Heather Leonard | Equine Massage Therapy | Equine Advantage, LLC
10 Things I Learned in 16 Years As An Equine Massage Therapist
By Heather Leonard, REMT
When I started my journey to become an equine massage therapist almost two decades ago, I had no idea it would take me to such a wonderful place of horse healing, friendships, and knowledge of our equine companions. Here are 10 things I have found to be true:
Horses really do perform better with regular massage!
Certain techniques actually increase flexibility and range of motion, decrease tension, and improve stamina in the muscles. Many of my clients who are on a regular monthly or bimonthly schedule have told me that their horse has bigger movements, higher jumping ability, and can last longer in lengthy events since having consistent massage.
Horses are overall healthier when they have bodywork.
I am trained in Swedish massage and advance techniques which will slow and lengthen the heartbeat, allowing it to work more efficiently and reduce blood pressure. Massage also loosens mucus in the lungs, improves endocrine function, increases nutrients to the digestive tract, and reduces abdominal congestion (think less likely to colic!). When I consider the hundreds of horses I have worked on regularly over the last 16 years, I would say less than 5% have had colic issues.
Equine massage definitely helps prevent injury.
Massage decreases tension in the soft tissues, making them less likely to tear. Horses have a better range of motion when massaged on a regular basis, and therefore when making quick movements, they are less likely to damage tendons or ligaments. My regular clientele have had a small number of injuries compared to other horses in the same boarding barns who do not receive consistent bodywork.
Horses heal much faster from an injury when massage is incorporated.
Some of the advanced massage techniques combined with hydrotherapy actually decrease inflammation, pain, swelling and scar tissue. Massage will increase circulation, which improves bone healing. Also, horses stay more calm during stall rest when massaged, and many of my clients have asked me to do extra sessions during time off from an injury so they are less anxious waiting to go back to their normal routines. Many of the horses I have worked on after an injury have healed several weeks to months sooner than predicted!
Massage is extremely important to a horse's mental health.
Often times this benefit of massage is overlooked, but a horse's mood can make or break your day working together at home or in the show ring. By nature, horses are always on alert because they are prey animals. Massage gives them the ability to take an hour out of their day to close their eyes, relax and be calm. I have worked on many anxious horses who find solace during a massage, and the owners state that their horse is much better at focusing during work since starting regular massage.
Pre-event massage is a game-changer.
This type of massage utilizes specific, fast paced movements to the larger muscle groups of the horse right before he or she goes into an event. These techniques ready the soft tissues for quick response, increase their stamina, and create an analgesic effect. There are also techniques to reduce tension and calm the horse if it is anxious before the event. When I was in school for equine massage in Canada, we practiced pre-event massage on Standardbred horses about to race. Almost every single horse that we worked on took first or second place!
Stretching routines for your horse make a huge difference.
If properly preformed, stretching can increase flexibility, range of motion and circulation. Stretches decrease the likelihood of adhesions forming, injuries from occurring, and can decrease pain after workouts. I like to instruct my clients on stretches based on the horses needs, and incorporate them in their daily routine after workouts. Clients often tell me their horse loves the stretches, and that they are much more flexible. Owners also get to know their horse's regular range of motion, so if something starts to feel different they may catch an injury before it worsens.
Massage creates a deeper relationship between the horse and owner.
Many times when I work on a horse and the owner is present, the horse will mutually groom the owner because it feels so good they want to share the love! People tell me that they have never seen their horse so affectionate to them, and they become closer to their horse than ever before. The massage session gives the horse and owner a chance to slow down, trust, and appreciate each other.
Horses really do love massage!
Over the years people have often asked, “How can you tell if the horse likes the massage?” As horse people, we all know they are very good at communicating with us. During a massage a horse will close their eyes, lick, chew, let out several big sighs, and mutually groom me (sometimes a little too hard)! I have also seen horses fall asleep while I work on them, and their lips will twitch when I get into a good spot.
Horse people are a different breed of people.
I have been very fortunate to come across many people of the horse world, and almost all of them are kind in nature and will do anything for their horse companion. This includes going the extra mile (or dollar) to ensure their horse is happy, healthy, and performs at its best. Equine massage therapy is a service people make a priority in their horse's life, and after 16 years as a practicing therapist, I have seen firsthand its benefits.
*Keep in mind equine massage is not a replacement for regular veterinary care.
*It is important to find out a therapist's credentials to be sure they have proper training and certification.
Heather Leonard graduated from D'AL School of Equine Massage Therapy at the D'Arcy Lane Institute in London, Ontario, Canada. She is a Registered Equine Massage Therapist with the International Federation of Equine Massage Therapists, www.ifremt.org, and a member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork, www.iaamb.org. Heather has been a practicing member since 2004.
Sources of Reference: D'AL Equine Massage Therapy: Theory and Techniques, Copyright 1995 The D'Arcy Lance Institute 3rd edition – November 15, 2000.
