Benefits of Equine Massage and Bodywork

Equine Bodywork Optimizes Performance in Sport, Show and Performances Horses

Equine Massage and Bodywork can greatly improve performance, wellbeing and movement of any horse. The Masterson Method ™ technique can aid in eliminating muscle pain, stiffness and tension in muscles and connective tissue, can prevent and dissolve painful muscle spasms, soreness, and help overcome soft tissue adhesions around joints and vertebrae and resulting performance issues.

The anatomy in question...
Horses are incredible athletes. About 60% of a horses body weight is muscle. The horse actually uses just about EVERY muscle in its body with every step! The horse is one of natures most effective athletes and optimally designed for its natural environment as a forager and prey animal, who walks great distances grazing and runs and sprints when danger approaches. The horse is made to be constantly in motion, to mostly sleep and doze while standing to dash off at an instants notice and to graze for most of the day holding his head to the ground.

The human factor...
We humans ask the horse to perform many tasks that it would not perform in it's natural environment. We are asking him to pull loads up to 9 times his body weight, carry saddles and riders, respond to demands, overcome his natural fears and perform movements repeatedly, which he would most likely never perform in his natural habitat. Examples are repeated lateral work, jumping, and the mere fact that we are asking the horse to carry an additional load on his back - the rider. Stall kept horses are often fed at eye level and no longer carry their head low to the ground for hours, as nature intended. This abundance of rather unnatural activity can cause the horse to develop muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, soft tissue adhesions, and resulting discomfort or pain that leads to performance issues, pain related behavior problems in horses and even to lameness or refusal to perform certain exercises or movements. Back pain, stiffness, asymmetry and sores are recurring issues.

How to tell whether your horse is in discomfort or restricted...

limited range of motion, not fully engaging limbs, not stepping under, not extending
refusal to take a lead
unwilling to change gaits
horse hollows the back
horse throws head up during gait changes
horse looks 'disconnected' (hind end and front not moving in unison)
bucking or crow hopping
not relaxing or rounding, etc.

Professionally practiced Equine Massage and Bodywork can help to...

Increase the bloodflow to muscles
Release tensions in soft tissues around joints and vertebrae
Break up soft tissue adhesions and muscle spasms
Encourage muscle development
Relax connective tissues
Improve muscular flexibility
Activate the self healing mechanism of the horse's body
Improved range of motion
Improved performance and gait quality
Prevention of injuries to muscles and ligaments
Maintenance of good muscle tone and wellness
Relaxation of the horse and contribution to mental soundness
Accelerated recovery from injury

A horse that has regular bodywork is less likely to develop painful muscle spasms, restrictions in soft tissue and affected joints and resulting performance limitations. A horse that is suffering from muscular tension, spasms and discomfort can reclaim range of motion, improve gait quality and perform to the best of his ability after receiving professional bodywork. Results can often be observed after only one session.

I am a certified Masterson Method Practitioner. The Masterson Method ™ of Integrated Equine Performance Body Work has proven effective on literally thousands of horses on the International show and competition circuit and on racetracks. To learn more about me and my practice please visit my about page.

Please contact me for an appointment or with questions.

Thank you,

Donna Clark, MMCP

PLEASE NOTE: Equine massage and bodywork is a non-invasive, gentle wellness modality aimed at enhancing performance in the healthy horse and never replaces proper veterinary care. If in doubt regarding the physical health of your horse, please consult your veterinarian.