Getting started with Equine Massage Therapy

When people ask me what I do and I tell them “I’m a Registered Equine Massage Therapist”, they get this confused look on their face followed be these three most commonly asked questions.

Q: Why to horses need a massage?

A: Horses respond to the everyday stresses of life just as we do. They develop aches and pains and their body’s hold tension in the same manner as ours. All horses can benefit from the practice of massage, some more than others. A horse whose life consists of grazing all day would not need a massage as much as a horse that is in competition or training.

Q: How do you massage a horse?

A: As with a human, you get the best results when the horse is at its most comfortable. This may be in his/her own stall, certain cross-ties, with a handler etc. The horse should be standing on safe, even footing and in an environment with no drafts and with the least amount of activity as possible. Basically, we are looking for a surrounding that promotes relaxation and healing.

Q: Do the horses enjoy it?

A: Most horses do enjoy receiving a massage, however, as with people, massage therapy may not be the most conducive form of modality to facilitate healing. When a horse is enjoying a massage they will exhibit such cues as licking and chewing, deep breaths, yawning, sleeping and mutual grooming with the therapist. Even when the horse shows signs of pain or as I like to put it, signs of issue, they can and should be considered a positive form of communication. This communication lets the therapist know where the horse may need an increased focus during the sessions. It is important to note that the safety of horse, handler and therapist is paramount, and if the horse’s behaviour becomes too threatening the session should cease or at least try to end on a positive note.

Before the first visit it is important to stress that for the best over-all care of the horse, the primary supervising veterinarian must be notified. WHY? It is important to get the vet’s OK because he/she is the primary health caregiver, and knows the horse’s complete health history. It is vital as a R.E.M.T. that I know all of the medications and conditions that the horse has been or is being treated for before they can receive a massage. Some conditions and medications are contraindications (not massage conducive) to massage and the manipulations used, therefore may ultimately harm the horse.

The next step out at the barn is to take a Case History. This involves obtaining information on the horse. This includes such things as previous use, any behaviour issues, and a complete health history (surgeries, colics, medications etc.). A Conformational and Gait analysis are completed so I can see how the horse moves and any difficulties that may come along with that. The Case History ends with discussing the expectations and goals of both the horse owner and myself, as well as with the signing of written consent from the owner/trainer/agent. Upon this, treatment may begin.

The massage in the first visit has three main objectives:

1. It acts as an introduction to the type or style of touch associated with massage therapy. Some horses are more taken aback at first because of the touch. This objective is especially important if they have never had a massage before.
2. It acts as an introduction to each other as ‘client’ and therapist, therefore, very important in starting to develop a sense of trust and getting to know one another.
3. Lastly, the therapist assesses the horse’s musculature through palpations and specific manipulations to determine where the main issues may be.

After all of this, a treatment plan/focus is developed based on the expectations/goals of the owner and the findings of the therapist.

Q: How Many Treatments Will My Horse Need?

A: Some horses may react with positive changes in their performance after the first session. On average it can take 2 to 3 sessions before the horse (immediate change may be seen in personality) and especially the rider will feel or notice a difference. Massage therapy cannot “fix” anything. It does, however, aid in and promote healing. It helps to maintain the horse’s body throughout the constant athletic demands that are placed on them. It is important to stress that massage is most beneficial when used in a maintenance program. It best suits the horse when massage is incorporated in their regular training and competition schedules.

The last aspect of the first visit entails the therapist giving homecare instructions to the owner/trainer/agent/groom, etc. Yes, there is ‘homework’ to be done! Homecare will include different stretches and their variations to target the areas of issue.

• All of the stretches will be demonstrated making sure the owner is aware of all of the cautions to be taken.
• Forms of hydrotherapy (therapy with water) may be given as homecare depending on the issue.
• Suggestions in slight management alterations that may facilitate the positive effects of the treatment plan may also be discussed.
• The first visit ends (as do all) with the answering of any questions or concerns that the owner may have about the first visit, homecare or sessions to come.
• From there the next appointment is made ensuring the maintenance of your horse’s overall health…mind and body.