Hand held massagers - anyone used them on their horses?

Doormouse

Doormouse

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I was routing through the shed last night (for something I had lost predictably) and I found a massager that I must have bought ages ago for my neck. My boy is currently undergoing physio for a sore back and withers and it occurred to me that it might help him?

I tried it last night using the red end that gets warm and seem to like it, floppy lower lip, eyes closing etc but I just sort of wondered if I was just making myself feel better and if it the vibrations it gives out are too small to make any real difference to him.

So, has anyone else tried this and have you had any success with it? If yes, when did you use it, before work, after work? Thank you in advance.
(also in CR)
 
I use all kinds of massage on my horses, including human massages.

It looks as if you have the infa red one which is very good for sore backs etc.

I would use it before and after riding. I use one at vet gates during an endurance ride.

If you could afford it the "Equilibrium Massage Pad" is great, the best thing I ever bought.
 
I used to use one of them for my boy who has severe muscular damage- used to use it before I rode to loosen him up, and pretty much whenever I groomed- did the job!! He loosens up wonderfully, so instead of hurting him when I first get on I build his back up instead.

I now use a hand held equissage machine, but not always before I ride- I usually just loosen him up with my fingers before riding now!!

Doing it before every ride means I can build him up and he ends up with as strong a back as an undamaged horse, whereas if I don't take the time to massage him regularly whilst getting him fit it takes forever as he keeps injuring himself and (shockingly :-P) pulling his muscles lol!!
 
Yes, I've used one. I used it one a horse on box rest, simply to relieve the monotony of being stabled. She loved it and was very relaxed. Also used it as part of youngsters education to get them accepting of being touched all over and enjoy the sensation without worrying about the noise. It helps when later introducing clippers.
For your horse, I'd be inclined to think that the fact that he's relaxed and enjoying it is benefit in itself.
 
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