Equine massage.

[mellowdane]

I just want to add one little clarification to my post.. Sara (Flirts massage therapist).. is in a VERY intense program to learn how to do this therapeutic massage. This specifically is not stuff you just learn in a book and it isnt just rubbing them all over. There are very specific strokes and patterns that you use. Not all sessions are the same, in fact there is a 4 week series that progresses with specific work in different areas. She also had to take classes on anatomy, musculo-skeletal systems, lymphatic systems, digestive systems.. it is intense!

I do a deep massage myself on Flirts thigh and hip muscle that she LOVES.. to the point where she'll practically pin me against the wall she pushes against me so hard.. but this isn't really what Sara does. In fact some of her strokes are very light (like her manipulation of the tissue between each rib to help open the barrel).. but then some of her stuff is really deep, like when she asks Flirt to release her shoulder and she puts half her hand under the front of her shoulder blade. With the exception of some of the large muscles on the hip and thigh, she often uses the back of her hand (knuckles), the knuckle on her index finger or her fingertips for most work.

It is a very interesting process and I am so glad I was able to get Flirt in to it. Flirt has seen a Chiro also.. and that work was also really good for her, but I think they are complimentary services, and either/or. Sara is the first one to tell someone to call a chiro if she thinks they need it, or if there is a manipulation that can't be done with simple muscle work. If someone has a chance to get in with someone and take your horse through a 4 week series, it is a great tool to learn more about your horses body!

[ChasnCans]

I would recommed them to anyone interested, my guys sure love them!

[redboy]

My guy has EARNED it. He can have anything that makes his life more comfortable, if I can afford it.
He's given me much happiness and seen me thru some very difficult times.
My husband and I always say, hopefully the animals will be waiting at the gates of Heaven to let us in. RB

[Crookedblaze]

My chiropractor's business parter is an equine massage therapist. She has come out and done my horses a few times - and boy do they LOVE it.

Like Gbar said, when my family had roping horses we got them massaged and chiropracted and boy did it make a difference. I think that it is a great idea for any competing horse or a horse that has an issue with soreness.

[oveywon]

Originally Posted by Crookedblaze

Like Gbar said, when my family had roping horses we got them massaged and chiropracted and boy did it make a difference. I think that it is a great idea for any competing horse or a horse that has an issue with soreness.

....and wonderful muscle stimulation for a horse on stall rest!

[BarnBum]

Originally Posted by redboy

My guy has EARNED it. He can have anything that makes his life more comfortable, if I can afford it.
He's given me much happiness and seen me thru some very difficult times.
My husband and I always say, hopefully the animals will be waiting at the gates of Heaven to let us in. RB

Very well said !!

[Wendy F]

I have never had my horses massaged, but thought about going to school for it. If it is works anywhere near as good as acupuncture, I am for it! I get my barrel horses done with acupuncture and you should see how they sit on the ground while turning that barrel afterward!

[VannysMom]

Originally Posted by corporate cowgirl

I've tried both chiropractic and massage on my mare and it seemed like the massage did a lot more for her.

I personally feel the same way. IMO, you would not the chiropractor as much if you keep the muscles limber therefore eliminating the pulling things out of line.

I have been reading up on acupressure/massage/stretching. There is great information out there for you to use. And both you and your horse will benefit from doing massage on him. At the barn I work at, I have had the pleasure of talking with different massage therapist. One let me try doing some of the massage on the horse so I can get a feel of how little pressure you really need to use.

What I am finding is that even though the horses are benefiting from all this, most owners/trainers are sceptic of it results and not doing the follow up advice given by the therapist of doing your own massage and stretching. Or they are not giving the horse the time off needed after a deep massage and therefore actually doing more harm to the muscles than good.

So if I had the extra money, I would have a certified therapist come out and do a deep massage on my horse so I know that they are working all the area's that need attention.

[sli92]

In my mind, I treat my horse like myself... A regular regiment(when needed) of Chiropractor and Massage. I know I need fairly regular Chiro appt's then once and a while a Massage is the icing on the cake.