Aftercare Advice

Its important to know how best to support your horse after a massage to ensure they get the most out of it.

How to Prepare

You Should:

  • Bring your horse in from the field - we will need somewhere dry to stand

  • get rid of any mud!

  • pick out their feet

  • make sure your horse is dry

  • prepare for a day off after - riding beforehand to keep your routine is fine!

  • be ready for a trot up - if a bridle is needed, have it to hand

After a Massage

Your Horse May:

  • have strong smelling urine

  • look dozy and relaxed

  • drink more than usual

  • ride differently 

  • present with hives on their skin - this is uncommon but nothing to worry about!

Support Your Horse

You Should:

  • keep their muscles warm straight after, using a rug when its cool

  • give them 24-48 hours rest

  • during rest, allow them to stretch and walk in hand or turn out

  • when returning to work, include lots of stretching

  • ensure lots of fresh water is available

If you have any concerns after a massage, please don't hesitate to contact me - I will be happy to reassure you, and come back if necessary.

Depending on how the horse reacts to the massage, and how tense they are, they may act or ride differently afterwards. This can include looking more stiff the day after, which is why walking out and stretching is so important. If the horse is feeling especially well in themselves after a massage, you may experience a more energetic ride than usual, or if they have been displaying unwanted behaviours due to tension, such as bucking, this may become less common.