Equine massage.

Range · 07-31-2008, 09:15 PM

In this economy, would you get your horse a massage therapist if the therapist was convenient to you, for instance, came to you?

barefoot rider · 07-31-2008, 10:18 PM

If a massage therapist is reasonable and will come to me I'll use one if the horse needs it. It winds up being cheaper in the long run than either untold number of vet bills and/or medication or not doing anything at all and not being able to fully use the horse. At least it's been that way for me.

mellowdane · 08-01-2008, 12:10 AM

I have someone who works on my mare. Right now she is going through her certifications so I got a whole set of sessions for free. I have to tell ya, it told me a whole lot about my horse! It really pinpointed her stress areas, where she is tight, where she needs more stretching and warming up, were her muscles were uneven.. all sorts of stuff like that!

Not to mention, once she realized what was going on, Flirt got REALLY in to the whole deal! She LOVES her massages.. to the point where she will lean almost all her body weight in to Sara's elbow or fist when she is doing her hips, thighs, shoulder blades or loin area.. it is really funny how much she gets in to it. She moves her back legs over so she can get to her inner thigh muscle properly and sometimes she relaxes so much she almost falls over!

Sara found super tight muscles across her rib/girth area that was a source of pain for Flirt when she wasnt warmed up properly or got really tense.. and when the girth sort of "grabbed" her it pulled right on those tight sore muscles. I was able to relieve that with some specific massage, stretching and warmups before work.. but never knew it was a problem before she was able to point it out to me! Well worth the time and money.

Wolfie · 08-01-2008, 12:57 AM

I don't know. I'm kind of skeptical.

AlbertaGirl · 08-01-2008, 01:04 AM

I've tried it once, and my horses enjoyed it, but I'm not really sure what I thought of it. I know this wasn't the question

, but I'd definetely use a chiropractor over a massage therapist, unless I maybe had a horse who had some specific muscle problem.

I do think if people were more willing to look into chiropractic care or massage therapy for their horses, they'd have happier, more cooperative horses, and save a PILE on vet bills

pasopony · 08-01-2008, 01:00 PM

Massage is a wonderful tool for horses. Just think how you feel when you get a nice massage. I know I work on my horses muscles too. Mellowdane is so right when she describes how they act when they get a good muscle massage.

I also like to add a liniment wash after I give them a good massage. You can just see them saying "aaahhhhh". Any horse (or person for that matter) will feel better after a good sports massage.

gbarmranch · 08-01-2008, 01:01 PM

Yes - we used to use them with our roping horses when we competed heavily - and it made a big difference in their ability to stay sound and move freely... well worth the price..

PaintsQH · 08-01-2008, 01:36 PM

I had it done on 2 of my horses. She was also the animal communicator, so all the horses had a "story" to tell. She used the vibrating equissage thing on my barrel horse a friend rode, and he had a really tight, sore back and was much happier and relaxed. But he also "told" the lady he didnt like the person riding him, and thats why he ducked out of the barrel

He did that before I even got him. So that ended his barrel racing for that rider as she was 12 and took it personal

TikiGator · 08-01-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Range

In this economy, would you get your horse a massage therapist if the therapist was convenient to you, for instance, came to you?

To answer your question, nope. A massage is different than a chiropractic or orthopedic correction. Sure it does have AMANY benefits, but right now with the economy, I would much rather go get a book at the library (which I have done) and go out to the barn after dinner when it's cool outside and give my horse a massage myself.

Right now, I don't have the extra money to just spend on a "nice gift" for my horse. Heck, I have NEVER spent that money on a "nice gift" for ME!

I'm sure with all I do around here that my body would dearly benedfit from a nice massage. But I don't have the money right now.

Money's tight, of course I do what's necessary. A couple horses just got their annual dentals/coggins/etc. If my horse needed chiropractic to help a problem I would gladly spend the money. But a massage is more of a luxury than a necessity. Sort of like some horse shoes---a horse HAS to be trimmed, but not all horses NEED shoes. Granted if I had a horse that was unsound without them, they would absolutely have them. But if it's not a necessity right now, I won't spend the money.

corporate cowgirl · 08-01-2008, 06:36 PM

I've tried both chiropractic and massage on my mare and it seemed like the massage did a lot more for her. I think her problem isn't structural but more just 15 years of wear and tear.

Even in this crummy economy, I'll get her a massage if need be. Now I'll skip stuff for myself, but not her (I can't think of the last new pair of shoes I've bought--but she, on the other hand, sports a new pair all the time!)

HighHorse · 08-01-2008, 06:41 PM

Absolutely. I am also looking into one for my senior Malinois.

Horse_Orderly · 08-02-2008, 04:29 AM

I had some massage done on my old guy. It really helped him with his neck.

PaintsQH · 08-02-2008, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corporate cowgirl

Even in this crummy economy, I'll get her a massage if need be. Now I'll skip stuff for myself, but not her (I can't think of the last new pair of shoes I've bought--but she, on the other hand, sports a new pair all the time!)

I feel the same way. If it helps my horse to feel better, im going to save up for it by not getting something I need or cut a corner or two. The way I look at it is If I had someone on MY back makeing me lug around 180 lbs or so (nobody take offense, just an example

)I would certainly appreciate a massage. Skip the nail or tanning salon or the happy hour and dinner out (which is about the same as a massage) and do something nice for your horse.I actually had an adjustment by an Equine Chiro done then the massage the next day. No more sore back for either horse. I guess some horse owners dont really think of a horse as part of the family, but more like their "job" so to speak. We have a crummy economy now and I dont see much light at the end of the tunnel, but will do what I can to make my animal sound. It will save me a ton of money and heartache when that same animal is 30 yrs old. But thats JMO

TikiGator · 08-02-2008, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaintsQH

I feel the same way. If it helps my horse to feel better, im going to save up for it by not getting something I need or cut a corner or two. The way I look at it is If I had someone on MY back makeing me lug around 180 lbs or so (nobody take offense, just an example

)I would certainly appreciate a massage. Skip the nail or tanning salon or the happy hour and dinner out (which is about the same as a massage) and do something nice for your horse.I actually had an adjustment by an Equine Chiro done then the massage the next day. No more sore back for either horse. I guess some horse owners dont really think of a horse as part of the family, but more like their "job" so to speak. We have a crummy economy now and I dont see much light at the end of the tunnel, but will do what I can to make my animal sound. It will save me a ton of money and heartache when that same animal is 30 yrs old. But thats JMO

I totally feel the same way, but, like I said, I am more willing to spend some time to LEARN how to do it myself, and give ALLLL my horses massages, rather than try to come up with extra money to give it to just one horse. In my situation, it's not fair to choose who gets it, and I certainly don't have an extra $400 to get 8 horses massages!

Not to mention, it's a great way to bond with your horse and show your horse that you really care about making them feel better. I massage my stallion down with liniment everytime we have a hard ride (jump, etc). He LOVES it and if he's loose in the stall, he'll "massage" my back while I stand on a bucket and massage his.

Mav2007 · 08-02-2008, 07:12 AM

No, but my horse doesn't work heavily, so I see no need for him to get massaged. Plus, I think massages are a luxury that even in a good economy, I can't afford for myself, much less my horse. Truthfully, it's not that I couldn't afford it, it's just that I see them as a waste of money.

PaintsQH · 08-02-2008, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TikiGator

I totally feel the same way, but, like I said, I am more willing to spend some time to LEARN how to do it myself, and give ALLLL my horses massages, rather than try to come up with extra money to give it to just one horse. In my situation, it's not fair to choose who gets it, and I certainly don't have an extra $400 to get 8 horses massages!

Not to mention, it's a great way to bond with your horse and show your horse that you really care about making them feel better. I massage my stallion down with liniment everytime we have a hard ride (jump, etc). He LOVES it and if he's loose in the stall, he'll "massage" my back while I stand on a bucket and massage his.

I understand completely what you are saying. I have 4 horses (one had a in utero massage, lol) and only 2 needed chiro and massage work. One was barrel racing and had a baad back from previous things before I got him, and the other was preggo. This was in December 2006 and it was 50 for the chiro and 40 for the massage. Have no clue what it is now. I do the same thing. Liniment bath, nice rub down, etc when needed. They enjoy it. Tiki, do you and your horse do the whither scratch too

TheUpNorthCowgirl · 08-02-2008, 09:38 AM

Absolutely! I give my horse massages at the moment, there is no one in my area. So, I purchased a book on techniques and am learning. They *love* it! My mare Dusty gets that droopy lip thing going and stretches out her neck, it's almost like she's saying, "aaaahhhhhhh."

And Winnie likes her butt muscles massaged. If she doesn't think you're doing it good enough she leans into your hand to get you to rub harder

If there was someone certified in my area I would use them, So my horses can lean on someone else

BarnBum · 08-02-2008, 07:22 PM

i have had it done a couple times to my gelding. He was beyond being in heaven ......... droopy lips, "hanging out" and when I asked him to walk out, he was a sack of potatoes and he walked like he was drunk. I didn't mind spending the money, it was a nice little treat for him. He brings enjoyment to me, so I like to return the favor, (besides treats and stuff). PaintsQH, it was $125 plus the farm call (I didn't pay it, compliments of mp...Dr. M did it. )

I would love to learn equine massage. I keep my eyes open for classes in my general area, no such luck........yet.

Teapot · 08-02-2008, 09:14 PM

Hey Floridians!
There is an equine massage school in Reddick...just outside Ocala.
Don Doran's Equine Sports Massage.
I attended a few years ago and consider it money well spent.
If you are close enough, they may even be looking for horses for the students to practice on!

PaintsQH · 08-02-2008, 10:52 PM

I had a equine massage therapist come, not a vet Barnbum. Lucky you, dont have to pay for much since its MP and tax deductible for other expenses. I would have it done more often

View Poll Results: Would you use an equine sports massage therapist?
Yes	32	76.19%
No	10	23.81%
Voters: 42. You may not vote on this poll

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07-31-2008, 09:15 PM
Range Kid Safe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 6,699	Equine massage. In this economy, would you get your horse a massage therapist if the therapist was convenient to you, for instance, came to you? __________________ "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it all... you just might get it all, and then some you don't want." Chris Daughtery

07-31-2008, 10:18 PM
barefoot rider Yearling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 611	If a massage therapist is reasonable and will come to me I'll use one if the horse needs it. It winds up being cheaper in the long run than either untold number of vet bills and/or medication or not doing anything at all and not being able to fully use the horse. At least it's been that way for me. __________________ Barefoot Farms breeding AQHA and APHA horses with outstanding performance and temperament. www.bffarms.com

08-01-2008, 12:10 AM
mellowdane Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bainbridge Island, WA Posts: 1,098	I have someone who works on my mare. Right now she is going through her certifications so I got a whole set of sessions for free. I have to tell ya, it told me a whole lot about my horse! It really pinpointed her stress areas, where she is tight, where she needs more stretching and warming up, were her muscles were uneven.. all sorts of stuff like that! Not to mention, once she realized what was going on, Flirt got REALLY in to the whole deal! She LOVES her massages.. to the point where she will lean almost all her body weight in to Sara's elbow or fist when she is doing her hips, thighs, shoulder blades or loin area.. it is really funny how much she gets in to it. She moves her back legs over so she can get to her inner thigh muscle properly and sometimes she relaxes so much she almost falls over! Sara found super tight muscles across her rib/girth area that was a source of pain for Flirt when she wasnt warmed up properly or got really tense.. and when the girth sort of "grabbed" her it pulled right on those tight sore muscles. I was able to relieve that with some specific massage, stretching and warmups before work.. but never knew it was a problem before she was able to point it out to me! Well worth the time and money. __________________ Has is occurred to you that there's a certain inefficiency in questioning me on things you've already made up your mind about? - Spock

08-01-2008, 12:57 AM
Wolfie Coming two Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: US Posts: 1,543	I don't know. I'm kind of skeptical.

08-01-2008, 01:04 AM
AlbertaGirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 3,890	I've tried it once, and my horses enjoyed it, but I'm not really sure what I thought of it. I know this wasn't the question , but I'd definetely use a chiropractor over a massage therapist, unless I maybe had a horse who had some specific muscle problem. I do think if people were more willing to look into chiropractic care or massage therapy for their horses, they'd have happier, more cooperative horses, and save a PILE on vet bills __________________ Some people say horses don't have a sense of humor... they obviously haven't met mine yet ;o)

08-01-2008, 01:00 PM
pasopony Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 825	Massage is a wonderful tool for horses. Just think how you feel when you get a nice massage. I know I work on my horses muscles too. Mellowdane is so right when she describes how they act when they get a good muscle massage. I also like to add a liniment wash after I give them a good massage. You can just see them saying "aaahhhhh". Any horse (or person for that matter) will feel better after a good sports massage. __________________ Horses are not my whole life, but horses make my life whole.

08-01-2008, 01:01 PM
gbarmranch Pasture Pet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 32,635	Yes - we used to use them with our roping horses when we competed heavily - and it made a big difference in their ability to stay sound and move freely... well worth the price.. __________________ http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Quality Foundation Quarter Horses If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine of Hippo

08-01-2008, 01:36 PM
PaintsQH Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 3,664	I had it done on 2 of my horses. She was also the animal communicator, so all the horses had a "story" to tell. She used the vibrating equissage thing on my barrel horse a friend rode, and he had a really tight, sore back and was much happier and relaxed. But he also "told" the lady he didnt like the person riding him, and thats why he ducked out of the barrel He did that before I even got him. So that ended his barrel racing for that rider as she was 12 and took it personal __________________ Angels descending, bring from above, Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

08-01-2008, 06:36 PM
corporate cowgirl Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,081	I've tried both chiropractic and massage on my mare and it seemed like the massage did a lot more for her. I think her problem isn't structural but more just 15 years of wear and tear. Even in this crummy economy, I'll get her a massage if need be. Now I'll skip stuff for myself, but not her (I can't think of the last new pair of shoes I've bought--but she, on the other hand, sports a new pair all the time!)

08-01-2008, 06:41 PM
HighHorse Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: FLA Posts: 3,069	Absolutely. I am also looking into one for my senior Malinois.

08-02-2008, 04:29 AM
Horse_Orderly Started Join Date: May 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,314	I had some massage done on my old guy. It really helped him with his neck. __________________ J.H.S. Jr 11/4/76-7/3/09 sailing calmer waters

08-02-2008, 07:12 AM
Mav2007 Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,622	No, but my horse doesn't work heavily, so I see no need for him to get massaged. Plus, I think massages are a luxury that even in a good economy, I can't afford for myself, much less my horse. Truthfully, it's not that I couldn't afford it, it's just that I see them as a waste of money. __________________

08-02-2008, 09:38 AM
TheUpNorthCowgirl Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 1,354	Absolutely! I give my horse massages at the moment, there is no one in my area. So, I purchased a book on techniques and am learning. They love it! My mare Dusty gets that droopy lip thing going and stretches out her neck, it's almost like she's saying, "aaaahhhhhhh." And Winnie likes her butt muscles massaged. If she doesn't think you're doing it good enough she leans into your hand to get you to rub harder If there was someone certified in my area I would use them, So my horses can lean on someone else __________________ The horse has so docile a nature, that he would rather do right than wrong, if he can only be taught to distinguish one from the other."

08-02-2008, 07:22 PM
BarnBum Kid Safe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 5,787	i have had it done a couple times to my gelding. He was beyond being in heaven ......... droopy lips, "hanging out" and when I asked him to walk out, he was a sack of potatoes and he walked like he was drunk. I didn't mind spending the money, it was a nice little treat for him. He brings enjoyment to me, so I like to return the favor, (besides treats and stuff). PaintsQH, it was $125 plus the farm call (I didn't pay it, compliments of mp...Dr. M did it. ) I would love to learn equine massage. I keep my eyes open for classes in my general area, no such luck........yet. __________________ *Life is a coin, you can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.*

08-02-2008, 09:14 PM
Teapot Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: KY Posts: 343	Hey Floridians! There is an equine massage school in Reddick...just outside Ocala. Don Doran's Equine Sports Massage. I attended a few years ago and consider it money well spent. If you are close enough, they may even be looking for horses for the students to practice on! __________________ RIDE ON!

08-02-2008, 10:52 PM
PaintsQH Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 3,664	I had a equine massage therapist come, not a vet Barnbum. Lucky you, dont have to pay for much since its MP and tax deductible for other expenses. I would have it done more often __________________ Angels descending, bring from above, Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.