Equine massage therapy

[trundle]

Has anyone used this? Has it helped your horse? The reason is ask is that I have seen an advert from a lady who does this, and she says she can help with horses that "find it difficult to relax and do not like being touched or groomed"/ Well, that is Ella. She is very sensitive and stressy, and she seems to find grooming uncomfortable, so I was wondering if a massage session would help her.

Does anyone have any suggestions (beyond learn to groom your horse properly!)?

 

[Dirtymare]

I can thoroughly recomend massage therapy.
The horses love it once they realise what is hapening.
I had my horse massaged for the first time a few weeks ago, and she absolutely loved it.
If you have ever had a massage then you will know how your horse will be feeling after it has had a massage- truely relaxed. It can also help with stiffness.

 

[beer101]

I agree 100% with ''Dirtymare'. My TB has regular treatments of McTimmoney deep tissue massage. It has helped him immensely, he loves his sessions, he is so chilled out after his massage that he lies down to sleep for about an hour afterwards.
I consider it an important part of his routine 'wellness' programme.

 

[Creaturescape]

My horses have massages and I've found it really useful for picking up on any tightness. This knowledge has really helped with my schooling. It gives you a good 3D knowledge of your horse.

The problem with your horse not liking grooming however doesn't sound like it will be cured with a massage. You need to do some more desensitising with her first. I recomend getting hold of a book called 'Perfect Manners' by Kelly Marks. Its very good and will give you a good insight into her stressy behaviour so you can work out whats causing it and do some exercises to chill her out.