Benefits of Equine Massage

2/6/25

Have you thought of the benefits that massage brings to your horse?

We don't just check your horse's muscles; we evaluate your horse's stance, walk, trot, and any abnormalities you see and what we see. We listen to you and your horse.

The importance of massage is significant for your horse's health and performance. Massage can be a preventative measure for early detection of imbalances in the muscles and patterns of strain and tensions.

Making sure you have a regular massage routine in place is essential for consistent, healthy muscles, a performance horse that is flexible and comfortable in performing.

Is your horse not in work, retired, recovering or performing? Your horse does still need a massage even when they aren't performing to keep their muscles healthy and soft.

The Benefits are:

• Increasing Circulation - pressure during the massage means increasing blood flow, oxygen and nourishment to muscles.

• Improving comfort and pain relief - enhancing their chance at a long, happy life and continuing to be in work longer than most performing horses. Massaging releases endorphins, which provide a rush of positive hormones. This has been shown to relieve pain for the short term.

• Increasing Flexibility - improving range of motion, which leads to longer stride lengths for better performance and lengthening of muscles. Through specific techniques, massage can improve hydration, which further improves elasticity, allowing muscles to stretch more.

• Improving posture - to have better balance and posture is to have more suppleness and better muscle tone, so your horse has a chance to balance themselves.

• Eliminating toxins - reducing fluid buildup in the muscles, such as waste products and toxins, is the lymphatic system's activating, which helps with muscle soreness.

• Enhancing Performance - to have improved flexibility, range of motion, and posture, which allows for stamina and endurance to be enhanced for better performance and longevity.

• Psychological - tight, sensitive neck and poll, sensitive or fearful horses, massage can help transform over time with regular massage plans.

• Plus many more

Competitions or long hours of work can and will fatigue muscles and cause injury if they are not looked after and maintained. Fatigue, muscle strains, tears and adhesions can be developed through daily activites or competitions. Some injuries can lead to months to years of stall rest.

Massage uses a range of techniques for different purposes, some to soothe or to stimulate. It also brings relaxation and a sense of calmness during a massage session.

To note:

If your horse is injured and requires veterinary care, we can help by working alongside your vet if they allow.

Massage does not overrule veterinary care. We can work with your vet to design treatment plans to move forward

Wheatbelt Equine Therapies

Samantha McClements