Horse owners are another breed. We are constantly making sure our 4-legged children are healthy, happy, and comfortable. I always say that by owning horses we become educated in more things than we ever thought possible. We minor in veterinary medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, pasture management, stall management, nutritional education (and not for us!), natural horsemanship…. etc. You get the idea and are most likely nodding your head at this moment. Still, we will search for anything that will help us with our equine journey, from animal communicators to lameness experts! I know my phone is full of referrals from barn friends that have experienced what it is I am going through. Thank goodness for them! However, let’s talk about the top 3 signs that show you your horse needs massage therapy and/or alternative therapy, such as PEMF or Laser therapy.
Horses, just like humans, can experience muscle tension, stiffness, or even stress from physical activity, training, a trailer ride, or just the daily grind. That’s where massage and alternative therapies come in. These therapies are not just luxuries but effective tools for promoting relaxation, relieving pain, and improving overall performance. But how can you tell if your horse might benefit from a massage or alternative therapy? I’ll give you the top 3 that I’ve experienced the most.
The most obvious is stiffness or difficulty moving. This becomes evident when working in the arena or after a long ride. If your horse is reluctant to pick up a specific lead, has trouble bending in one direction, or you feel tightness under the saddle, these could be signs of muscle tension or soreness. Horses that are in pain or are uncomfortable may start to alter their gate to compensate, which can cause long-term issues in their movement patterns. A targeted massage can help loosen up tight muscles, improve circulation, and relieve discomfort, allowing your horse to move more freely.
Has your horse been more grouchy or irritable than usual? Behavioral changes, such as biting, pinning ears, or refusing to cooperate during grooming or saddling, can indicate physical discomfort. Since horses can’t communicate the way humans do, they often show their discomfort in behavioral changes. This means that persistent tension or joint pain can make your horse feel uncomfortable or even stressed, leading to changes in temperament. A regular massage or alternative therapy session can address the root of the problem, helping your horse feel more relaxed and balanced. This can lead to noticeable improvement in their behavior and willingness to work. In my experience, sometimes it takes several sessions.
Lameness and uneven hoof wear is another sign that could be caused by muscle imbalance from poor posture or overcompensating due to pain elsewhere. Without addressing these muscular issues, lameness may persist or worsen. Therapies like massage, acupressure, or chiropractic work can help restore balance to the muscles and joints, promoting better movement and reducing strain on hooves, leading to more even wear.
By integrating different therapies, like massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, along with PEMF and/or Laser, you can help prevent injuries, promote healing and improve their overall well-being. These non-invasive therapies offer a beautiful alternative to add to your horse’s routine that can help address issues related to stress, pain, and performance. Not only do regular massages relieve tension but also improve blood flow, increase flexibility, and enhance muscle function. These benefits can extend beyond comfort to improved performance in competition or daily activities. Keep your horses happy, healthy, and performing at their best by staying vigilant to the signs that it might need some extra care.
