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Equine Massage

A valuable training and performance aid.

Julie Wright - Hands On Horses – Equine Massage (Certified EMT – Member EMTA)

We horse people are strange aren’t we?   No?  Well, if you don’t think so – try telling a non-horsey friend or work colleague that you are going to book a Horse Masseuse to come out and give your horse a massage!  I can guarantee you they will think you have finally left the planet.   You will get all sorts of questions and I assume one of them will be “do the horses lie down for their massage?” hmmmm.   Below I hope to help you understand a little more about the importance of Equine Massage for the performance, pleasure or rehabilitation horse.

Equine Massage as in humans has considerable benefits, in that it improves circulation, relaxes muscles, aids digestion and by stimulating the lymphatic system assists in the elimination of waste products.  Assisting the circulation expedites the flow of nutrients and oxygen that revitalise the body.    Massage Therapy is a powerful healing tool when applied properly with focus and skilled hands.  I hope that this article leaves you with a greater understanding of the power that is at our fingertips to build a better and healthier relationship with our wonderful horses.   Massage therapy is easily learned, easily applied and costs very little.  It is one of the oldest forms of therapy and has been used by people from ancient times to the present.

It is essential that you embrace the concept that horses NEVER FAKE PAIN OR INJURIES.  This can be hard for some people as often it means we have to let go of many of our traditional ideas about the horse.  There is no such thing as “cold backed” or “girthy” horses.  These horses are sore, or have been very sore in the past and are now guarded and sour.  Work has become a punishment for them. 

Horses as prey animals are actually very tough. Evolution has programmed them to just work on in pain.  If they were to lie down in the wild and wait till they felt better, the herd would just move on and predators would eat them.  Your horse is still driven by instinct just as his ancestors were. 

Horses do give us subtle signs of their discomfort and pain.  Often we ignore these not because we don’t care – but because most riders are taught by their peers or instructors that horses are just being difficult when they display bad behaviours, that they are lazy and need to be worked harder or that the horse needs to be dominated when ridden.  You know – the old “show him who’s boss” line.  NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH – NO AMOUNT OF TRAINING WILL OVERCOME PAIN.

Observing your horse’s reactions to your touch will tell you everything you need to know about his muscular state.  Learning to be observant is the greatest gift you can give your horse and will open up a whole new way of communicating with him.  Basic massage techniques used frequently and a better understanding of your horses musculoskeletal state will reward you with a horse that will take on his tasks and training willingly – pain free and with more fluidity.

We all know people who have had successes with horses that have been very difficult when owned by others.  Often it is just a good knowledge of saddle fit and an open mind to therapy that has enabled the new owner to remove pain from the horse’s life.  TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS – IF THAT HORSE JUST DOESN’T FEEL QUITE RIGHT THEN HE PROBABLY ISN’T.

My Equine Massage work is very rewarding.   I get instant rewards when working with my clients’ horses when I work over their restricted areas and can feel the muscles softening – just the look on the horses face is enough for me sometimes along with the yawning (release of tension) and rocking – it just makes it all worthwhile!..    The greatest compliment I have ever been paid is a clients words – “you have taught me more about the horses body and saddle fit with this 2hr session than I have learnt in the last 30 years”.   It really is that simple – you need to learn to read your horse with your hands as well as your eyes.

I can be called to see anything from a Shetland with neck issues to an ex race horse with hind end issues.  I  love working with them all – however my most rewarding  work is with horses that have had imbalanced podiatry which has affected their upper body posture – the changes can be amazing in quite a short period if the body is allowed to return to more normal state from the ground up.  I also gain great satisfaction in working with horses who have recently been started under saddle or who have had a spelling period after injury, this gives the owner a really good insight into what issues the horse may have whilst commencing further training.  Let’s check back to the above “horses’ never fake pain or injuries – and no amount of training will overcome pain”.

Now that we know that we haven’t really left the planet by booking a masseuse to come and “read” our horses bodies – lets take a closer look at the Standardbred harness horse  and Thoroughbred Flat racing horse and some of the muscular problems that we as retrainers or pleasure riders may encounter.  Both racing disciplines train and work these horses very hard, very young – before their musculoskeletal systems have had time to mature.  Sadly they often both come to us as pleasure riders with injuries that will need to be monitored so the horse can live out a sound, successful and happy pleasure or performance career.  Knowing the specific stress areas to each discipline will give us a head start on their rehabilitation to their ridden careers.

HARNESS RACING HORSES – Standardbred Trotters and Pacers

Harness racers are bred for their speed in pulling sulkies.  Standardbreds are specifically bred for harness racing, which requires speed above all – but also staying power and stamina.  In harness racing, the horse is either a trotter or a pacer.  In the trot, the opposite front and rear feet push off and land at the same time.  In the pace, the front and hind feet on the same side push off and land together. 

Both trotters and pacers experience inflammation throughout their bodies because of the repetitive nature of the gaits they perform.  Most likely because of the nature of the movement, horses that pace are found to have slightly more tension behind the shoulder and in the ribcage area as they do not stretch these muscles as fully as trotters do.

HARNESS SPECIFIC STRESS AREAS: 

Below are photographs to aid you with location of muscles mentioned.  Our lovely model is “Disco” ex Trotter and ex CSH horse – now proudly owned by my husband Jason.  We hope he will enjoy his future career as a trail riding and endurance mount.

	Head and Neck Splenius (Superficial Layer).  The Splenius is on each side of the neck, attaching on the base of the skull and upper cervical vertebrae and running parallel toward the body to anchor along the first thoracic vertebrae.  When the muscle is tight, the horse shows discomfort by extending the neck or by pulling head and neck to the affected side.  The horse also resists movements to the opposite side.  At rest, the animal will have a tendency to keep the head low, continuously stretching it to relieve the muscular tension.  In motion, he will clearly show neck and head discomfort.
	Base of neck and chest Brachiocephalic (Superficial Layer).  The Brachiocephalic muscle runs on each side of the neck, attaching on the base of the skull and first cervical vertebra and running downwards to anchor on the upper end of the humerus (point of shoulder).  When the muscles are tight, the horse shows discomfort by stretching his neck upwards or to the opposite side during rest periods.  During motion, the horse is fine on straight lines, but on circles may show lameness or uneven stride.
	Omohyoid (Deep Layer).  The Omohyoid Muscle runs on each side of the neck.  It assists Lateral neck flexion and rotation of the head.  Horse will show discomfort, stretching his neck to the opposite side.  In action, the horse resists movements to the direction opposite to the muscle with stress.
	Descending Pectoral (Superficial Layer).  The Descending pectoral muscle attaches to the sternum and upper ribs.  It runs downwards to each side to attach to the medial (internal) aspect of the humerus.  Its contraction assists the movement of the foreleg.  When tight, the muscle affects the stride and resists the abduction (lateral) movement of the foreleg.
	Back Longest Dorsal (Deep layer) – runs along the spine from the withers to the point of the croup.  It attaches along all vertebrae and the ribs.  When this muscle is tight, the horse will show soreness over the back when pressure is applied such as saddling, grooming or palpation.  During movement, the horse will be very uncomfortable and will lost coordinated power.
	Iliocostal (Deep layer) – runs from the withers, attaches on the ribs and continues back to the point of the hip.  Its contraction causes lateral flexion of the trunk and assists in the extension of the back.  When this muscle is tight and pressure is put on it, the horse shows soreness.  The horse will show restriction in lateral bend.
	Transverse Abdominal (Deep layer) – attaches to the lumbar spine and runs downwards and backwards to anchor on the hip bones.  When this muscle is tight, the horse shows general discomfort and a short stride in the hind legs.
	Longest Dorsi/Gluteal Junction (Deep layer).  The gluteus muscle anchors on the lumbar spine, runs downwards and attaches on the femur.  The Longest Dorsi muscle runs along the spine from the withers to the point of croup.  When these muscles are tight, the horse keeps his legs bent (flexed) when he is at rest.  If the animal sinks down or sags when his back is touched, this is a sure sign of a “cold back” (PAIN).  During movement, the horse shows loss of power and possibly lameness in the hind legs.
	Hindquarters Femoral Biceps (Superficial layer) – anchors on the lumbar spine and runs downwards to attach on the tibia.  Major component of the hamstring group.  When this muscle is tight, the horse will hold his leg loose (flexed) or will try to stretch the leg by tucking it under the hind end.  During movement, the horse shows lameness and shortened protraction.
	Gastrocnemius (Deep layer) – attached on the femur running downwards to attach on the point of the hock.   When this muscle is tight, the horse will hold his leg flexed and will show discomfort when standing.  During movement, the horse will show lameness in the hind leg and a restricted forward motion.
	Semitendinous (Superficial layer) – attaches on the lumbar spine and runs downward to anchor on the hock joint.   When this muscle is tight, the horse will hold his leg flexed when at rest or will try to stretch it by tucking the leg under his hind end.  During movement, the horse shows lameness in the hindquarter, with shortened protraction and discomfort in straightening the stifle.
FLAT RACING HORSES – Thoroughbreds The flat racing horse is required to attain maximum speed from a stand still and to settle to and maintain that pace over the distance judged the most suitable by the trainer.  They must then draw on energy reserves to achieve maximum plus speed at the end of the race.  Due to the quick starts of the races, the hindquarters of the horse tend to show most of the tension and may develop stress.   Because of the intensity of the race, toxin build-up and occasional inflammation may be found in overworked muscles.  Thoroughbreds are very long-legged with proportionally long bodies, therefore, their long muscles and tendons could show signs of tension. FLAT RACING SPECIFIC STRESS AREAS: Head and Neck Splenius (Superficial Layer).  As Harness horses above.
	Chest Thoracic Ventral Serrated (Deep Layer).  The Thoracic Ventral Serrated muscle attaches to the ribs, runs upwards and anchors on the posterior edge of the scapula.  When the muscle is tight, the horse reacts to the tightening of the girth.   During movement, the tightness causes lameness in the side where it appears.  The stride will be stilted on that side interfering with the flexibility of the shoulder.
	Latissimus Dorsi Muscle (Superficial Layer).  The Latissimus Dorsi muscle attaches along the thoracic aspect of the spine from the first thoracic vertebra all the way to the lumbar vertebrae.  Its contraction is one of the main sources of power for the retraction of the foreleg.   If the muscle is tight, the horse reacts to the tightening of the girth.  During movement, the tightness causes lameness in the side where it appears.  The stride will be shortened on that side and the retraction power will be reduced.
	Brachial Triceps (Superficial Layer).  The Triceps muscle attaches on the posterior edge of the scapula, running downwards to anchor on the point of elbow.  When the muscle is tight, the horse will hold his leg bent and will not put weight on it while at rest – perhaps not locking the knee.  During action, the horse will show lameness with a shortened stride.
	Descending Pectoral (Superficial Layer).  As Harness horses above. Ascending Pectoral (Superficial Layer).   The Ascending Pectoral attaches on the sternum and lower ribs.  It runs forward to attach to the medial (internal) aspect of the humerus.  When this muscle is tight, the horse reacts to the tightening of the girth.  During movement, the animal shows shortened extension of the foreleg and becomes stilted.
	Back Thoracic Spinal (Deep Layer).  The Thoracic Spinal muscle attaches to the spinous processes of the first few thoracic vertebrae (withers) and upper rib attachment.  It runs backwards and down the sides of the horse to fix on the lower ribs.  When this muscle is tight, the horse shows pronounced soreness over the withers.  The horse reacts to the tightening of the girth.  During movement, the animal resists the downward movement of his head, and resists lateral movement to the side opposite the tightness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Longest Dorsal (Deep layer).  As Harness horses above.

Iliocostal (Deep layer).  As Harness horses above.

Longest Dorsi/Gluteal Junction (Deep layer).  As Harness horses above.

Hindquarters

Femoral Biceps (Superficial layer).  As Harness horses above.

Semitendinous (Superficial layer).  As Harness horses above.

The above are only the common stress areas specific to each discipline.  Each horse is an individual and should be treated as one.  Depending on injury and podiatry history, your masseuse may also find other areas of stress which may need to be addressed if the horse is to perform to its optimum.  I hope you may learn from the above that not all training issues are training issues – it may just be that your horse cannot perform the movements being asked – comfortably.    Equine Massage is a very affordable health benefit for your horse.  I would highly recommend having a qualified Equine Myofunctional Therapist out to address saddle fit and total muscular symmetry at least every 6 months to help you monitor and address any changes with your horses’ musculoskeletal alignment.

EQUINE PODIATRY

Equine Podiatry is finally becoming demystified for the regular horse owner thanks to the hoofcare courses currently being held around Australia.  It really is a fascinating subject and one that now plays a most important role in my assessments of horses.  It is vitally important to the musculoskeletal state of the horse and much of what we once termed “bad conformation” is now being recognised as hoof imbalance causing postural problems.  Your horses should be having their feet trimmed and balanced regularly so as not to let the toes become too long, the heels underrun/too high or the other multitude of podiatry sins that are unfortunately allowed to occur in performance and pleasure horses every day.  Take some time to learn about the Equine Digit and its relation to the body, learn what healthy hoof form is and most importantly, learn to take and ACTIVE role in ensuring quality podiatry attention.  Your horse will reward you for it.   For further reading on what correct hoof form is, please view:   www.equethy.com   and its links.  

We really need to take a closer look at what may be imbalances with our horses’ hooves.  Imagine having your heel in the middle of your foot (underrun) or wearing one high heel and one thong??..  Sounds silly?  Not really – just take a look around next time you are with a bunch of horses and imagine what these imbalances are doing to their postures.  How can we expect them to perform with Symmetry when they are locked into an imbalanced state?    You may also want to look at the successes of Barefoot performance horses on the www.equethy.com site (competition success) – Endurance, Racing, Eventing and Dressage are just some of the disciplines where riders and their barefoot horses are having great successes and completing distances over terrain that some would imagine impossible.  It could be a viable option for your horse.  

EQUINE MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY

As a Certified Equine Myofunctional Therapist, I am proud to also be a member of the E.M.T.A (Equine Myofunctional Therapists Association).  The aim of the E.M.T.A is to establish a professional standard in the field of Equine Massage and promotes continual education of its members to further enhance professionalism.  The E.M.T.A also promotes the education of the public in the importance of correct massage application to the horse, particularly in view of the increasing demands placed on the horse in various disciplines.  Members of the E.M.T.A operate within the guidelines of a strict professional Code of Ethics.  Members work with the use of their hands (enhanced tactile awareness) and employ techniques for which they have had professional training based on a thorough grounding of Equine Anatomy and Physiology.  The E.M.T.A. members are not alternatives to veterinarians, but prefer to have a professional liaison.    
http://horsesaustralia.com.au/emta/emtamembers.html

All the very best with your retrained, rehomed or rescued ex-race horse.  Take a little time in the initial stages to ensure your horse is muscularly comfortable every step of the way with their training and you will be rewarded with a horse whose attitude to work should be pleasurable and not a source of punishment or pain.   If you have any questions in relation to the above, I would be happy to take any enquiries via email. 
Cheers, 
Julie Wright.

Ref:  Jean-Pierre Hourdebaight – Equine Massage – A Practical Guide

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