Equine Sports and Remedial Massage therapy, is fast becoming accepted as a necessary part of the equine care. Being true to its status as a ‘complementary therapy’, it provides treatment that works highly effectively alongside conventional veterinary science, and other therapies.

It also forms an excellent health link between rider, farrier, equine dentist and saddler, working together to isolate and rectify any problems that may impact on a horse’s muscular-skeletal system. These issues may have been borne from injury or other biomechanical constraints, e.g. a badly fitting saddle which can impact negatively on the horse’s ability to perform effectivel

Remedial massage can typically help to release a spasm, prevent or manage secondary problems due to muscular problems, as well as promote healing. It can also improve flexibility of tissues and joints, reduce muscular tension and soreness, aid the removal of metabolic waste and speed recovery from injury or illness.

Muscles and soft tissues are connected by a complex neurological system; by the application of superficial and deep massage you can affect / improve both the site of application and surrounding area. A trained equine masseur will have an excellent knowledge of the horse’s anatomy and physiology, along with the hands on skill to identify issues by observation and feel.

The sensitivity of the masseur can isolate and positively change surrounding structures that can at times be missed or overlooked. This can be due to the horses’ perception of pain giving false impressions of where the issue lies.

The horse relies on a complex continuous ‘muscular chain mechanism’ for movement and even a small change can have a massive detrimental effect on their biomechanics. Massage can release spasm and therefore facilitate change; this can then positively influence the horses’ musculo-skeletal health and soundness. Together with the use of passive stretching it can have a huge impact on joint credibility by affecting the connective tissue within the joint so as to promote change and healing.

Galen therapists work holistically with both the horse and rider to help them to achieve a balanced partnership, which is required for a long a productive life. This is important as all possible reasons for in-balance must be addressed, which may lie in the symmetry of the rider as well as the horse.

Charges for a consultation and treatment are £40 plus travel costs.

Equine massage therapy does not replace veterinary medicine, or act as a diagnostic tool. Your veterinary surgeon will be consulted prior to any therapy. You should consult your veterinary surgeon with specific questions and for a diagnosis of your animal’s health.