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Things you may need to know

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When can’t your horse be massaged?

I cannot massage your horse if they have the following, so please make me aware of these conditions if they are present

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  • Infection

  • Broken bones

  • Open wound

  • Skin conditions

  • Raised temperature

  • Discharge from eyes or nose

  • Colic

  • Cushings

 

Sometimes you may be asked to gain vet permission prior to treatment.

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Things to note before booking

During the assessment I will need to see your horse move at walk, trot, circles and backing up in hand. Please make sure someone is onsite to do this.

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I want this to be a relaxing time for your horse so when choosing you time please be aware that:

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  • It’s not feed time 

  • Not going out time or friend is going out and they aren’t.

  • Not due to be ridden shortly after.

  • It’s not the day before a show or event.

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What to expect on the day

Expect me to be there for an hour. Sometimes this can be a little longer depending on what your horse needs.
 

Please make sure your horse is dry and not caked in mud.


I will come and access your horses at walk, trot, circles and backing up. This is so I can note any tightness or conformational issues that may explain soreness on your horse.
I will palpate your horse to find reactive areas and decide how to treat your horse.


I will then use a combination of the following techniques to treat your horse:
 

  • Stroking - uses the fingertips or palms of the hands to allow your horse to increase his awareness of his body, helps to relax the horse and affects the central nervous system

  • Effleurage - a gliding stroke done with the palm, whole hand, fingers and or arm. This movement opens the tissue/muscle to get ready for other movements and also helps to drain the muscle after further treatment has been applied

  • Wringing - the muscle is lightly and gently lifted, then wrung side to side. This movement efficiently increases circulation and also is very useful in fighting inflammation over the muscles

  • Kneading - is one of the main movements in massage, used to increase the circulation to the tissue and to soften the muscle tissue. It also prepares for deeper therapy

  • Compression - produces the same pumping effect and has the same benefits as kneading, is used over large, bulky muscle areas, such as the hindquarters or the shoulders if well-muscled

  • Picking Up - contributes mostly to toning the muscle as well as increasing circulation, is used mostly on the upper forelegs and hind legs; it is good on the stifle and on the crest of the neck as well

  • Skin Rolling - a very soothing manipulation that is used mostly to maintain a healthy and shining coat, prevent the formation of excess adhesions and maintain elasticity of the skin

  • Shaking - a very strong mechanical movement used to increase circulation and help a horse relax an area he is holding tension in

  • Deep Fibre Friction - consists of small, deep, circular movements applied across the length of the muscle or up and down over a patch of fibrous tissue, used to break down adhesions and scar tissue (fibrosis) over muscular fibres, tendons, ligaments, fascia, joint capsules, and bones

  • Tapotements - a series of soft blows to the body, done rhythmically. Used to increase circulation and to energize the body, tapotements are very effective for warming up muscle groups just prior to exercise

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