Massage: why and when?

Adrienne Tomkinson | EQWO.net guest blog – We all know that a massage is relaxing.  From this sense of relaxation, endorphins are released, muscle tension dissipates, there is an increase in blood flow and a sense of well being.  I mean for your horse!  Did you know that regular massage as part of your routine can improve the overall wellbeing and performance?

Muscles react to training, mental tension, emotions and other outside factors. Massage is important in all stages and disciplines as it helps the body self correct (homeostasis) and cope with the demands of training. Removal of blockages affects more than just the muscles.  The interplay of multiple systems is enhanced.  Limiting factors of performance can be addressed as energy levels are also balanced.

Does your horse get enough work or too much?  Occasionally you get enough time to do some intense work, and then your horse is stiff?  Or perhaps you have been training hard and learning new manoeuvres? But improvement here has reached a plateau.

Tipp 1 – Massage can help.  Sometimes muscles cannot function well enough to perform as required.  A massage for your horse will help relax the muscles and remove the toxins that exercise causes, allowing the muscles to function properly.

Your horses behaviour has changed.  No dramatic changes in feeding, exercise or daily routines.  But suddenly he is cranky and definitely not himself.  Sometimes long term mild discomfort can escalate to greater discomfort.

Tipp 2 – ‘Wellness’ is not just a word for us!!  Our horses absorb much of our energy, react accordingly, and have their own emotions.  Regular ‘wellness’ for your horse rebalances the mood as well as the body.  The endorphins released during massage have a positive impact down to a cellular level.

Have you recently acquired a new horse? Or have started training a young horse?  It is important to understand the temporary discomfort horses experience during the development of muscle.

Tipp 3 – Assist the removal of the by-products caused by muscle contraction and development with massage.  Small blockages caused by micro damage (essential for muscle growth) can create bigger problems in the future. Reduce this risk with regular massage and stretching.

How much time, energy and money have you invested in your competition horse?  Most definitely you do Not want anything to go wrong.  Ask yourself; “why do elite human athletes have regular massage?  Should my horse…?”

Tipp 4 – Heavy training and competition schedules may result in fatigue or weakness which can result in injury.  Regular massage helps the body maintain a level of homeostasis.  It also helps the muscles contract optimally and removes damaging toxins before they become problematic.

Now that you understand the benefits, it makes sense now to invest in regular massages for your horse, doesn’t it?

Have questions or would like more information? Please contact me for a non-binding consultation:
adrienne@impuls-methode.at
+43 676 847 131 857

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This article has been written by Adrienne Tomkinson for EQUESTRIAN WORLDWIDE – EQWO.net and isn´t a press release. Copying is prohibited.