Jessica Ball
Equine sports massage
Equine Sports Massage
A horse's comfort is our priority. We want to improve equine rider relations and help owners to better understand how their horse works.
​
Horses are just like us: after a long day of riding they can be stiff and sore. so sports massage is vital in reliving that soreness. It increases the horse's range of mobility, as well as decreasing the potential for injury.
​
Sports massage is not just for event horses - it can also be incredibly beneficial to a happy hackers and retired horses to help with old injuries, pulls and strains. It supports a horse's biological system, such as the lymphatic system; it also supports the release of endorphins in the horse's body, which is a natural painkiller.
What will this include?
Each session includes a trot up to analyse the horse's dynamic movement, as well as a conformational analysis.
Then the horse will have a sports massage locating all the stiff or sore points that they might have; we will also focus on past / new injuries. However, this does not mean we will only focus on specific areas; the horse's body will be treated as a whole. Every muscle will be examined.
Finally, you will receive a written report on your horse and this will detail the work that has been done, as well as any advice for further work needed such as stretches, pole work or additional sessions.
Benefits
Biological And Mind
It supports horses biological systems such as the lymphatic system and the release of endorphins in the horse's body, which is a natural painkiller. The release of endorphins also helps the horse's mental state and relaxes the horse.
Muscle
I helps to reduce muscle tension and discomfort, which has a knock-on effect where the horse's posture will naturally improve. It also helps to improve comfort and can provide pain relief in some injuries.
Injury
A lot of people think that massage is for after an event but it can be used before an event to improve the range of movement, enhancing the circulation and therefore reduce the chance of injury.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
When is the best time to book?
Before or after an event, for rehabilitation purposes, to help with long term conditions such as lymphangitis. It can be used as a way of maintaining your horses range of movement and muscle tone.
​
How do I know this will help my horse?
Sports massage is fantastic for all horses at all age - for young horses to make sure they are getting the foundations right, for middle-aged horses to help them with stiffness after a ride, or maybe they have a myofascial trigger point (or muscle knot) that they aren’t telling you about.
​
Will my horse need to take any time off?
We suggest with sports massage therapy that a horse has one day off after their treatment, preferably out in the field; we say this just because it can go one of two ways - your horse can be a little sore, or very green down to them feeling so great!