Benefits of Equine Body Work

Often there are no obvious signs of pain in the horse and pain does not need to be present for Equine Body Work and Massage Therapy help all horses perform better, feel better.

Equine Body Work and Massage Therapy are beneficial for the horse because...

- All horses perform better, feel better

- Help manage a healthy equine musculoskeletal system and prevent injury

 - Proven to improve stamina, performance and gait   

- Proven to help lengthen the stride

- Reduce tactile defence and nervous tension and bring about positive behaviour 

- Enhance flexibility and agility so boosting performance

- Maintain the body generally in better condition thus having a positive effect on overall wellbeing

- Assist with rehabilitation following injury and reduce soft tissue swelling

- Provide comfort and relaxation to tired strained muscles

- Improve circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle encouraging cell regeneration

- Improve muscle tone and balance, reducing physical stress placed on bones and joints

- Help prevent muscle damage and injury and loss of mobility

- Extend the overall life of your horse's equestrian career

- Improve circulation, reduce swelling, break up muscle adhesions, loosen and stretch soft tissue and minimise scar tissue

- Facilitate circulation and lymphatic flow so as to increase nutrients to an area in need and promote the removal of waste products and so reduce the chances of localised tenderness and spasm.

- Povide natural and efficient pain relief required
 And much more...

Through knowledge and experience Serina can draw attention to equine muscular dysfunction such as muscle damage, tension, atrophy, asymmetry, swelling, temperature variation etc, and the overall impact they might have on equine movement and behaviour.

Possible Indicators of Muscle Pain in the Horse

- Change in behaviour and or "is just not himself"

- Altered movement

- Uneven gait and foot fall

- Muscle asymmetry, tightness and or spasms / tremors

- Tactile defensiveness

- Surface temperature variation

- Stiff, solid neck

- Holds head to one side

- Restless

- Resists flexing and bending to one side

- Weight issues and or lack of appetite

- Dull eyes, unresponsive, appears melancholy

- Stiff and or unlevel gaits and stance

- Not balanced through moves

- Moves away when you bring the saddle and or resents having the girth tightened

- Avoids being bridled

- Puts his back up when you get on

- Slow to warm up

- Becomes agitated or jogs as the ride continues

- Puts his ears back, tosses or shakes his head through moves

- Takes the wrong lead, rushes or falls out of gaits

- Finds performing some exercises, including jumping, difficult

- Bucks, rears is nappy and or uncooperative

- Hot, cold or tender back and or raised areas when the saddle is removed

- Is difficult to shoe

This does not represent a conclusive list of indicators of muscular pain in the horse and there are more. Whilst all of the above are often associated with muscular pain some are also symptomatic of pain relating to another cause. If you have any concerns about your horse it is important to contact the Vet in the first instance.

Call or email Serina to book an appointment

M 07779 445474  E info@grange-equinetherapy.co.uk

The horse should be able to move freely in any direction without stiffness, tension and pain. Equine Body Work and Massage are incredibly beneficial for all horses healthy or injured regardless of size, type, discipline, ability and age.

Veterinary approval required