Benefits of Massage

Improve stamina – The horse is working efficiently

Improve disposition – An uncomfortable horse will complain by changing behavior and objecting to work

Provide comfort to muscle injuries- Reduce scar tissue of an injury or assisting in a veterinarian supervised rehabilitation to enhance healing.

Enhance performance and gait quality

Increase range of motion- A more efficient stride puts less wear and tear on joints, ligaments and tendons

Improve circulation- The circulation stimulates the elimination of waste products in the system.

Reduce tactile defense- A horse that does not like to be touched will need a little time and communication through touch before they start their training. 

Assess physical condition- Subtle changes in texture, temperature, tone and tension can be detected with the hands.  The training program can be evaluated and sub-clinical issues can be recognized.

As an equine body worker I evaluate the entire horse. The body is a unit; it functions as a unit and should be treated accordingly. I will look at his posture, movement and hoof balance.  The safety of and efficiency of one part depends largely on those parts around it. 

Massage is used along with conventional and complementary health care as well as proper training techniques enabling the horse to perform at an optimum level. By itself, it does not attempt to cure anything.