Equine Massage Techniques to Try at Home

Although nothing beats a thorough Equine Sports Massage from a professional, there are some easy equine massage techniques you can use on your own horse that will benefit them immensely.

Before you begin with Equine Massage Techniques

Before you begin there are several things you need to remember before you start massaging your horse:

Always work with warm muscles. This can be after you have ridden or even just placing a rug on your horse and walking them for 5 minutes to warm them.
Avoid bony areas. Pressing muscle into bone can cause pain and bruising so never massage over bony points.
Always run your hands over the area you are going to massage before you begin so the horse can feel your intention.
Go SLOWLY. Concentrate on your breathing and slow your pace.
If your horses show discomfort and pain that doesn’t improve with massage then please contact me to book an appointment.

Book an Equine Sports Massage

Equine Massage Techniques

1) Effleurage

These are gentle circular movements.

You can do this starting just behind the poll and working down the top portion of the neck. Start out gently then increase the pressure. Go slowly. Remember to do both sides.

2) Compressions

These are when you place your open hand on your horse and press down with your palm.

Follow the line of the neck going down, then start out again behind the poll but a bit lower. The last line should be just above the vertebrae.

3) Vertical strokes

Use your fingertips in and up and down motion, gradually working from behind the poll down the neck. You may feel some tightness and tension. If you do then gently work on this area until it eases then continue on.

Finish the massage to this area using Effleurage again.

Then start on the back behind the withers and do the same.

Then work along the horse’s glutes and hamstrings.

If you feel any areas of tightness that aren’t easily resolved or your horse continues to step away from the contact and shows pain, please call in a professional.