According to recent reports, musculoskeletal problems are the most common cause of poor performance in horses.

We are all familiar with the idea of using massage therapies for human athletes, whether professional or amateur, as a necessary part of keeping the body functioning at its best. Sports therapies were developed to reduce the strain that these activities placed upon the joints and muscular systems. The physics and physiology of motion are the same for horses as they are for humans.

The horse is an athlete; some are more naturally gifted than others are. Nevertheless, the common denominator between them all is that the musculoskeletal system, pound for pound, is their largest bodily component, over 60%! When a million dollar horse no longer moves like one, he is not one! Moreover, this is the system mainly responsible for motion. Yet it is mostly overlooked because it does not reveal itself in radiographic and other testing mediums.

When recently deceased Jack Meagher, "Father of American Sports Massage", began applying massage techniques to thoroughbreds, the results were so outstanding that Jack soon found himself as a valued member of the U.S. Equestrian Team. He writes, "A muscle is a muscle and a joint is a joint regardless of the animal."

Why did my horse start to resist going to the right? Why did my horse start switching leads or refuse the proper lead? Why did my horse start tiring early, or stop jumping well? Why is my horse "off" even though he has been x-rayed, scoped, checked and there is nothing wrong?
Nothing happens without a reason. Throughout my experience with horses, what has often been seen as "misbehavior" in a horse is nearly always simply a reaction to discomfort and/or pain. Just because we cannot easily determine the source of the problem does not mean that it does not exist, and that the horse is merely misbehaving. A change in your horse’s behavior is often his only way to tell you something is wrong.

HOW IT ALL WORKS

When a muscle is not working for the horse, it is actively working against the horse. Muscles are made up of micro fibers, and every time the muscles contracts, the tiny micro fibers shorten, like a ratchet. The contraction process is generated, but the release is not. When the muscles tighten and cannot achieve full release, they remain tight and shortened. This is where the problem develops. Strain is put on the surrounding areas and this creates a dangerous scenario. Each muscle will affect other muscles. There is a domino effect in the way each muscle works in conjunction with another. A muscle in the hind leg that has had trauma to it will affect the muscles throughout the back, abdomen, front legs and neck. This will change the way in which the animal walks, stands, eats and performs. It can also change their behavior. Medication alone will help control pain and inflammation and even help control the signs of trauma to the muscles. However, massage will assist the animal to heal the trauma. Pushing our horses and asking them for maximum effort is the only way that we can maximize performance; after all, muscle strain and exertion is the only path to muscle hypertrophy - enlargement - and increased ability. However, we can never know exactly where the line is between maximum effort and overload. Push too hard and you have abused the body and the horse breaks down rather than builds up. By the time you see a change in the horse’s quality and freedom of movement, the muscle has gone beyond simple spasms and small knots, and has developed an adhesion.

An adhesion begins as a small percentage of muscle fibers form a spasm. At this point, the horse will continue to perform well, and we will not even notice a problem. However, with continued maximal effort, these few fibers shorten even further, and cannot return to their full length. As the spasm is continuously aggravated, it will begin to add more fibers to itself and as it becomes bigger, it puts pressure on the tissue, which, in turn, reduces circulation. The pressure causes pain. It is at this point your horse will be going "off" in certain movements.

It is usually assumed that muscle problems will take care of themselves, but nothing could be further from the truth. Most injuries due to muscular strain are cumulative. It is not the last thing your horse did that caused the problem, but was most likely building for weeks. Trauma limits the mind, the body, or both.

WHAT A MASSAGE THERAPIST DOES

A certified massage therapist is trained in anatomy, movement, and massage techniques. A good therapist will also be trained in hoof care, saddle fit, and horsemanship. The therapist looks at the horse as a whole, considers all possible causes and effects of any tensions, and addresses these limiting factors with the owner/trainer of the horse. The therapist will first observe the horse moving in different gaits; taking note of his demeanor, reactions and body language. Greeting the horse and creating a trusting bond prior to massage is priceless. The horse has a very strong sense of touch and the therapist knows he must be invited in to get maximum results. They will know horses as an individual and treat and respect them as such. It is healing through touch and it is not about how much pressure is used, it is about where it is put. Use knowledge, not strength.


WHAT YOU CAN DO

What we can all do about muscle constriction is to take a minimum of 10 minutes to cool down our horses by an easy trot and then hand walk.

Equine massage is the only therapy specifically oriented to prepare the muscles for exercise. It produces a degree of freedom and ease of motion beyond that which the body can achieve for itself. The most valuable asset that any moving body can have, for both performance and protection, is freedom of motion. Poor muscle care equals poor movement and performance. The next time your horse is complaining, take a moment and listen to what they are trying to tell you.

I am a certified equine neuromuscular massage therapist. I incorporate many types of non-invasive modalities. These include orthopedic sports massage, myofascial release, trigger point, neuromuscular and deep tissue massage. Each horse is assessed for posture and gait imbalances. Notations are made to establish a baseline against which results can be measured. All treatments are kept on file so progress can be studied. My concept of massage involves the complete horse and not just bits and pieces of massage with no solid foundation. Protect your investments with equine bodywork. Massage therapy is not a substitute for veterinary care but can be used in conjunction with veterinarians to minimize rehab time and to enhance performance. Confidentiality assured.

To arrange an assessment or for further information, please contact me: 086-1724814, nancyoreilly@esatclear.ie.