Equine Massage...

[Luv 2 Trot]

I learned a few equine massage techniques today. One of the boarders at the barn is taking a course about equine massage and was practicing on her horse. I was watching very intently and she tought me what she knew. Like how to identify the tight spots and where the more common places are for horses who do specific disciplines (ie Dressage-neck, back, shoulder). I took what i learned and tried it on Toby. We found a tight spot in his neck and a small one on the shoulder.
It is really a neat thing. I am going to look more into it and see what its all about. Also, i am going to ask her to show me what all she learns so i can do it with Toby. :D

Has anyone else done or looked into Equine Massage for there 4 legged friend?

[Bay Mare]

I've just signed up to do an 'Equine Touch' (http://www.theequinetouchuk.com/) course which isn't a massage course but is gentle form of bodywork.

I'd like to learn some massage techniques too but have got so much else on my list of things to do and not enough time or money :(

[baxter]

bay mare, i had an equine touch session on my horse a few weeks ago, was impressed, and he seemed to enjoy it!:D

[eventerbabe]

i had this lady out to my horses last month
www.physicalfengshui.com
Horse had a sports massage which not only released tension in his back end and shoulder, but has improved his way of going no end. pony had a reiki session with the same lady. was fascinating and i'm signed up to learn reiki later this year. a very worthwhile exercise.

[Ginger Thing]

I'm just finishing off the last few bits of coursework then I'll be a qualified equine sports massage therapist - it's great and I've learned soooo much about all things horse-related. Its so nice to be able to help a horse and see an improvement - just had a lady tell me her horse has stopped being 'girthy' after 10 YEARS with just a few treatments!

[Bay Mare]

bay mare, i had an equine touch session on my horse a few weeks ago, was impressed, and he seemed to enjoy it!:D

I'm glad to hear that :) I've sent my deposit off so I'm committed now. I hadn't come across it before though I had heard good things. It's still a bit of a leap of faith though!

I'm just finishing off the last few bits of coursework then I'll be a qualified equine sports massage therapist - it's great and I've learned soooo much about all things horse-related. Its so nice to be able to help a horse and see an improvement - just had a lady tell me her horse has stopped being 'girthy' after 10 YEARS with just a few treatments!

Well done :) I remember you starting on that, I remember you looking for courses!

How long did it take you? Looks like another 'to do' is about to be added to my ever increasing list .... all of them coming under 'win lottery' and 'meet and marry a gorgeous, rich hunk' :D

[Ginger Thing]

How long did it take you?

Started in October 2004, so 18 months so far - have to complete within 2 years. Have also been doing human massage evening class at local college since September, and only have a few weeks left of that, so will have lots more spare time over the summer :D

Luv 2 trot - it really is worth doing, its so beneficial to the horse, Toby will appreciate it!

[Bob's mum]

Hi Ginger thing

Which equine massage course did you do ? I am a qualified human therapist and have been looking at equine courses but can't make a decision :confused:

[virtuallyhorses]

I've done an initial course and have been performing more and more massage lately - am due to go on the stage 2 course in June.

Which training course\certification did you decide on Ginger Thing?

[Ginger Thing]

I did the diploma course with the Institute of Complementary Animal Therapies

www.theicat.co.uk

[Luv 2 Trot]

Wow, i didnt think there would be so many positive replies! :)

Do you know of any good books that may be worth looking into or websites?

[virtuallyhorses]

Equine Massage : A Practical Guide by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt is very good. There's nothing like getting practical instruction and experience though.