For years throughout our practice whether it be in the school or working on clients horses, we consistently hear comments about “pampering” or“spoiling” horses through massage. Most horses appreciate the relaxation of a massage the same way people do. You will usually see a droopy lower lip, eyes closed, dropped, deep breathing, and other signs of relaxation. However, it is important to understand why massage is so much more than “pampering”.
Athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB or even college and high school sports, have a team of sports therapists, physical therapists, and doctors following them throughout their travels. The purpose is to keep each athletes physical abilities at an all time high and to avoid injuries at all costs. We see many sports medicine modalities surfacing in the horse world - massage, chiropractic, pemf, kinesiology tape, and laser therapies are just a few of them. So why is it that human athletes consider this required maintenance, and much of the horse world still sees sports therapy as “spoiling” a horse?
At the highest levels of most disciplines, humans are asking horses for maximum effort. Whether it be a huge jump in a Grand Prix or a big and beautiful extended trot in the dressage ring, we are asking them for every bit of power their body can give. With that comes huge responsibility to do right by the horse. Sports therapies like massage are one of the best ways you can prevent injury from occurring. It is also very clear that many of the horses who do receive regular massages are considerably more relaxed, supple, less irritable, and maintain soundness. I am not saying that massage is the only piece to having a sound and well performing horse, but it is an important piece of the puzzle! Training techniques, proper nutrition, farrier care, conformation, as well as past physical and emotional traumas all play a significant role in the overall health and soundness of horses.
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