When it comes to our body, most of us recognize when something is not working right. Whether it's a sore back, walking with a limp, or tension in the neck, we know our body needs help.
While some help comes in medication, holistic bodywork is arguably the best method of working out soreness and treating muscular injuries, such as lesions fibrous adhesions.
The same goes for our beloved horses.
However, there are more reasons than health for hiring a bodyworker. Here are five examples of when you should call an equine bodywork specialist.
1. Changes in Behavior
A behavior change can signal an issue in the overall health of your horse. It could be as simple as a change in feed or even an unknown injury, like a muscle strain. Some changes include:
A Sore Back: Your horse is sore to the touch or cannot lift the back when asked.
Can't Pick Up Leads: The horse suddenly cannot pick up leads, hold the correct lead, cross canters, bucks during canter transition, or bucks or kicks out during lead transition.
Gait Abnormality: Your horse doesn't move in a smooth rhythm. You might notice a hitch or an unexplained stiffness as he moves.
Tender Muscles: You may your horse is more sensitive while grooming, dropping his back when brushed, or muscle spasms or twinges.
Less Flexibility on One Side: You may notice your horse suddenly lacks flexibility on one side over the other.
Discomfort During Saddling: Your horse may seem unusually grumpy or uncomfortable when putting on or girthing the saddle.
2. Injury Prevention
An equine massage therapist can feel for subtle changes in tissue and behavior. The bodywork specialist will notice changes before they are noticeable to the rider. This could include:
An adjustment in training.
Supplements added to their diet.
The saddle could require a change or adjustment.
The shoeing may need adjustment
Changes that cause his body to become unbalanced
All changes should always include the input of the trainer, veterinarian, farrier, and saddle-fitter (if needed).
3. To Aide the Healing Process
Equine sports massage promotes improved blood circulation, which helps a horse recover from an injury. Overall, better circulation can also help promote healing throughout the whole body.
4. Help During Training
Training programs put a significant amount of stress on the horse, both physically and emotionally. Bodywork can improve the recovery time after a training session, which helps your horse be stronger during the next session.
Massage therapy helps clean out lactic acid from the muscles, and the improved circulation will transport important vitamins and minerals into the muscle tissue.
Additionally, the horse will emotionally feel the support and be in a better place mentally to learn.
5. Help During Stressful Situations
The trailer ride can be extremely stressful for your horse (such as going to a show or an event). The horse must maintain balance while you drive over bad roads, turns, and stops.
This is added to the stress your horse is already under while performing a show or event. After a trailer ride, it is important to treat your horse to equine bodywork.
How a Bodywork Massage Therapist Can Help
A good bodywork specialist examines your horse from head to tail, looking for what is troubling him, with a focus on soft tissue and biomechanics. They should take the time to listen to your horse and use full-body touch to identify problem areas.
Touch also helps the horse become comfortable with the bodyworker. A series of treatments and styles exist that a good massage therapist can utilize to find the best way to help your horse.
Set Up Your Appointment Today!
Are you in the Central Florida or Ocala area? Is your horse ready for some bodywork? Call or text me for an appointment! I am also available on my social media accounts.
Stay tuned for next month's post for more on specific types of muscle injuries your horse may have.
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