Sports Horse
Massage
Certified by Equissage
Alice Gipps - ESMT
Equine Sports Massage Therapist
'Sports massage helps enhance general wellness, achieve peak performance and prevent injury'
ABOUT
Alice has a BSc (Hons) degree in Equine Science and Thoroughbred Management.
After University her photography took off and she followed a career as a polo and fine art photographer, however, she has always continued to be hugely involved with horses which were a passion since childhood.
Having bred and trained her own polo ponies to a high level, Alice has found that to play consistently at the top of their ability, alongside paying close attention to correct saddle fitting, feeding and shoeing, equine massage can significantly contribute to peak performance.
Inspired by the equine massage therapists and body workers who helped her own ponies when they were not performing at their full potential, Alice decided to further her own knowledge and travelled to the USA for an equine sports massage therapy course. There she was trained and certified by Equissage California as a professional Equine Sports Massage Therapist (ESMT).
Benefits for the Horse
Sports massage aims to find areas of pain and restore them to their natural state
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Reduces muscle tightness which increases range of movement
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Relaxes muscle spasms and increases circulation
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Promotes healing by increasing flow of nutrients to the muscles
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Reduces inflammation
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Stimulates the lymphatic system and excretes toxins
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Releases endorphins – natural pain killers
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Prevents further injury which could lead to major issues
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Can improve behaviour
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Enhanced performance and muscle tone
Equine Sports Massage F.A.Q's
~ The absolute best protection you can have is prevention ~
Does my horse need massage
If you suspect that your horses behaviour or training difficulties could be due to any musculoskeletal discomfort it may well help the problem. It can also be used to maintain optimum performance and prevent injury in the sports horse before any problems arise.
Will it Help Performance
Yes, one of the major benefits of equine sports massage is that it can enhance performance. Massage is not a cure all, but scientific evidence shows that it can help relieve symptoms of pain and discomfort, enhance performance, range of movement and produce relaxation. Equine sports massage can also help minimise stiffness post competition.
how to prepare
Ensure that your horse is clean and dry and that he/she can be treated in a stable or somewhere dry. The first treatment will require a handler for assistance.
Notes of when your farrier and dentist last visited your horse will be handy as well as when the saddle fit was last checked. I may also want to look at the saddle and the horse in motion.
IMPORTANT - under the requirements of The Veterinary Act 1966, any Equine Sports Massage Therapist will need permission to proceed from the client’s veterinarian prior to a massage session.
What to Expect
Sessions can take anywhere between 30 minutes and one hour. If the horse is sore it may take a while for him to relax and enjoy it. Several sessions in the first week may be required for reactive horses.
The horse will start to relax, lick, chew, yawn as toxins are released.
If the problem is muscle related, massage WILL help, although it may take up to three massage sessions to see a difference.
Only veterinarians are allowed to diagnose any disease or illness so legally I am unable to diagnose which means I will suggest contacting a vet if I find something. Often there will be inter-linkage between other health professionals as well to restore optimum health for the individual concerned such as communication with your farrier, trainer/instructor, groom/yard manager, physiotherapist, chiropractor, nutritionist, saddler & any other professionals involved will often be advised.
After Care
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Always offer water.
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Straight after take the horse for a brisk walk in hand or light ridden exercise to stretch the muscles.
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Generally you will not need to give your horse time off after a massage. Many people use massage as the perfect warm up for schooling, training or pre-competition.
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If there has been any muscular tension, spasm etc. felt, to gain optimum benefit, I may need to see your horse more than once. Performance horses benefit greatly from regular equine sports massage sessions.