Equine Sports Massage
What is Equine Sports Massage?
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Equine sports massage is a hands on form of therapy for your horse that covers the whole body. It involves assessing and manipulating a range of layers of soft tissue structures below the skin by using a range of soft tissue techniques, stretches and joint mobilisation to loosen up the area being worked on.
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The aim of sports massage is to release areas of tightness and encourage relaxation. Sport massage is for all horses and ponies regardless of their age, work load or if they compete or not, it benefits all.


The benefits of equine sports massage include:
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Increased range of movement (ROM)
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Improved performance
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Improved suppleness
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Improved flexibility
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Encourages relaxation aiding in relieving stress
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Loosens tight muscles
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Stretches connective tissue
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Relieves muscle cramps and spasms and decreases fatigue
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Loosens joints
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Increases muscle strength
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Calms the nervous system
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Firms muscles and skin tone
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Speeds up the healing process from an injury or illness
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Improves lymphatic drainage which removes toxins from the body
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Increases circulation
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Studies show massage helps horses and ponies who suffer from Laminitis
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Is a natural pain relief
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Improves posture
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Improves stamina
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Can prevent injury
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And there are many many more to list!
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Some signs that your horse may be in need of a massage include the following:
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Short striding
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Lack of impulsion
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Counter canter or picking up the wrong canter lead
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Stiff on one side
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Not wanting to bending or turning especially if it is one way
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Girthy
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Sore areas
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Knocking fences
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More difficult to ride than normal
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Bucking, bolting or taking off, generally sharper than normal
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Highly strung, anxious or stressed
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Because you want to give them a treat!
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You will know your horses best, so I always advise you to listen to them, they will tell you when they need a massage. The above signs can all be used as a guide, as I mentioned further up all horses benefit from a massage at all times so there is no reason to wait till the signs show.
Prevention is better
