The History of Equine Massage
- According to the Equine Sports Massage Association, equine sports massage is the therapeutic use of professional sports massage techniques applied to the horse. Horse massage requires a thorough understanding of horse anatomy and the ability to look at the horse as a whole and consider all possible causes and effects of tension while interpreting the horse's reactions and expressions. Equine massage can help keep a horse's muscles healthy, strong and supple. Massage after exertion minimizes stiffness and speeds repair to tissue damaged by physical stress and fatigue.
- Meagher went on to develop the Wilson Meagher Method of Equine Sports Massage with Jo-Ann Wilson. The method combines Meagher's sports massage with Wilson's specific knowledge of soft tissue applications, biomechanics and conditioning. The method includes an anatomically accurate series of soft tissue techniques based on the biomechanics of a horse's motion. The Wilson Meagher Method also deals with a horse's strength and conditioning and how tack (saddle and other equipment) can contribute to muscle problems, decreased range of motion and compromised performance.
- In addition to the Wilson Meagher Method, other methods of equine massage include Equissage, established in 1989 by Mary A. Schreiber, who claims that her Equissage Certificate Program in Equine Sports Massage Therapy was the first to offer actual certification in horse massage.
- Today, training in equine massage is widely available for both professional massage therapists and for horse owners and trainers. Depending on the depth of the training, it may include horse anatomy and physiology, assessment and evaluation, movement and performance analysis, hands-on techniques and more.
- A certified or registered equine massage therapist may work with veterinarians, coaches, trainers, horse care specialists and horse owners.
