Muscle Matters

Equine Massage

Stacey combines her skill and training as a licensed massage therapist for people and a love of animals in her work with horses. She is certified in equine massage from Integrated Touch Therapy®, Inc. in Circleville Ohio. The course, which included animal anatomy, and massage technique and theory, is based on Swedish maintenance massage and pre-event and post-event sports massage for the animal athlete. Clinical application through performance and problem solving were also emphasized.

Benefits of Equine Massage

The benefits of therapeutic massage for people is widely recognized and well documented in a variety of publications and literature. And like people, animals can also experience the same benefits of massage. Whether you have an inactive companion horse, an athletic performance horse, or an aging or rehabilitating horse, your horse will benefit from massage. The healthful benefits of equine massage include:

Corrects muscle imbalances (spasms)
Increases blood flow to the muscles and removal of metabolic waste products
Reduces muscular tension and soreness
Promotes greater flexibility / full range of motion
Relaxes the animal and reduces stress
A horse that acts out of character may be in pain. If the pain is musculoskeletal in nature, easing the pain through massage can help to restore your horse’s usual temperament.

Services and Fees:

General Relaxation Massage

A lengthy and thorough massage from the head to hind-end which includes palpation of specific muscle groups to identify problematic areas, to provide an overall massage, but with an emphasis on affecting release of specific areas of muscular tension. Allow 60-90 minutes for the session. The length of the massage is dictated by the horse and is dependent upon the horse’s muscular condition, tempermant and efficiency in releasing tension. $60 per session.

Pre-Event Massage

A brief, non-specific, quick, and light massage performed within 40 minutes of an event or workshop. It is intended to “warm-up” the horse by bringing blood into the major muscle groups i.e. neck, shoulders, barrel, and hips. (Note: Pre-Event massage is NOT a substitute for the actual physical “warm-up”.)

Pre-Event massage helps muscles work longer and more efficiently by increasing circulation, reducing muscle tension, and increasing the flexibility of tight muscle groups, which can enhance the animal athlete’s overall performance. $30 per session (approx. 20 minutes).

Post-Event Massage

A brief, non-specific, and light massage, similar to the Pre-Event massage, but with an emphasis on techniques which encourage venous and lymphatic circulation. This massage is performed after hard training or competition and is intended to promote general relaxation, to reduce muscle tension and relieve swelling, and help to prevent soreness. The length of recuperation time after a strenuous competition can be reduced with a “warm-down” massage. $30 per session (approx. 20 minutes).

Disclaimer: Massage is not a substitute for veterinary medicine. Consult your Veterinarian with specific questions about your animal’s health and for diagnosis.

Discounts and Specials:

Massage is a valuable therapy for both the horse and the rider! Ask about discounts on therapeutic massage for the rider/owner when your horse receives a massage.

Ask about the group discount available for owners and barns with multiple horses receiving massage.

Scheduling an Appointment:

Please contact Stacey at 508-285-9555 to schedule an appointment or for more information. In the event you must cancel your appointment, please be courteous and allow 24 hours notice.

“Barn calls” are scheduled by appointment 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Sunday–Thursday in Southeastern Massachusetts.

There is a mileage fee of $1.00 per each additional mile for locations beyond a 15 mile radius of Taunton, MA,

Preparation for your horse’s massage:

Please ensure the following requirements are met in preparation for your horse to receive massage:

The horse should be dry and brushed.
Provide a comfortable, quiet area for working, which is free of distractions.
The owner or caregiver must be present to complete a health and informational questionnaire on the horse.
The owner or caregiver must be available to “walk-off” the horse following the massage. (Necessary after the general relaxation massage only).

Note: Most horses enjoy the experience of being touched in this way. However, like people not every horse will be receptive to massage. In the event your horse is not accepting of massage, there will be no charge for the “barn call”.

Equine Massage Instruction for the Owner:

Stacey is available for instructing horse owners how to perform massage on your own horse. Not only will you be taking an active role in your horse’s physical wellness, massage is a great way to enhance the bond between you and your horse.

Private instructional sessions are scheduled with the owner by appointment. Training includes four 1-hour sessions consisting of an overview of the horse’s musculature and application of various techniques. $200 for the four 1-hour sessions.