Think about the modern domesticated horse. Horses evolved to roam large distances, foraging for grass and traveling for water. Domestication has created an unnatural environment: horses are confined in small spaces, often worked in small areas using repetitive motions with weight on their backs, engage in physically demanding sports, and are selectively bred for certain physical characteristics which may or may not be functionally beneficial for them.
Massage and bodywork can greatly enhance the comfort and well-being of our equine friends. These are a few examples of how bodywork may help*:
The Competing Horse: A horse in regular competition, whether it's Pony Club or FEI, is challenged in numerous ways. He is often operating at the limit of his abilities, which can create constant physical stress on muscles and connective tissue. He may spend a lot of time traveling in a trailer, balancing himself with isometric muscle contractions, sometimes for many hours. He may be emotionally stressed from his demanding competition and travel schedule. Regular bodywork can help him cope with the many demands of being an athlete.
The Working Horse: The working horse or horse in training, even if he is not competing, is still an athlete. As such, his body is challenged by training, equipment, terrain, and his rider. Regular bodywork can help him cope with those challenges and provide valuable information about how his body is dealing with the demands of his work. Problems can often be headed off before they become larger issues with potentially a more significant detrimental effect on his body.
The Recuperating Horse: Days, weeks, or months of confinement not only give muscles the opportunity to atrophy, but horses can develop repetitive motion habits when confined in a small space. Bodywork can address tension and restrictions, stretch muscles and tissues, and provide comfort to a horse. It can also help to transition a horse back to his normal working life.
The Growing Horse: The growing horse has special challenges. In a young horse's formative years, the interaction that he has with humans is something that he will remember for the rest of his life. Bodywork creates an extremely positive association with humans and touch. In addition, as anyone who has ever raised a youngster knows, they can grow very quickly. Often the brain's "map" of the body lags behind the actual size of the body. A gangly juvenile may have trouble judging where his body is at times. He may have a tendency to catch his hips on doorways, attempt to turn around in areas far too small for him, have difficulty knowing exactly where his feet are, etc. Bodywork can help his brain "map" his body by stimulating his proprioceptors, improving his proprioceptive sense. The aim is to have a youngster who is more comfortable in his growing body, and therefore easier to train in-hand and under saddle.
The Aging Horse: As a horse ages, many physiological changes can occur, just as they do in people. Older horses may not be as physically active as their younger counterparts, may be dealing with the long term effects of old injuries, or may be challenged by other disorders, such as laminitis, ringbone, or Cushing's. Careful, age-appropriate bodywork can help our old friends cope with these physical challenges and give them comfort in their twilight years.
*Massage and/or bodywork is used along with conventional and complementary health care as well as proper training techniques to enable a horse to perform at an optimum level. Massage or bodywork is NEVER a substitute or replacement for veterinary care. Massage therapists/bodyworkers do not diagnose or prescribe; that is a job for your veterinarian. If your horse is experiencing physical difficulties, please consult your veterinarian. As always, I am happy to speak with your veterinarian regarding appropriate bodywork for your horse's unique situation.
