07/24/2026
Why is equine massage a beneficial means of equine maintenance and preventative care?
Massage is a non-invasive, hands-on manipulation of the muscular system of the horse, making it an effective tool for whole-horse rehabilitation, maintenance, and prevention of injury.
Benefits of equine massage therapy are as follows, but not limited to:
• Reduced cortisol levels
• Improvement of the fascia
• Improvement of the circulatory system
• Improvement of proprioceptive function
• Improvement of the lymphatic system
• Overall reduction of bodily pain and tension
• Reduced compensation patterns
• Reduced stress concentrated on joints, tendons, and ligaments
• Reduced presentation of conflict behaviors, ie. Tail swishing, head-tossing, grinding of the teeth, excessive movement of the mouth, refusal of forward movement, etc.
Horses who receive regularly scheduled massage have been noted to have a greater range of motion throughout the body, less overall tension, lowered levels of stress, and reduced muscle fatigue following exercise.
Equine massage therapists should be well-trained and receive certification prior to treating patients. Obtaining proper credentials and completing specialized programs designed to allow practitioners to develop a feel for correct and incorrect anatomy is vital. Your equine massage therapist should be well-versed in equine anatomy, equine behavior, the subtleties of equine communication, as well as how the equine facilitates specific groups of muscles in combination with the skeletal system, neurological system, and other nuanced aspects of equine development.
Using hands-on therapies in horses allows those facilitating the treatment to appreciate changes in the horse's body as a whole, which can be helpful in diagnosing areas in which the horse may be struggling physically or mentally. Regularly assessing the overall health of the muscular system and fascia is a great way to prevent injury before it occurs and to address issues that handlers or caretakers may not detect on their own.
We at Absolution Equine greatly value equine massage, as we have observed its many benefits firsthand.
Our long-standing resident, Redd, has received regularly scheduled massage therapy for a total of five years. Throughout these years, we have noticed many changes within Redd’s physicality and mental health.
Historically, Redd has had issues with restricted fascia throughout the body as well as tightened muscles in her gluteal region and along her top-line. With equine massage, hoof rehabilitation, and physical therapies intended for improved proprioceptive cognizance, Redd has truly blossomed. Within the last two years specifically, we have noted that Redd no longer holds significant tension throughout the body, has supple, non-restricted fascia, is more receptive to hands-on treatment, has developed a positive connection to massage and relaxation of the nervous system, and travels more comfortably altogether.
Additionally, another resident of ours, Michael, has been treated with equine massage to improve lymphatic function and promote the movement of lymphatic fluid when he has been observed with lymph pooling in the lower limbs.
Overall, equine massage therapy is an incredibly useful form of physical therapy for the equine! We are thankful for the wonderful providers that have worked with us, including Mikayla Songin with Whole Horse Health & Wellness and Shermane Morales with Equus Harmony, LLC.
