Social Benefits:
By impacting the horse socially I mean to demonstrate that horses are, in fact, very social creatures.  More specifically, they are herd animals who use touch, such as when grooming one another, to communicate during their daily activities and interactions, and to explore their surroundings.  Because touch is such an important part of a horse’s social existence, massage can have a very important impact on the horse itself, creating physical contact that horses may normally receive from a herd.  Massage becomes especially beneficial for stabled horses or horses that are generally isolated from other horses.  By massaging a horse, you are having a positive impact on a very social animal that benefits from meaningful physical interaction.

 

Physical Benefits:
How a horse is physically impacted by massage is one of the most important aspects and motivations behind equine massage.   The following are just some of the physiological benefits of equine massage:

• Relaxes, stimulates and develops muscles and fascia
• Alleviates stiffness, pain, tension, ache and discomfort
• Reduces swelling and inflammation
• Increases blood and oxygen circulation
• Deepens joint flexibility and range of motion
• Gently assists with the alignment of vertebrae and other skeletal regions
• Helps develop proper posture and conformation
• Improves skin elasticity and cultivates a healthy coat
• Aids in lowering blood pressure
• Encourages lymphatic flow, draining stagnant lymph nodes
• Carries lymphocytes to fight toxins, foreign invaders, and bacteria
• Delivers nutrients and oxygen to cells and tissues
• Boosts the horse’s immune system
• Promotes healthy inspiration and respiration
• Assists in removing metabolic waste
• Stimulates kidney and liver function and proper digestion
• Can greatly contribute to the healing process during physical rehabilitation, such as after an injury

 

Emotional Benefits:
Beneath the phenotypic surface, it is also important to point out how the horse is emotionally and mentally impacted by massage.  By responding to the horse’s gestures, facial expressions, body language, and appreciating their instincts, the massage therapist can adjust their technique and method of touch accordingly.  This two way relationship that occurs during massage can impact the horse by creating a bond of mutual respect and understanding, helping to reduce barriers between humans and horses.  Massage also helps with stress, restlessness, anxiety, aggression, sleeplessness, boredom, etc., and, if the horse welcomes your touch, can improve past experiences of abuse and trauma.  Through massage a horse will ideally grow more emotionally familiar and comfortable with humans, understand them and their intentions better, and may even become more emotionally connected to those who care for them. 

 

Awareness:
Massage can bring to light issues that were never known as well.  Horses are excellent at communicating, but will often try so hard to perform and do well that they suppress pain, discomfort, injury, etc.  These issues often present themselves during massage, and so massage therefore becomes a way of closely monitoring a horse’s well-being.  For instance, you may notice that your horse abruptly stopped jumping but are not sure why.  Although massage therapists do not diagnose, massage can be a useful tool when exploring the reasons why the horse may be acting disagreeably and out of character.  Perhaps they have restricted fascia in the glutes, or exhibit signs of improperly fitting tack.  Massage is an excellent tool to improve awareness of just what is going on with your horse.