06/02/2026
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO EQUINE MASSAGE
For an educated and skilled equine massage therapist, it's critically important to know when massage should NOT be done.
It's also important for owners to know when massage should not be done. In the following cases, a veterinarian consultation, guidance and/or approval is required for the health and safety of the horse:
π« When a mare is pregnant, especially during the first and last trimester. Massage can trigger pre-term labor.
π« When a horse's temperature is over 102Β°F or 39Β°C.
π« When a horse is in shock.
π« When there is an open or healing wound.
π« When there is acute trauma or injury.
π« When a horse is on stall rest.
π« When a horse has cancer.
π« When a horse has a skin condition with the potential to spread.
π« When a horse has an infectious disease.
A veterinarian needs to be consulted in all of the above situations.