What is Equine Sports Massage Therapy?

By: Galadriel Billington

10:04PM Apr 10, 2004

"What ARE you doing?"	When we think of massage, we often think of a relaxing "spa" experience: a pleasant and luxurious massage. That's not sports massage; sports massage is a therapeutic method intended to support and enhance performance. The sports massage therapist has studied anatomy and muscular structure, and how to relax and tone constricted or tense muscles. The equine sports massage therapist (ESMT) can locate muscle groups in the horse, knows where and how to access the deeper muscles, can probe for tightness, and is experienced with the techniques used to influence the large muscles of the horse's body. The ESMT also has experience in working with horses of varied disciplines, training methods, and personality types.
Very fit racing Arabian colt enjoying his massage	Who can benefit from sports massage therapy? Even (especially!) horses in great condition may benefit from sports massage. Why should any horse have muscle "issues"? Horses can't take a long, hot bath to soak sore muscles...
"Oooooh yeah"	When can sports massage help? Sports massage can facilitate performance and comfort for horses in training, competition, recovery from injury, or even horses with overall anxious temperament. Horses who have been ridden in tack which did not fit may still retain tension in back, neck or jaw muscles. (Ever wonder why that off-track Thoroughbred has such a tender back?) What does an equine sports massage therapist do? After all, I "rub" my horse; I "massage" him while I groom. How is sports massage different?

Working that topline

Sticking that tongue out!

Streeeeetching that leg

Doesn't she look relaxed now?

Lady Katherine's Tale: My off-track Thoroughbred mare has been anxious for all the time I've owned her. For three years, when I went to touch her neck or body, she'd tense up. She was affectionate; she'd put her muzzle on my shoulder, or her head in my chest...she just didn't like to be groomed, stroked, or patted anywhere aside from her face. In addition to her general tension about being touched, she's also always had a high-strung, nervous temperament. Part of my reason for studying equine sports massage was to find a way to help this sweet mare relax.

Certified ESMT offering equine sports massage in
Gainesville, Florida and surrounding areas.
352-871-2943 or click "Contact Me" for appointments.
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