Benefits of Massage

Massage helps to maintain and promote muscle suppleness and strength and reduces the effects of muscle fatigue by helping to remove lactic acid build-up.  Passive stretching compliments a massage routine by maintaining and increasing range of joint movement as well as helping to reduce the risk of injury resulting from tight, shortened muscles.

Massage and stretching techniques benefit the horse by:

• increasing circulation, delivering nutrients to tissues and removing waste products
• enhancing muscle tone
• relieving muscle tension
• preventing and breaking down muscle adhesions
• maintaining joint range of movement
• preparing the body for strenuous activity
• relaxing the body post-event

More than 60% of a horse's bodyweight is formed of muscle.

Muscle injury may initially go unnoticed but differences in the horse's way of going, attitude and ability to perform may become apparent first. 

Muscle tension causes muscles to shorten and therefore render them less efficient in action, increasing the likelihood of injury.  For muscles to work effectively they need to be able to lengthen.  Tension and stiffness in one muscle group may result in another muscle group compensating, further compounding the risk of injury. 

Regular massage and gentle stretching is a valuable tool in the holistic maintenance of the horse's well-being to ensure that he is able to perform to his best.