what is equine massage therapy?

Massage therapy can be defined as the manipulation of muscles and connective tissue to enhance their functioning in order to promote, maintain and restore physical and mental well-being in the horse. It is a non-invasive approach that incorporates hands-on manual therapy, hydrotherapy and remedial exercise (such as stretching) with the goal of bringing the body towards a state of equilibrium where balanced, fluid, pain-free movement is possible.

Massage therapy is never a substitute for veterinary care, and works best as part of a collaborative approach in which the horse’s vet, rider, trainer and other health-care professionals all work together in order to achieve the best results.