Jack Meagher (1920-1992) was a renowned American physical therapist, widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in the field of equine therapy. Meagher pursued a career in physical therapy, working with both humans and animals. It was during this time that he developed a deep interest in the treatment of horses, and began exploring ways to use physical therapy to improve their performance and overall well-being.
Meagher's approach to equine therapy was groundbreaking at the time, emphasizing the importance of soft tissue work and massage to improve range of motion and reduce pain in horses. He developed a system of techniques and exercises, now known as "sports massage", which quickly gained widespread acceptance in the equine world.
Over the course of his career, Meagher worked with some of the most elite athletes in the horse world, including members of the U.S. Olympic Equestrian Team. He also authored several books on equine therapy, including "Beating Muscle Injuries for Horses" and "The Modern Horseman's Countdown to Broke: Real Do-It-Yourself Horse Training in 33 Comprehensive Steps".
In addition to his work in equine therapy, Meagher was also a dedicated educator, teaching courses on sports massage and equine therapy around the world. He was a frequent lecturer at veterinary conferences, and his work continues to be studied and applied by professionals in the field today.
The founder of the Equissage program was able to work side by side with Meagher to develop an educational program to teach his healing therapies. This incredibly safe and effective technique of massage has been taught and shared since 1992.
Meagher passed away in 1992, but his legacy lives on through his innovative approach to equine therapy and his ongoing impact on the field of physical therapy.
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