By Paige Cerulli, Certified Equine Massage Therapist
It’s no secret that equine massage is beneficial for your horse, but did you know about these five surprising ways that equine massage can make your horse healthier?
1-Improve Circulation
The very act of massage improves your horse’s circulation. By compressing and releasing your horse’s muscles, you’re slowing the blood flow and then allowing it to rush back into the area. This new blood carries oxygen to the cells of your horse’s body, allowing them to function at their best capacity.
Circulation is an important aspect of healing. Wounds need both red and white blood cells in order to heal. White blood cells help to kill off bacteria and fight infection, while red blood cells help to repair tissue and heal the wound. Improving your horse’s circulation means that he will be well supplied with red blood cells and better able to heal from injuries.
2-Improve the Function of the Lymphatic System
Your horse’s health depends on the function of his lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting and cleansing the waste from your horse’s body. This waste may consist of dead blood cells, toxins, lactic acid, and more. Remember those white blood cells needed for healing? The lymphatic system transports lymph, a fluid that contains white blood cells, throughout your horse’s body.
Equine massage stimulates and improves the function of your horse’s lymphatic system. By promoting a healthy lymphatic system, you’re promoting a healthy horse.
3-Increase Synovial Fluid Production
Did you know that equine massage could even create healthier joints? Your horse’s joints depend on synovial fluid for lubrication to keep them moving smoothly. Massaging your horse’s joints, especially those that are weight bearing, can increase the production of synovial fluid. The use of cross
PC: Paige Cerulli
friction massage around your horse’s joints helps to manipulate the joint, increasing synovial fluid production. The Posture Prep Cross Fiber Groomer makes it easy to apply cross friction massage. Use the groomer gently around joints.
4-Improve Range of Movement
If you’ve ever bent down and tried to touch your toes, or attempted to turn your head to look over your shoulder, then you’ve discovered how a limited range of movement can restrict your daily life. The same is true of your horse. When you ask your horse to perform a flying lead change or to turn around in the barn aisle, you’re depending on the fact that his body’s range of movement can accommodate these requests.
Equine massage is a great way to improve your horse’s range of movement. Massage lengthens muscle fibers and releases tension and knots that have formed in the muscles. These knotted or “stuck” areas are what limit your horse’s range of motion. Slow, deliberate massage work releases these stuck areas and can restore your horse’s normal range of motion. You may notice that your horse strides out more fully and is more willing to perform movements like the shoulder-in and flying lead changes after a massage. In fact, he’s demonstrating the fact that his body is now capable of such movements.
5-Help Prevent Injury
Equine massage restores your horse’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments to a relaxed and balanced state. In this state, your horse’s body can work, as it was intended to. If muscles, tendons, and ligaments are tight, it’s harder for your horse to react quickly and your horse is at a higher risk of injury. If muscles, tendons, and ligaments are healthy and relaxed, they can react quickly during a fall or a stumble. Being in a natural, balanced state can allow your horse to recover, reducing his chance of injury.
Equine massage amounts to greater comfort for your horse and improved health. If you’re looking for a reason to go out and massage your horse, then just think of the good that you’ll be doing his health.