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  Discussion on Equine Massage Therepy
Author Message
Member:
evrgreen

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007 - 2:10 am:

I have been told I have a gift for working with animals and it was suggested that I look into Equine message therapy. I have done some research but would like HA input.
Who has the best school out there for credentials? When you call for an ESMT what are you looking for, someone to fix the problem or assist with circumstance? I worry that if I was to certify the area I live in is not ready for a more “patient” approach. I have seen a lot of I want it now mentality, which is destroying horses left and right. For those of you that have used an ESMT what has been your experience with the therapist and what has it done for your horse?
Member:
stevens

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007 - 9:59 am:

Hi Sarah,

A gal at our barn, who was already a human massuese, did a certification program to become an "equine body worker" here in California. I've had her work on 3 different horses and frankly they all loved it. She was very considerate of the individual horse and their needs. She worked on a 32 year old quarter horse, a 14 year old quarter horse and my dutch warmblood. The younger qh and the warmblood both knocked her off a mounting block pressing back into her as she worked on their backs and butts.

In all honesty, I look at it the same way I look at getting a massage myself. It's a nice relaxing thing, but not something I do on a regular basis. Actually, the horses have had many more massages then me. Since I only have the warmblood now, and he's laid up, I'll probably call her more often just to help keep him from stiffening up too much during his lay up.

Some of the jumper types have her work on their horses at least once a month.

Good Luck!

Chris
Member:
mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007 - 3:17 pm:

I've had some of our horses treated by an equine massuese. When a horse has been injured they often get stiff and sore on the opposite side or in their neck from walking differently. The message really seems to help them, imo. Also, I use some Tellington-Jones techniques when a horse is nervous or stressed out due to new surroundings, pain, etc. It seems to help them calm down, and in cases of mile colic often is the only treatment needed. I know a lot of other people that use massueses also. I noticed that at the World Cup in Last Vegas (where I was grooming) some of the trainers had various types of massueses working on the horses.
Member:
chrism

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007 - 10:54 pm:

As an ESMT, I find I am called in for all sorts of reasons.

I make sure the client has his/her vet involved if the horse has a specific issue and it isn't just a routine massage to keep things in good working order.

Many clients hope to gain a competitive edge and improve their horse's performance using regular massage. This is especially true in the racing world.

Others are helping their horse recover from injuries and the vet has recommended massage. It is important to understand what the injury is and if the vet has any specific recommendations in these cases.

I always do a "full body massage." I often find that there are sore "compensating" areas that I find as I work through my massage that wouldn't have been worked without a full body massage.

I write a full report at the end, marking the more sensitive areas. If something is appropriate to do before my next visit, I will teach my client.

I was taught by a student (who founded a school and tests/certifies her successful graduates) of Jack Meagher who wrote Beating Muscle Injuries. He is considered the "father" of ESMT.

I find giving a good massage can be tiring and can only do so many a day/week without feeling it in my own body. I would not want to rely on it for my only source of income. Additionally, it might be one of the luxuries a horse owner decides against if their budget is being blown by unexpected expenses.

Because I do not rely on the income to eat, I do have the freedom to be very honest with my clients re recommended frequency, etc. and can tailor a specific plan for their horses needs.

Cheers.
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