What is Equine Sports Massage

Equine Sports Massage is a non-invasive deep tissue "hands on" manipulation of soft tissue to soften and stretch the muscles fibres of the whole body (not just the back), releasing tension, stress points, spasms and reducing scar tissue.  The different massage techniques incorporating active and passive stretches increases blood flow to the muscles to increase elimination of metabolic wastes from tired/aching muscles and joints.

Types of Massage
Maintenance - we normally recommend massage every 2-3 months depending on the amount of work or competing.  The horse may need massage therapy more regularly (ie kissing spines)  The massage therapy can take between  45 minutes - 1 hour.



Rehabilitation - Depending on the injury and the individual horse, Equine Massage is dealing with the issues that attributed to the injury and also stimulating the body to heal itself as this speeds up their recovery rate.  This massage session can take between 30 minutes to 1 hour.


Pre event - This massage is to invigorate the horse, stimulate blood flow to muscles and releases endorphins.  The stretches will improve co-ordination and is a pre-warm up before the horse is ridden.  This massage can take 20 minutes and  increases the horses efficiency by 20%.

Post event - This massage is to check for injuries, calm and relax the horse after exersion, alleviate any tension build-up, helps the removal of toxins, increases muscle repair and with active and passive stretches regain full range of movement.  This massage take 30 minutes depending on the horse.

Benefits of Equine Sports Massage
Improves range of movement
Improves circulation to aid cell repair 
 Calms a nervous/anxious horse
Releases endorphins-natural pain killer
Improves skin texture/elasticity and aids healing of wounds
Improves lymph drainage helping to detoxify the body
Improves their efficiency and stamina
Improves the bond between human and horse