Equine rubdown
Serious athletes generally spend an hour a day on the massage table as part of their training, so it makes sense to treat athletic horses the same way.
Caroline Hamilton and Carol Morley of Sporthorse Massage are both holders of the Certificate of Equine Myofunctional Therapy.
Both have completed a year-long course in equine massage
Both masseurs adhere to a holistic approach to muscle and tendon care, taking lifestyle, management, tack, shoeing, teeth and nutrition into account.
Caroline spoke to AustralAsian Stable Manager about the business, maintaining there are very few situations where massage will not benefit a horse.
"We don't massage any areas of inflammation, as the problem might spread or worsen," she explained.
"Massage is most beneficial before, after and during competition."
A pre-competition massage takes about 20 minutes, and is designed to warm up the muscles allowing the horse more stretch and energy.
"Stretch refers to the expansion of the muscles and tendons, where any restriction may affect the horse's performance," Caroline added.
According to Caroline, a remedial massage usually lasts from 60 to 90 minutes.
"We might perform up to six massages on the horse, and then teach the owner some techniques so they can continue the treatment."
Caroline believes serious sporthorses can benefit from a monthly massage.
By thoroughly working over the horse's body, a masseur can often pick up heat or muscular "knots" and treat them before they deteriorate.
And if you're wondering how a horse reacts to a remedial rubdown, the answer is simple.
"They react very well," Caroline says, "excited horses relax and calm down, and generally become very communicative."
Sporthorse Massage caters for all breeds and disciplines of horse.
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We all know how relaxing a good massage is, particularly after playing sport or a stressful day.
at the Melbourne National College of Traditional Medicine.
Sporthorse Massage also offers remedial massage for horses with an injury, or in recovery.