics - |
- Massage Therapists are part of the training program and well care team
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- Massage Therapists are NOT primary health care providers
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- Massage Therapists do NOT diagnosis nor prescribe
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- If there are any doubts concerning the health of the animal, refer to a veterinarian.
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| Scope of Practice - If a horse has chronic, long term muscular problems, one massage will help, but a series of massages may be required to address all of the problems. A competent therapist will evaluate the horse and estimate to the owner/trainer the number of massages needed. Usually, positive results are seen after the first massage. The 2nd and 3rd follow up massages are usually scheduled at one week intervals. After that, the horse may go on to a monthly maintenance program. An equine management or training issue is being overlooked if the therapist feels that they must see the horse every week for an extended period of time. |
