Massage for Competitive
Horses and Dogs

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There have been many segments to my interaction and life with horses. From a bratty pony when I was 8, to a TB mare I took to college, to a teaching and training career that spanned 25 years in both the Midwest and California. In addition to teaching and training, I studied and got certified in Equestrian Pilates for riders. This started my love for biomechanics – the art of the body moving efficiently and correctly. That passion then switched over to biomechanics in horses – and that’s when I became involved in Equine Massage.

I studied and got certified through Equinology in 2009. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made for my life’s work. It is with great passion and energy that I work on horses in this way. I am always interested in new modalities, new problems, and new solutions. Horses are our best and kindest teachers and I love working with them to help their bodies function as well as possible.

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Massage

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Every horse I see needs (and deserves!) a massage - they work so hard for us and give so much. I walk by and see tight muscles, compensation for weak muscles, and imbalances in the body. With the massage first loosening up, then balancing, and finally helping the body to come into symmetry, often the work can help a horse get more comfortable in their body. This is when health and performance often get better and better for horses. A regular bodywork program can be an integral part to a horse’s health and well being plan.

Cold Laser

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Laser therapy stimulates cells and energizes natural cellular processes. This encourages the body’s ability to increase natural healing. In soft tissue work, studies have shown that following laser with massage greatly enhances circulation and decreases inflammation. The muscle tissue opens much more readily, and the laser affects tissue much deeper than hands can reach. I use my Respond Systems’ 2400vs IIIb cold laser, it is one of the most powerful lasers on the market and is ideal for equine care. It is battery operated, so I can utilize the cold laser anywhere. The challenge of finding an outlet at a horse show, in a field, or in a stall is not a concern.

AlphaSonic

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Sound waves of a specific wavelength are passed through the body and have a "micro-massage" effect deep within the tissues. This effect promotes protein synthesis and aids circulation to help stimulate self-healing. AlphaSonic is used for reducing scar tissue, treating joint discomforts, improving muscle spasms, and helping to promote healing of soft-tissue injuries.

Animal Types

The Athlete

  • Massage helps keep the body balanced and performing at it’s best. Pre- and Post- Show massages also help the body prepare and recover more easily.

  • Massage can help find slight issues that may be contributing to new or abnormal behavior that training doesn’t seem to be helping. A tight low back can irritate the SI area which can throw off lead changes, for example.

Trauma

  • After a trauma (something as simple as a slip or as complex as a flip), massage can help to increase circulation, which allows the cells and muscle tissue to begin to heal. Some trauma can show up in the body weeks or months after the incident. I often hear “he was fine right after, but now he won’t…”

Geriatric Animals

  • While massage may seem like “a nice thing to do”, I have had much success with helping the older horse and dogs feel better by reducing aches and discomfort. Massage also has a positive effect on the nervous system, which is responsible for sensory, interpretative, and motor functions. I have often heard of a horse and dogs being calmer and more relaxed after a massage, due to the effects it has on the nervous system.

Massage and Laser Benefits

Benefits for Horses and Dogs

  • Improves Performance, Stamina & Disposition

  • Decreases Recovery Time

  • Enhances Muscle Tone

  • Improves Range of Motion

  • Improves Circulation

  • Laser can improve areas of sensitivity or discomfort that hands can’t reach (areas around the si, low back, and hooves)