Health Advice – Massage a Horse’s Back

If a horse is suffering from back pain, one great way of alleviating pain is to massage a horse’s back. After hard exercise, a horse can suffer from aching pains and niggling injuries, so taking the time to massage a horse can be a worthwhile exercise. Read this guide to learn more about this area of horse health.

Massage a Horse’s Back – A Step-by-Step Guide

1.    At first, the horse may be a little reluctant to stand still for the massage. Getting the horse to relax can often be the trickiest step in the massage process. If you’re planning a horse massage, make sure a friend is present to assist you with keeping the horse still. Ask your friend to hold the horse with a halter or leap rope to make sure the horse does not react erratically to the situation. Some horses can be extremely sensitive – and it’s important to bear this mind at all times.

2.    Don’t start the massage immediately- you need a couple of minutes to get the horse in a calm state of mind. Start with some simple grooming around the back area. This should ensure the horse takes kindly to the massage and will remove any grit that could obstruct the massage.

3.    Ease into the massage process. Never start at the small of the back – the horse will need coaxing gently that this is a rewarding exercise and not a threat. Begin massaging in a circular motion around the withers area and slowly head towards the croup.

4.    Monitor the horse’s reaction at all times – you’ll be able to recognise the right moment to move the massage onto the back. A lightness of touch is needed for this massage as too much pressure may cause an unnecessary amount of distress for the horse.

5.    As the massage develops, begin to increase the pressure gently – the horse should remain fairly oblivious to changes in the massage. If your horse exhibits any signs of alarm, gently reassure him and lighten the massage.

6.    Finally, take a couple of minutes to massage the spine – this is where much of the pent-up tension can build. Work your fingers in a circular motion to any nooks and crannies in the spine – the secret of any good horse back massage is to ease the stress in the joints.