Frequently Asked Questions
Why should a horse be massaged?
A horse’s body weight is 60% muscle. If one muscle is out of balance, it will cause others to be out
of balance, too. The goal of massage is to achieve as much balance as possible.
My horse’s neck muscles are very tense; will you massage just his neck?
The answer will always be no. Massage is all about balance [see previous question]. If the tension
is released in one area, the problem is not fixed. The therapist would just be aiding in the
unbalance of the muscles and therefore causing more problems. A full body massage, consisting of
25 muscle groups, will be done each and every time.
My mare is pregnant; can she still have a massage?
Yes, absolutely. If you’re a mother you know what it feels like to be pregnant. A massage is a
great relief. If you’re not a mother, just know and respect that expecting mothers, equine and
otherwise, are uncomfortable, to say the least. Massage will help, it feels good. Besides just feeling
good, it will increase circulation, helping to reduce swollen joints and increase the release of
endorphins, the body’s natural pain killer.
Is there a time my horse should not be massaged?
Yes. When a horse is in shock or has a fever the therapist will not perform a massage. Massage
lowers the heart rate and increases circulation. A horse that is in shock already has a low heart
rate. Massage might lower it further, increasing the severity of the situation. A horse that has a
fever has a fever for a reason. By increasing circulation massage could aid in spreading whatever
may be causing the fever making the situation worse.
Are there times when massage can really help?
Yes. A horse with colic can most definitely benefit. The massage will help to relax the muscles
until the vet arrives, keeping the horse more comfortable and slowing the effects. Also, if a horse
“ties-up” a massage is a good thing to do until the vet arrives. When horses “tie-up”, the muscles
are very tense and cramping, massage will help to stop the cramping and cause the muscles to
relax and release the tension.
Please note: a massage does not take the place of veterinary care.
What kinds of horses benefit from massage?
Every kind! Horses of all shapes and sizes benefit. Olympic horses to pasture ornaments,
miniature horses to shires, they all benefit everyday from massage. Colts and fillies to seniors
benefit as well. It is a great way to get young horses used to being touched everywhere. Older
horses often have trouble getting around, maybe from arthritis or just from old age and like the
pregnant mare, massage provides relief.
Why is it called equine “sports” massage?
There are many different kinds of massage available to you and your horse. Sports massage is
intended to enhance a horse’s performance. It is a deep massage that promotes muscle tone,
flexibility and strength. Perhaps you think your pasture ornament or trail buddy won’t benefit,
but just because your horse is not as active as it used to be does not mean it won’t benefit from a
“sports” massage. All horses are active, they all run and play, and work. All of this action is
considered “sports” action.
My horse is healthy and in shape, would he still benefit from massage?
Yes, especially if you want him to stay that way. Many athletes, equine and human, use massage
as a preventive measure. If muscles are flexible, strong and toned they are less susceptible to
injury. We have yet to meet a horse owner who would not do everything he could to help prevent
injury to his horse(s).
What can I expect from my therapist and what can I do before you arrive?
We ask every owner to be present for the horse’s first massage. After that, together we will
evaluate if you need to be there every time. Before we arrive, grooming your horse is a good idea.
Dirt, mud and excess hair (shedding) get in the way of the massage process. Also, take your
horses temperature, if the horse has a fever, we will not be able to massage him/her. We prefer a
quiet area to work; therefore a busy barn with lots of distractions is not ideal. Cross ties are the
best option for the location of the massage; however we can also tie a horse in the stall. The owner
may hold the horse if absolutely necessary. For the first massage, the therapist will do a one
minute evaluation of the horse. This allows us to judge how much pressure to use and gives the
horse an idea of what is going to happen. The massage itself takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. After the
massage the horse needs to be walked briskly for at least 5 minutes. This will continue to release
the toxins. If this step is not done, all the toxins that were released during the massage will just
build in the muscles again. In order for the massage to be beneficial, it is very important for them
to be released.
Do you have to be a veterinarian to massage horses?
No. In the state of Pennsylvania, there are no regulations regarding equine massage. It is
considered animal husbandry, not veterinary medicine. As a responsible horse owner, you should
always check the credentials of every person you have working with your horse. Not only do you
not have to be a vet, you also don’t have to be certified to practice massage. Our therapists are
certified by Equissage and are members of the International Association of Animal Massage
Therapists. We strive to be the best we can be and are always looking for ways to increase our
knowledge. Our clients can rest assured we are more than qualified to work on your horses.
Do you use any aids or devices during the massage?
No, we only use our hands. Quote from the World Federation of Alternative Therapies:
"The accumulating data of science continues to
support the bonding and therapeutic superiority
of hands-on animal/human massage interaction
over those modalities which incorporate the use
of anxiety-generating, alien mechanical devices."
How far do you travel?
We haven’t found a place that is too far away yet! We have traveled to Lancaster, York, Berks,
Bucks, Cumberland, Dauphin and Montgomery Counties. We are now available in Pittsburgh and
the surrounding area. When it comes to locations more than 45 minutes from zip codes 17578 and
15220, we do ask for clients to try to schedule at least two horses per visit, but it is not necessary.
We will still come, so don’t fret! Our mentor, Mary Schreiber of Equissage, set a goal to massage
every horse in the world. While we may not be able to do that, we are willing to massage every
horse we can get our hands on!
Have a different question? Click here to contact us and get an answer.
A horse’s body weight is 60% muscle. If one muscle is out of balance, it will cause others to be out
of balance, too. The goal of massage is to achieve as much balance as possible.
My horse’s neck muscles are very tense; will you massage just his neck?
The answer will always be no. Massage is all about balance [see previous question]. If the tension
is released in one area, the problem is not fixed. The therapist would just be aiding in the
unbalance of the muscles and therefore causing more problems. A full body massage, consisting of
25 muscle groups, will be done each and every time.
My mare is pregnant; can she still have a massage?
Yes, absolutely. If you’re a mother you know what it feels like to be pregnant. A massage is a
great relief. If you’re not a mother, just know and respect that expecting mothers, equine and
otherwise, are uncomfortable, to say the least. Massage will help, it feels good. Besides just feeling
good, it will increase circulation, helping to reduce swollen joints and increase the release of
endorphins, the body’s natural pain killer.
Is there a time my horse should not be massaged?
Yes. When a horse is in shock or has a fever the therapist will not perform a massage. Massage
lowers the heart rate and increases circulation. A horse that is in shock already has a low heart
rate. Massage might lower it further, increasing the severity of the situation. A horse that has a
fever has a fever for a reason. By increasing circulation massage could aid in spreading whatever
may be causing the fever making the situation worse.
Are there times when massage can really help?
Yes. A horse with colic can most definitely benefit. The massage will help to relax the muscles
until the vet arrives, keeping the horse more comfortable and slowing the effects. Also, if a horse
“ties-up” a massage is a good thing to do until the vet arrives. When horses “tie-up”, the muscles
are very tense and cramping, massage will help to stop the cramping and cause the muscles to
relax and release the tension.
Please note: a massage does not take the place of veterinary care.
What kinds of horses benefit from massage?
Every kind! Horses of all shapes and sizes benefit. Olympic horses to pasture ornaments,
miniature horses to shires, they all benefit everyday from massage. Colts and fillies to seniors
benefit as well. It is a great way to get young horses used to being touched everywhere. Older
horses often have trouble getting around, maybe from arthritis or just from old age and like the
pregnant mare, massage provides relief.
Why is it called equine “sports” massage?
There are many different kinds of massage available to you and your horse. Sports massage is
intended to enhance a horse’s performance. It is a deep massage that promotes muscle tone,
flexibility and strength. Perhaps you think your pasture ornament or trail buddy won’t benefit,
but just because your horse is not as active as it used to be does not mean it won’t benefit from a
“sports” massage. All horses are active, they all run and play, and work. All of this action is
considered “sports” action.
My horse is healthy and in shape, would he still benefit from massage?
Yes, especially if you want him to stay that way. Many athletes, equine and human, use massage
as a preventive measure. If muscles are flexible, strong and toned they are less susceptible to
injury. We have yet to meet a horse owner who would not do everything he could to help prevent
injury to his horse(s).
What can I expect from my therapist and what can I do before you arrive?
We ask every owner to be present for the horse’s first massage. After that, together we will
evaluate if you need to be there every time. Before we arrive, grooming your horse is a good idea.
Dirt, mud and excess hair (shedding) get in the way of the massage process. Also, take your
horses temperature, if the horse has a fever, we will not be able to massage him/her. We prefer a
quiet area to work; therefore a busy barn with lots of distractions is not ideal. Cross ties are the
best option for the location of the massage; however we can also tie a horse in the stall. The owner
may hold the horse if absolutely necessary. For the first massage, the therapist will do a one
minute evaluation of the horse. This allows us to judge how much pressure to use and gives the
horse an idea of what is going to happen. The massage itself takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. After the
massage the horse needs to be walked briskly for at least 5 minutes. This will continue to release
the toxins. If this step is not done, all the toxins that were released during the massage will just
build in the muscles again. In order for the massage to be beneficial, it is very important for them
to be released.
Do you have to be a veterinarian to massage horses?
No. In the state of Pennsylvania, there are no regulations regarding equine massage. It is
considered animal husbandry, not veterinary medicine. As a responsible horse owner, you should
always check the credentials of every person you have working with your horse. Not only do you
not have to be a vet, you also don’t have to be certified to practice massage. Our therapists are
certified by Equissage and are members of the International Association of Animal Massage
Therapists. We strive to be the best we can be and are always looking for ways to increase our
knowledge. Our clients can rest assured we are more than qualified to work on your horses.
Do you use any aids or devices during the massage?
No, we only use our hands. Quote from the World Federation of Alternative Therapies:
"The accumulating data of science continues to
support the bonding and therapeutic superiority
of hands-on animal/human massage interaction
over those modalities which incorporate the use
of anxiety-generating, alien mechanical devices."
How far do you travel?
We haven’t found a place that is too far away yet! We have traveled to Lancaster, York, Berks,
Bucks, Cumberland, Dauphin and Montgomery Counties. We are now available in Pittsburgh and
the surrounding area. When it comes to locations more than 45 minutes from zip codes 17578 and
15220, we do ask for clients to try to schedule at least two horses per visit, but it is not necessary.
We will still come, so don’t fret! Our mentor, Mary Schreiber of Equissage, set a goal to massage
every horse in the world. While we may not be able to do that, we are willing to massage every
horse we can get our hands on!
Have a different question? Click here to contact us and get an answer.
The Perfect Stride
Equine Sports Massage Therapy
Equine Sports Massage Therapy
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