Booking an Equine Sports Massage - What to Expect

What you will need:
It is best to massage in a quiet area that the horse is comfortable in, such as a stall. You will need a well fitting nylon or leather halter and a comfortable lead without a chain.

So that an effective session can occur, please ensure that your horse is clean, dry, and has had an appropriate amount of exercise to be relaxed and comfortable. I can do a massage before or after exercise but not while the horse is eating.

First Session:
This session will usually be the longest, and can last up to 2 hours. We will discuss your concerns and expectations, your horse’s overall history and the treatment approach.

Sessions can be tailored to specific anatomical regions or can include the whole body. I do request that the owner/handler be there to hold the horse and encourage the horse to relax and accept the massage.

Subsequent Sessions:
These usually last about 1 hour and after each session we will discuss any issues I have worked on. I may provide suggestions for follow up ground exercises or stretches that compliment the procedure. The Tellington Jones Method is especially focused on creating a mind-body integration of the nervous system, and there are innumerable benefits to specific exercises that enhance relaxation and build confidence. We will also discuss the benefits of regularly scheduled sessions, or perhaps alternate treatment options (i.e. hydrotherapy) in the case of rehabilitation. The effectiveness of massage therapy, as with all forms of holistic horse care, is greatly enhanced by the owner’s commitment, time and dedication to the overall process.