Part I of this article can be found here.
You know how good you feel after a massage. Believe it or not, your horse might enjoy, and benefit from one too. In this article, learn all about the benefits of equine massage to sooth your animal's aches, or just spend enjoyable time together.
Your Horse's Feedback Signs
It is very important for you recognize the various feedback signs your Horse can display during your massage session. Here are some sure signs of apprehension:
-- Ears back
-- Raising or turning the head towards you
-- Eyes widening and becoming intense
-- Skin twitching or flinching
-- Fidgeting
-- Tensing up
-- Moving away from the pressure
-- Breathing short and hard
Some sure signs of relaxation are:
-- Eyes half closed
-- Head down
-- Ears to the side
Continued:
-- Heavy breathing
Always monitor your Horse's body language constantly, and adjust your work accordingly.
Contra-indication to Massaging Your Horse
Here is a list of situations in which you should not massage your Horse:
-- When he runs a fever, over 104 F.
-- When in shock.
-- When there is an open wound.
-- When there is some form of nervous problem.
-- Any acute phase of arthritis, colitis, diarrhea, hernias, and phlebitis.
-- Any tumors or cysts, or bacterial skin disease.
If any of these conditions exists, or if any unknown symptoms arise, consult your veterinarian first.
Massage as Diagnostic Tool
Massage is a terrific diagnostic tool. You will be able to feel and detect much sooner than by sight, or grooming, any musculoskeletal abnormalities and problems. Regular massage gives you direct feedback on the impact of your training on your horse's musculature, allowing you to adjust the level of exercise accordingly. Massage will help you avoid possible complications that could later on be very costly to treat and could cause delays in the enjoyment of your Horse's life.
Common Stress Areas
Regardless of the activity level and the type of training, if any, all horses show some common stress areas.
-- The upper neck, especially behind the skull
Continued:
-- The withers area
-- The lumbo-sacral area
Horses involved in strenuous activities will always demonstrate a liking to being massaged in these parts. Regular massage attention to these common stress areas will keep muscular tension to a minimum and secure an optimal function of the musculoskeletal apparatus.
Massage Techniques
Massage techniques refer to specific massage moves arranged in a pattern and done in an orderly fashion to achieve a desired effect. These techniques help you prevent the aggravation of certain symptoms, speed up the healing process, and ensure proper recovery. Some of the most commonly used massage techniques are:
-- The SEW/WES massage technique to warm up and drain the area you work on
-- The Swelling massage technique to deal with any edema
-- The Trigger point massage technique helps release the build-up of lactic acid in muscles
-- The Stress point massage technique deal with small muscle spasms
-- The Origin/Insertion massage technique to maintain optimal fitness of your horse's musculature
These massage techniques are in my video series and can be used separately or in any combination during a massage session to ensure positive results.
Horse massage is easily learned, easily applied, costs very little and leads us to a much richer relationship with our horse and results in better caring for his needs. With practice you will be able to "see" with your hands and listen as your horse's body "tells its own tale." This is the most efficient way to contribute to your horse's overall wellness and fitness while making his world a better place.
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About Jean-Pierre Hourdebaight, LMT
Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt, (pronounced Hoo-Da-Bay) a Licensed Massage Therapist, is internationally renowned for his unique Massage Awareness Method. During twenty-eight years of practice, he has worked with horses of all ages, disciplines, and at all levels of fitness and competition. Jean-Pierre believes that regardless of discipline, a horse is an athlete with key anatomical features that need to be addressed.
His techniques are used by competitive and recreational riders, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, farriers, trainers, and breeders worldwide. He is the author of many books. You can contact Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt personally at 561-537-0366. For more information, video downloads and articles visit www.animalawareness.com.
