Equine massage is a sports massage for horses. Horses used in competitions, in particular, are asked to perform demanding tasks and sometimes develop injuries or imbalances in their movements and musculature that require correction through massage therapy. Horse massage is also used as a warm-up technique prior to performances, to assist in recovery from injuries, and to relax stiff muscles and increase flexibility after a performance.http://www.back-in-balance.co.uk/equine_massage.htm Information on this page includes an abbreviated history of the beginnings of equine massage therapy and a list of some of the techniques that are employed. There is a featured video that shows how to do your own horse massage as well, and there are related Google and Mahalo links, news and blog sections.
Equine Massage Therapy Background
Equine massage was first used for the Olympics competition and developed for that purpose by NFL Sports Massage Therapist Jack Meager. He was the sports massage therapist for two United States Equestrian Teams, including the Montreal Olympics. Meager wrote the book, Beating Muscle Injuries for Horses which serves as an instructional tool for this type of therapy which includes the use of stress points (or acupressure). http://www.eec-equine-therapy.com/Meagher.html
Equine massage has become a commonly accepted therapy among horse enthusiasts. Several schools have been established in North America and Europe for formal teaching of anatomy and massage techniques. Some of the techniques taught in these schools include those commonly used for humans in Swedish massage, such as petrissage, tapotement, and effleurage; in Thai massage, such as acupressure and compression; and Therapeutic Touch.http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/alternative_therapies/therapy_school_links/<ref>
Students who learn equine massage therapy have to learn horse anatomy, techniques for assisting in healing and recovery of damaged muscle, tendon, and ligaments, and methods of massage for improving performance and prevention of injuries. Some schools also teach other skills, such as relationships with trainers and other complementary therapies such as chiropractic. (see meredithmanor)
How to Do a Simple Equine Massage
A certified Shiatsu horse massage therapist shows some simple moves you can do on your own horse to help improve performance and bonding. You need to feel with you hands any bumps or lumpy areas that the horse has and not apply much pressure in those areas. With large lumps, it is best to avoid them altogether. Effleurage and cross muscle fiber strokes are what she demonstrates for the neck, back, front shoulder and hindquarter areas. While you are doing the strokes on the horse, be sure that you are sensitive to signs of pain. Signs of pleasure are the dropping of the head, lapping with the tongue and the passing of gas.
References
Fast Facts
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'''First developed a method of equine sports massage in the U.S.'''
Jack Meagher, NFL sports massage therapist
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'''First public demonstration of benefit of the technique'''
1976 Montreal Olympics, US Team won gold medal, used the Meagher Method.
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'''Training needed for certification'''
Anatomy, biomechanics and gait abnormalities, massage techniques, and appropriate therapies for different disorders
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'''U.K. Professional Organization for Equine Massage Therapists'''
Equine Sports Massage Association
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'''International Organization for Animal Massage Therapists'''
International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork
