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Equine Sports Massage - one of several massage therapies for horses

Equine Sports Massage

What is Equine Sports Massage?

Equine sports massage is the therapeutic application of a variety of massage techniques.  These have been long recognized to have many benefits including - increasing circulation and range of motion, relieving muscle spasm/tension, enhancing muscle tone and improving the horse's stamina and overall performance.  Equine Sports Massage can be used both for prevention (lessen injury risk caused by strain or fatigue) or rehabilitation.

A qualified Equine Massage Therapist will carefully assess your horses' confirmation including on the lunge in walk, trot and canter to ascertain any problems causing or likely to affect its work.  An important element of the treatment is the use of passive stretching exercises for the horse, these are usually completed at the end of the massage session once the muscles have softened, also can be used at the end of ridden/training exercise.  The therapist will encourage the owner to incorporate simple stretches into the horses daily routine - this will attain optimum results and often an individual work programme will be drawn up so that the horse can obtain maximum results.  By using passive stretches your horse can improve flexibility of muscles and joints as well as improving circulation to tissues.

Veterinary advice should be sought before your animal is referred to an Equine Massage Therapist.  As well as this being a legal requirement, usually the therapist will be keen to discuss the progress of your horse with the Veterinary Surgeon - thus in turn improving the benefits of the sessions.  Any level of horse can benefit - whether a competition, leisure or retired horse.

Will my Equine Sports Massage therapist be qualified?

Choosing a therapist who is a member of the Equine Sports Massage Association (ESMA) will mean that they are fully qualified and insured.  Members of the ESMA have achieved the ITEC Diploma in Equine Sports Massage, are qualified in human massage, are experienced horse people, passed relevant examinations, hold full insurance and complete continuous professional development each year.

How much will a Equine Sports Massage Therapy session cost?

There is no set price however, on average you can expect to pay between £25-£40.  This may vary according to the number of horses seen by the therapist, and how far they have had to travel.  Please contact the therapist for their individual charges.

How long will a Equine Sports Massage Therapy session take?

The initial consultation will probably be longer than a routine session, so that the therapist can carry out a full assessment - this may take 1 - 1 1/2 hours.  Further routine sessions may take anywhere between 30mins to 1 hour, depending on what is required.

 copyright Taranet November 2000 & February 2009

 

Those practicioners and organisations listed below in green have links direct to their own website - simply click on their name to be transferred to their site.

U.K. Equine Sports Massage Therapists

Elaine Hall, Dip ICAT - I cover the South Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, North Wiltshire (and Gloucestershire) areas.  TEL: 01367 710797 or EMAIL: enquiries@elainehallequinetherapist.co.uk or WEB: www.elainehallequinetherapist.co.uk.  

Looking for an Equine Sports Massage Therapist near you? Email us at info@taranet.co.uk, as we maybe able to help

Are you an Equine Sports Massage Therapist? - why not advertise here, so to find out how you can advertise on this page - please click here or email info@taranet.co.uk

At Taranet you can also learn more about - 

Swedish Massage - Our Swedish massage soothes these tired and aching muscles,
relieves tension and improves circulation

To contact Taranet email -  info@taranet.co.uk