Many times, horse owners, riders and trainers believe that equine massage therapy is needed only when there is a blatant problem present in their horse. This is a misconception.

The bulk of muscle issues are cumulative in nature – this means that they occur over time, therefore taking a period of continuance to surface. For instance, your horse may have fallen off of the trailer ramp a month ago. He seemed fine afterwards. Now, several weeks later you are noticing that he is moving rather stiffly. This could be due to the fact that he injured his body during the initial incident, and as a result has been compensating through other areas of his body for several weeks. Now, the compensatory areas have become fatigued as well, and can no longer mask the pain.

Horses are masters of compensation. They are 4-legged, rather than 2, which enables them greater ability to hide discomfort. Also, genetically speaking, they often retain information that tells them to remain stoic, as horses in the wild that appear injured, lame or unsound are easier prey…instincts can help to camouflage distress.

Also, each horse has its own level of pain tolerance, just as each human being does. Some cope, manage and tolerant it better than others.

Next, very often we do not realize how much range of motion is lost, UNTIL it is restored. For example, a trainer may report that a horse is going well, and indeed the horse appears to be. However, once the horse has been massaged, it is moves with much larger strides, increased propulsion, better endurance, easier transitions and less fatigue. The trainer now has a comparison to work with…the horse’s way of going before the treatment, and the horse’s way of going after the treatment, only to realize the horse that had been going well, is now going excellent.

Finally, it is much easier to prevent an injury, rather than address one, once it has occurred. For example, do you brush your teeth daily? Why – you are not having any issues with your teeth? Well, if you answered, “To prevent any troubles in the future, and to keep the teeth and gums healthy,” then you understand my point.

Why not be pro-active in your horse’s health and well-being?

~ Ride Well, Be Well & Stay Well ~

Clinician Denise Bean-Raymond & "Molly"

Just recently, I was invited to offer a clinic for a wonderful group of individuals located in the state of Connecticut. These people were warm, accommodating, eager and truly kind souls to work with. In fact, I was touched by the lovely words they wrote, reviewing the clinic, and would like to share them with you as this group clearly demonstrates how kindness nurtures one’s spirit. People are often quick to point out when one makes an error or has a shortcoming, however, very often people are not as prompt in letting a person or animal know that they have done a good job, or are appreciated for what they do – this is an important lesson we must all learn, remember and practice faithfully – pay kindness forward. Enjoy the review:

The Equine Massage Therapy clinic that was held today at Hope Valley was phenomenal.  I wish you all could have attended, because I am sure you would have come away with at least one piece of useful information to help your equine friends.  Denise Bean-Raymond from Exclusive Equestrian Services did a super job of explaining what massage therapy is and is not.  She explained why each horse from the very young to the very old would benefit from it and how we may play an active part in keeping our equine partners functioning at their best.

Using Tigger as her model, Denise gave the group a demonstration of several key areas that may be massaged before and after riding our horses.  Starting from Tigger’s head and moving towards his hind-end, she described the type of movement or lameness you would expect to see in relation to each site.  Denise also explained the different types of pressure that one would use to help break-up any muscle tension found, explaining the importance of us breathing and staying relaxed while we performed the massage.  She also described the responses the horse would exhibit during the massage and true to her word, Tigger responded on cue.

The 2nd half of the clinic involved hands-on for everybody.  The ponies were all brought into the round pen and everybody had a chance to practice finding tight spots on their horse and trying the massage techniques to help soften them.  When tight spots were found it was amazing to see the horse’s response to the massage.  In some instances we even saw muscle tremors, which helped us understand exactly how much congestion was in a particular muscle and “the why” that a particular horse moved the way it did because of it.

The session was so worthwhile.  Denise’s passion for her work shines through with her instruction and the attention that she gave each of us.  I am going see if Denise might do another clinic with us this fall so that those of you that were unable to attend today might be able to do so at a later date.  In the meantime, if you would like to purchase Denise’s book, which is very informative with great illustrations and instruction, you may do so from her website;  http://www.exclusiveequestrianservices.com/
I do have her book if anybody would like to view it beforehand.

We have had some super clinicians this year that have taken the time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge with us.  If you have ideas for others that you would like to see at Hope Valley, please do not hesitate to discuss them with me!

Enjoy your week….it would will be a great week to try some massage on your horse!

- Carolyn Mcevitt

Glastonbury Pony Club/Hebron 4-H Horse Club

Equine muscle tissue begins to stretch within 5 seconds…human muscle tissue begins to stretch after 3o seconds. Therefore, when you stretch your horse’s muscles, begin by holding the posture for a minimal amount of time. As you continue to perform the stretch, and you observe that your horse becomes more flexible, gradually increase the holding period. For example, begin by holding the position for 5 seconds, then after several sessions, maintain the stretch for 7 seconds, slowly increasing to 10 seconds, then 12 seconds, and finally 15 seconds. Do not stretch the muscle for longer than 20 seconds, as you could initiate the onset of cramping due to deficient blood circulation to the nerves, resulting in muscle tightening.

* Ride Well, Be Well & Stay Well *

It is that time of year again…Spring is upon us and with the arrival of this season comes many changes in our horses lives including turn-out schedules, preparation for competitions, increased work sessions, changes in footing and dietary adjustments. That being said, it is advisable to have your saddle evaluated by a professional saddle fitter at least once a year, preferably twice a year. Your horse’s body changes shape, weight and muscle tone throughout the year according to its present lifestyle which is greatly affected by the weather conditions and patterns, especially if you reside in the Northeastern part of the United States. A painful back presents itself in many ways including crankiness when being saddled, grouchiness when rider is mounting, refusing to go forward, difficulty with lateral work, inability to engage, loss of balance, poor jumping, difficulty turning, loss of power, problematic leads, bucking, unbalanced transitions and loss of coordination. Your horse’s change in attitude and/or behavior may be due to discomfort in the back muscles. Please remember to have your saddle fit professionally.

Ride Well, Be Well & Stay Well.

Massaging a horse is a pure therapeutic connection between the animal and the practitioner. A keen awareness must exist within the therapist’s being as to detect the intricate exchange between a muscle in distress and the fingers that unearth discomfort and alleviate it. A true masseuse genuinely possesses an innate essence which encompasses an undying desire to offer healing, comfort and compassion. Equine massage therapy is all about gratitude. Gratitude for such a wondrous creature.

Ride Well, Be Well & Stay Well

Remember…this Sunday!! Bring your horse – stalls are available…call or e-mail to schedule a treatment for your horse after the clinic. Certified Equine Massage/Equine Acupressure therapist Denise Bean-Raymond,  & Dr. Bruce Indek will be hosting a clinic on 04.10.11, at the Plum Grove Equestrian Center, located in Groveland, MA. The clinic will run from 10AM-12PM. Equine Massage Therapy & Equine Chiropractic Therapy will be discussed & demonstrated. Do not miss this opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Denise’s renowned book, ‘The Illustrated Guide to Holistic Care for Horses.” Be sure to take advantage of this local event. All are welcome!!

Ride Well, Be Well & Stay Well!!