A great review from Jackie Potts, Head Groom for William Fox Pitt.
What are the benefits of massage for horses?
Massage is well known for its ‘feel good’ factor and has been shown to aid relaxation, and assist with the maintenance of healthy muscle and muscle function. Tension is often one of the most common reasons for poor performance.
The increasing relaxation and improving back flexibility and the negative effects of tension can be reduced. A relaxed horse, with relaxed muscles, will move with fluidity and suppleness which is particularly important for competition horses performing dressage movements, and those jumping technical fences.
Equisafety’s Managing Director uses one of these Equilibrium massage pads and swears by it. When she takes her horse to Dressage competitions, he wears one whilst in the trailer, to ensure whilst travelling he is relaxed plus keeping the back muscles warm, before she puts the saddle on.
You can use the horse Massage Pad before riding, after riding or on a day off! Here’s a few scenarios:
- Horses on box rest to maintain good circulation.
- After exercise to help support recovery.
- Before exercise as part of warm up.
- At a show after travelling to relax.
- On your horse or pony’s day off as general maintenance.
- Anytime as a reward.
The Massage Pad is also great for chilling and fidgety horse or pony, when you need to plait for a show, clean wounds, bandage
legs etc.