Benefits of Massage

Massage is a common technique in helping us humans feel better after working hard - so why not horses!

There is plenty of research into the affects of massage on the human, the horse and other animals that help us to understand the true impact on the horse, and highlight the importance of massage as a maintenance technique to keep your horse feeling great. 

Relaxation:

  • increased relaxation behaviours (1)

  • decreased heart rate (1,2)

  • increased flexibility (3)

    Increased relaxation can be important to all types of horses, but especially those with stressy temperaments, helping to reduce anxiety by reducing heart rate and encouraging the release of tension in the muscles. 

(1) -Birt, M. A. et al. (2015) ‘The Influence of a Soft Touch Therapy Flowtrition on Heart Rate, Surface Temperature, and Behavior in Horses’, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 35(8), pp. 636–644. doi: 10.1016/J.JEVS.2015.06.006. 

(2) - Kędzierski, W. et al. (2017) ‘Comparison of Effects of Different Relaxing Massage Frequencies and Different Music Hours on Reducing Stress Level in Race Horses’, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 53, pp. 100–107. doi: 10.1016/J.JEVS.2017.02.004.

(3) - Badenhorst, J., Fourie, P. J. and Vosloo, M. (no date) ‘THE EFFECTS OF SWEDISH MASSAGE ON PERFORMANCE HORSES IN SOUTH AFRICA’. doi: 10.10520/EJC-F099306F1.

(4) - Hobson, K. J. and Rudd, M. (2022) ‘An Investigation into the Use of an Equine Massage Pad and its Ability to Influence the Biomechanics of the Horse’, SSRN Electronic Journal. doi: 10.2139/SSRN.4012866.

(5) - Salter, M. M. et al. (2011) ‘Effect of Equine Sports Massage Therapy on Cutaneous Temperature’, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 31(5–6), pp. 322–323. doi: 10.1016/J.JEVS.2011.03.158.

Performance:

  • increased stride length (4)

  • increased circulation (5)

  • improved proprioception

For horses in training for competition, performance is key. Massage can aid in improving this, alongside regular training, by increasing stride length through improving hindlimb protraction and self carriage through the back.