"Do you think every horse needs a massage?" It’s a question I am often asked as an equine massage therapist. My answer is always the same. Yes; every horse needs a massage!

Why? For the same reasons we supply them with water and food, have a farrier maintain their feet on a regular basis, worm them, file their teeth, give them their shots, and exercise them regularly. We do these things routinely, because we have been taught that they are the basic standard of care that is required from us as horse owners. I consider massage is also a part of that standard of care. Massage should not be considered a “luxury”; it is a necessity for the proper functioning of our horses’ muscles. Massaging our horses regularly is just as important as the other things we have been taught to do as a matter of good horsemanship.

Part of the routine every beginner is taught is to brush their horse and pick its feet, before and after riding. I believe that it's important for owners and riders to learn how to check their horses' muscles, and do a little maintenance, if necessary, before and/or after riding. That way you will know when your horse needs a massage. It will also help you to eliminate and avoid training issues that are really muscle issues. Things like canter problems, falling in or out on circles, bucking, rearing, unwillingness to move forward......the list goes on. You can bet there are more horses out there that need to be massaged! Increase your knowledge and find out for yourself whether your horse needs a massage.

A quick and easy muscle check plus maintenance routine is part of what I teach at my Soothing Hands Equine massage clinics. If you are interested in learning how to check your horse’s body for soft tissue injuries, new or old, and /or how to massage your horse to avoid potential soft tissue injuries, please go to www.learnequinemassage.com and see if there is a clinic happening in your area. The other option is to host a clinic at your barn, or have a private lesson. If you contact me, we can organise something that would suite your needs.