More Benefits
• Increases nutrition to the tissue by improving general circulation and increases the interchange of substances between the blood tissue cells and heightened tissue metabolism
• Lengthens connective tissue and breaks down/prevents the formation of adhesions and reduces the danger of fibrosis
• Helps lessen inflammation in the joints and so alleviates pain
• Increases blood supply and nutrition to muscles without adding to their load of toxic lactic acid, thus helps to prevent buildup of harmful "fatigue" products resulting from strenuous exercise
• General improves the disposition of the horse
• Enhances muscle tone and increases range of motion
Common Muscular Problems
• Equine Sports Massage can be an extremely effective way to improve a horses' performance.
• Most athletic training programs emphasize building strength, speed and endurance. As the muscular system develops, the horse tends to loose flexibility and develops muscular tension.
• Tight muscles shorten the stride, restrict natural ability and cause poor performance.
• Tight muscles contribute to bad attitudes and resistance to training
• Tight muscles are injuries waiting to happen.
• Refusing or resisting leads
• Head and neck discomfort
• Hind leg scuffing
• Hip and shoulder lameness
• Improper tracking
• Girthing problems
• Muscular or "cold back"
Factors that Limit a Horses' Ability to Perform
1. Saddle - If a horse is consistently ridden in an ill-fitting saddle, no massage therapy in the world can help him. Massage can help a horse with a sore back, but once the ill-fitting saddle goes back on, the whole problem cycle repeats itself. If a rider is unwilling to stop riding in an ill-fitting saddle, the horse needs pain management from a veterinarian, not massage.
2. Rider Balance - A rider without a balanced seat or with heavy hands will cause muscular problems in the horse.
3. Training Program - A training program should include cross training exercises that build the whole muscular system, not just one group of muscles. For example, horses used for speed events usually have over-developed hamstrings and under-developed quadriceps. This scenario can lead to stifle problems. Cross training for these horses would include exercises that build the quadriceps, such as slow, down-hill work.
4. Shoeing - Not all farriers are created equal. If the horses' heels are uneven, what effect does that have on the shoulders, the horses' movement and his willingness or reluctance to make lead changes?
5. Dental Health - Horses need competent dental work on a regular basis. This is one of the most over-looked parameters in a horses' life.
6. Turnout - Horses need to receive maximum turnout. It benefits the muscular- skeletal system and the mind. (Except immediately after a massage, the
horse needs to be kept in a confined area for at least 2 hours; this will allow time for the massage to work.)
7. Nutrition - If your horse does not get proper nutrition, he won't have the energy to perform.
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