Equine Massage Therapy
What is Equine Massage Therapy?
Equine massage is a hands-on therapy. It involves a qualified practitioner using various techniques to manipulate the horse's soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The goal is to improve the horse's overall health and well-being by:
- Increasing flexibility and range of motion
- Reducing muscle tension and pain
- Improving circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Promoting healing after injuries
- Reducing stress and anxiety
Appointment types
There are two main reasons to consider booking an equine massage: routine maintenance and addressing specific issues.
- Routine Maintenance: For horses in good health, with no underlying conditions and light workloads, a program of around once month massage is a good option. This helps maintain their mobility and well-being.
- Addressing Specific Issues: If your horse is showing signs of discomfort or performance issues, massage can be a helpful tool. Signs that your horse might benefit from a massage include behavioural changes like grumpiness during grooming or tacking up, or physical signs like struggling with stiffness, difficulty with collection or flexion, or a resistance to bending. In some cases, you may wish consult with a vet or Elesebeth may refer to your vet before determining a treatment plan. This could involve more frequent massages (weekly/bi-weekly for a short period, working to space treatments out).
- Maintenance: Monthly (1-2 times)
- Addressing Issues: Consult with a professional to determine frequency (possibly weekly for a short time)
All horses are different and Elesebeth will work with owners to plan a suitable schedule for wellbeing & available budget.