Have you noticed changes in your horse's behavior or movement—an unwillingness to perform or resistance to aids?

Massage therapy may help.

I like to consider the horse in the same way we view the human athlete. They have the same issues with tightness, soreness, flexibility, mobility, and injury of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Add the requirement that they carry a rider on their back, and that many of us are not able to recognize some very subtle signs, and you end up with injuries that require veterinary care and time off from the show ring, the three day event, the hunt, or even the casual trail ride. Horses are animals of prey and as such, they are stoic as they try to mask any weakness from the common injuries they sustain.

Massage therapy can help alleviate muscular discomfort associated with heavy use, poor saddle fit, or the demands of high level competition. I have yet to see a horse that did not benefit from massage whether it be from releasing tension or actually treating stress points associated with particular muscles. But as with the human athlete, continued care needs to be taken to assure that these muscles are kept in top condition. So, my initial visit includes a thorough evaluation of the horse's musculature and areas of tension, appropriate massage therapy, and recommendations for the owner to help maintain and improve the horse's attitude as well as condition.