Not necessarily. Massage for the stall-bound or hand-walking horse will aid in the recovery and rehabilitation process by keeping the circulation going, the muscle fibers elastic, and the joints in full range of motion. Not to mention it will make him just plain feel better! There are also simple, no-impact exercises that can be added to his routine to help … Read More
I’m showing my horse this weekend and this week is my first scheduled massage appointment. Is this okay?
Yes, once your horse is on a regular massage schedule. If this is your horse’s first session it is recommended that you do not have your horses massaged 5 days before a show. This is because both horse and rider need time to adjust to their new way of moving and some horses may be slightly sensitive afterwards.
How long do I have to wait until I can ride my horse after a session?
Light follow-up exercise is a component of equine sports massage. Therefore a 15-20 minute hack, or a gentle trail ride would greatly benefit your horse because exercise following the massage helps in the re-education of muscle fibers to the correct alignment. If you are unable to ride your horse after his session I recommend a 10-15 minute brisk hand-walk within … Read More
How often should a horse be massaged?
This depends on the horse’s level of work, his confirmation, his health, the extent of an injury, the footing, and how well his tack fits. The average horse, ridden 3-5 days a week, performing moderate work, should receive a massage monthly. This allows his care-givers to have a regular check on his muscular condition and impact of training. Competition horses in more … Read More
Do I have to be there to hold my horse?
Most horses are happy to stand quietly for a massage after the initial session. As a result, owners/handlers need not be present at every session.
When will I notice an improvement in my horse?
Sometimes there is an immediate notable improvement. Sometimes it takes a few sessions. With the exception of accidents or direct trauma, most soft tissue issues are cumulative. They didn’t happen overnight and they therefore will take some time to improve.
How long does an equine massage session last?
The massage will last anywhere between 45 min to 2 hours. However, for new clients, the first session usually last 1-2 hours. This includes static and dynamic observations, assessment of the horse, a history checklist, and a full body massage.