Massage is an essential aspect to your horse's health. It is more than a "treat" or something that feels good, it provides many physiological benefits for your horse's health. Think about human athletes- runners, cyclists, equine athletes, etc., all have massage as a regular part of their routine. Horses are natural athletes and therefore benefit just as humans do. And yes, it is a nice treat as well! Here are the most common benefits to massage therapy. This list is not comprehensive, but certainly helps us to understand why it is so important.

Physiological Benefits of Massage Therapy

Proper and consistent massage aids in the overall functions of the body systems.  In conjunction with quality and regular veterinary care, massage is a very effective compliment to the increased health, activity and longevity of your horse. 

Circulatory System Benefits

The circulatory system includes the heart and the blood vessels.  The primary function is to move blood throughout the body. 
Massage aids this system by:
Improving the amount of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells
Supports the development of a stronger cardiac muscle
Supports the body’s ability to lower blood pressure
Helps remove metabolic waste from organ and muscle cells
Stimulates the body to drain stagnant lymph nodes
Improves the tone and elasticity of the skin and quality of the coat

Digestive System Benefits

The digestive system includes the organs (liver, intestines, stomach, etc.) that break down food into components (nutrients, chemicals) to allow absorption by the body’s cells and tissue. 
Massage aids this system by:
Relaxing the muscles of the intestines and stimulating their bodily process
Stimulating the function of the digestive organs by improving blood flow to the area

Muscular System Benefits

The muscular system includes three different types of muscles: cardiac,  skeletal and smooth.  The primary function is to allow bodily motion and support the skeletal structure. 
Massage aids this system by:
Increasing heat and circulation to specific muscles to help relieve soreness, tension, stiffness
Supporting improved flexibility at the joints
Supporting proper skeletal alignment and posture
Supports the improvement of inspiration (process of inhaling and exhaling, expanding and contracting the lungs and supporting muscles)

Nervous System Benefits

The nervous system includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the sensory nerves.  The primary function is to carry messages from the brain to all parts of the body and regulate internal and external stimuli. 
Massage aids this system by:
Aiding in pain relief and restlessness caused by stress and over-stimulation
Improving overall relaxation
Helping to regulate proprioception (the position sense or awareness of where the body is in space: up, down, left, right, bent or straight.)

Examples of When to Use Massage Therapy

PREVENTATIVE MASSAGE IS CRITICAL

Horses like routine and predictability.  Most like to please us.  Most like a little competition.  Most are afraid of and at the same time enjoy challenges.  All these situations can cause tension, stress, and even anxiety to our horses.  Side effects of this often include muscle stiffness, muscle tension, and even muscle pain.  Horses are prey animals – in the wild survival means being healthy.  A horse will often mask pain for the sake of appearing healthy.  By the time the issue presents itself, it may have been happening for quite some time.

Most horses experience one or many of these situations –

Performance - Increased activity causes soreness and stiffness of muscles and joints
Your horse is conditioning for competition
Your horse is learning a new discipline
Your horse is advancing in a discipline
Before and after the actual event
You are training a new or young horse

Off-site trips – New situations cause anxiety and tension and new terrain may be more difficult to navigate
You are going on your first ride of the season
You are going on a long ride
 You are going on a difficult ride
Your horse is new to trail riding

Recovering from Injury or Sickness – Sudden decrease in movement causes stiffness and stagnation, boredom and anxiety
Your horse is/has been stalled
Your horse has been immobilized
Your horse is/has been lame

Older Horses – With aging comes a multitude of ailments
Your horse has arthritis
Your horse has joint swelling
Your horse has weakening ligaments
Your horse has weakening bones
Your horse has edema

Lesson Horses – Constant change in riders causes tension, soreness, and stress
Your horse carries riders of varying abilities
Your horse carries riders of varying weight
Your horse carries riders of varying temperaments

Seasons – Weather changes effect the level of activity, types of foods available, temperature, dampness, etc.
Increase and decrease in temperature
Increase and decrease in humidity and wind
Increase and decrease in firmness and moisture of the ground

Change in Environment – Changes to daily expectations can cause anxiety and tension
Barn or stall change
Field change
Herd change
Food change
Routine change

 

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The top photo of me with Ruby Slippers was taken by Vera Jagendorf, and Ruby Slipper's breeder is Sterling Bloodstock