Common muscular problems:
• Refusing lead changes
• Shortened strides
• Dragging hind leg(s)
• Hip and/or shoulder tenderness/lameness
• Saddlefitting issues
• Girthing soreness
• Back soreness
• Problems turning or bending
• Loss of performance

Benefits of massage:
• Improves circulation
• Breaks up toxic lactic acid & increases blood supply
• Relaxes muscle spasms
• Lengthens connective tissue
• Helps to alleviate inflammation in the joints & associated pain
• Increases range of motion
• Improves disposition of sore, irritated horses

DeeAnn and I feel that just finding a saddle that will fit your horse does NOT heal the damage to the tense, overused muscles! The horse can learn to carry the rider and saddle much more comfortably when it is feeling well and perform to the top of its ability when not having equipment hinder its movement.

Muscle tightening does not remain in an isolated area and will radiate throughout the horses body. Often what we believe is “the sore spot” is the secondary problem. When one muscle group tightens, the other muscles compensate for the loss of elasticity. For instance, tightening of the horse’s back muscles often causes hock problems due to the compensating. As the horse’s back strength comes from good stomach muscles, overusing or improper using of the back muscles will cause tightness & soreness in many other areas not always along the back itself!

The only good way to relieve these problems is with a good massage therapist that can lengthen and restore the elasticity of the muscles along the top line.

Massage therapy is not a substitute for veterinary medicine but a most effective as a preventative measure before and/or after competition or heavy workouts. It can also alleviate many “behavior” problems which were only sore areas to begin with!

Be sure and stop in and see us at the next show and DeeAnn will be glad to do an evaluation on your horse. She is also available to answer your questions via telephone. She can be reached at : 260-223-2417 or 260-728-9952 or email her at: equinemassage@yahoo.com