Equine Sports
Massage Association

What is Equine Sports Massage?

Home Page What is Equine Sports Massage? Benefits History of ESMA List of trained and qualified practitioners Training Links Frequently Asked Questions

Horse MusclesEquine sports massage is the therapeutic application of professional sports massage techniques applied to the horse. A thorough understanding of anatomy and the interaction of bones, joints and muscles are the basis of the proven physical and mental therapy that is the art of massage.

A masseur looks at the horse as a whole and attempts to consider all possible causes and effects of any tension while interpreting a horses reactions and expressions.

Does your horse do or show signs of any of the following?
  • Dislikes being groomed
  • Prefer one rein
  • Show lateral stiffness
  • Reluctant to canter on one lead
  • Hollow backed
  • High headed
  • Head shaking
  • Bucking
  • Cold backed when tacked up
  • Lack of poll flexion and bend
  • Head tilting
  • Have an uneven stride length
  • Holding the tail to one side
  • Excessive rolling
  • These can be signs of pain and discomfort and should be investigated.
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Few Human athletes would compete without preparing their bodies using massage and stretching exercises, so it is rather surprising that for the supreme athlete - the horse - this is virtually unheard of!

VETERINARY PERMISSION

All members are aware of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, which was passed in parliament in 1948 to protect the welfare of sick and injured animals from treatment by unqualified persons

ALL MEMBERS OBTAIN PRIOR PERMISSION FROM
THE VETERNARIAN USUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ANIMAL