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What To Expect

What To Expect

How To Prepare

During The Massage

Following The Massage

Prior to the equine massage therapist's arrival, please have the following ready:

  • Your horse groomed (no coat polishers such as show sheen; just make sure your horse is free of dirt)

  • Make sure your appointment is away from barn feeding times 

  • A list of questions/concerns you wish to discuss

  • Develop a game plan or wing it!

  • You will need to fill out some paperwork prior to your horse's massage (Waiver form available under Contact tab)

  • Payment is ready for the end of your massage

During your horse's massage, you will observe the following:

  • Your horse will show signs of relaxation such as sighing, passing gas, defecating, yawning, etc.

  • I will conduct a full health check prior to each session. Any horse that fails the health check will not be massaged

  • I will use dynamic techniques tailored to your horse for best results

  • You may wish to stay during your horse's massage; if so, please refrain from talking or distracting me from your horse's treatment

Following your horse's massage session, please be aware of the following:

  • It is perfectly normal for your horse to experience post massage soreness for the first 48 hours

  • Ideally, your horse should be turned out or kept from training for the remainder of the day to promote relaxation

  • If we discuss any homework/game plans, please make an effort to give them a try!

Benefits of Massage

Benefits of Massage

Muscular

  • Increases nutrition to muscles

  • Increases elimination of waste products

  • Stimulates muscle tone

  • Increases range of motion

  • Increases muscle working efficiency 

Cardiovascular

  • Increases circulation

  • Strengthens and slows heart rate

  • Decreases blood pressure

  • Aids in cellular nutrition

  • Increases oxygen movement and carbon dioxide disposal

Lymphatic

  • Assists in detoxification

  • Assists immunity 

  • Reduces swelling

  • Directs lymphatic flow to the nearest lymph node

  • Relieves lymphatic stocking up

Respiratory

  • Increases elimination of mucus

  • Increases oxygen input

  • Increases carbon dioxide output

  • Increases vital capacity

  • Expands bronchial tubes

  • Increases local cellular metabolism

Nervous

  • Stimulates increased activity of the muscles, vessels and glands

  • Pain relief

  • Stimulates the gut

  • Promotes nutrition of nerves

  • Stimulates relaxation

Why Massage

Why Massage ?

If your horse is showing any of these following signs (but not limited to), it could mean that your horse is experiencing pain and is not misbehaving:

  • Inhibited motion

  • Shortening of stride

  • Stiffness

  • Head tossing

  • Bucking and kicking

  • Difficulty with lateral bending

  • Tracking unevenly

  • Showing signs of resistance or refusals

All horses are athletes; therefore, they use their muscles and those muscles can become overused, sore or injured.
Equine Massage Therapy doesn't only relieve pain, but it can be used to relieve stress and increase performance.
"A refusal could be an indicator of pain, not poor behaviour"
- Sidonia McIntrye, RMT CEMT CCF
Articles

Equine Massage Therapy Articles

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