When to seek help

Indications your horse may benefit from a massage include:

  • An unexpected change in behaviour
  • An unexplained deterioration in performance
  • Irregular gait
  • A reluctance to work
  • Asymmetry in motion
  • Uneven muscle development or muscle atrophy
  • Cold backed or irritable when tacking up
  • Uneven shoe wear.
PLEASE NOTE THAT MASSAGE THERAPY IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR VETERINARY ATTENTION. VETERINARY OPINION MUST BE SOUGHT WHEN IN ANY DOUBT.

Horses have become domesticated and selectively bred for various sporting disciplines. Historically horses have demonstrated their ability to carry weight on their backs, although little is known about the adaptations of the musculoskeletal system to the various pressures placed upon the body when working under saddle with a rider or harness. These pressures can sometimes cause biomechanic alterations, discomfort and compensation of the musculoskeletal system reflected as muscle spasm and asymmetries.

Causes

Misalignments and muscle tension can be described as acute or chronic.

Acute problems are caused by a sudden trauma, whereas chronic problems typically develop over time and are often due to compensations.

  • Acute musculoskeletal problems can be caused by: A slip, trip or fall in the field or whilst being ridden/competed
  • Landing awkwardly after a jump
  • Slips when travelling or being unloaded
  • Playing in the field
  • Getting cast in the stable
  • Accidents

​​​Chronic musculoskeletal problems can be caused by:

  • Poor fitting tack and equipment
  • Dental issues
  • Poor farriery causing unbalanced feet or feet being left too long
  • Poor conformation
  • Lameness
  • Arthritic/orthopedic problems
  • Compensatory misalignments and tension from an old injury or weakness
  • Strenuous or repetitive work
  • The demands of disciplines such as eventing, dressage and showjumping place great strain on the horse’s body.
  • Inappropriate intensity of work and insufficient warm up and cool downs.
  • An unbalanced rider can contribute to problems if they are suffering from asymmetries and misalignments themselves
  • Excess weight
  • Travelling