Equine massage therapy
equine massage therapy
Equine massage therapy is a technique used by many horse owners to improve the overall health and well-being of their horses. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as it provides non-intrusive, natural treatments for horses.
Does horse massage therapy really work? Horse massage has the same benefits for horses as massage for humans. Here are some of the ways horse massage can benefit horses:
- Increases blood circulation
- increases flexibility
- build muscles
- Relieve stress
- Build trust
As an equine masseur, I have seen many horses benefit both physically and mentally from massage. In addition to the health benefits, crotch massage can also be a great exercise tool. Read on to find out how horse massage therapy works and whether or not to include it in your horse’s training and grooming routine.
Horse massage increases blood circulation.
Just like humans, horses have fluids, toxins and nutrients traveling through their bodies. When a horse has poor circulation, toxins can’t get out of the muscles and adequate nutrients and blood flow can’t get into them.
When a muscle is massaged or exercised, the pressure from the massage stimulates blood flow to the entire muscle, bringing out both the bad and the good.
If a horse’s legs are stuffed, they may be suffering from poor circulation. The toxins cannot spread properly and settle on the horse’s legs. Massaging your crotch can help loosen the buildup and help flush out toxins as they should.
Crotch massage increases flexibility
Another benefit of horse massage is that the horse’s natural response is to stretch. In addition to natural stretches, most equine massage therapists take time after each massage to stretch the worked muscles.
A horse massage not only helps relieve tension in the horse’s muscles, but also in its ligaments and tendons. When these parts of the horse relax, they become more flexible.
High performance horses are prone to injury from hard training. Your muscles don’t have much time to relax. A horse massage, along with a day off, can help release tension in these muscles and get your horse back on track with his exercise routine.
Horse massage builds muscles
Believe it or not, horse massage is anaerobic exercise for your horse. Massage trains muscles like a short but hard workout. It can be compared to a fast canter on grass or a jumping canter.
Crotch massage can help build and maintain muscle. If you have an older horse or are missing a horse, massage is a great way to help safely develop the core muscles you need.
If your horse is injured and needs to rest, massage can preserve muscle mass and help him burn off some energy.
Horse massage relieves stress
Massage is known to relieve stress for both horses and humans. When your horse is nervous, there is a natural tension in his muscles.
The massage will help release this tension and relax your horse. By changing your horse’s physical condition, you can also influence his mental state.
You can clearly see the massage relieving tension in your crotch as it chews, stretches, numbs and even farts.
Horse massage releases endorphins present in the horse, which act as painkillers. This will help your horse relax and enjoy the massage. If your horse has recently been moved to a new position or is showing stress, he can benefit greatly from a horse massage.
Horse massage builds confidence
Another thing you can use crotch massage for is exercise. For young or hard to trust horses, horse massage can help them get used to human contact and different levels of pressure.
Crotch massage can help associate human touch with feeling good, relieving stress, and relieving stress. The horse will learn that it can rely on human attention and interaction.
For these reasons, horse massage can be very useful for young horses and rescue horses. It will help show them that human contact isn’t bad. It will also get them used to being touched everywhere and help desensitize them.