Signs that your horse may be in pain or suffering from muscle soreness might include:
STUMBLING BUCKING REFUSING HEAD TOSSING SWAPPING OR SWITCHING LEADS CHRONIC COLIC EVEN A BAD ATTITUDE!!!
When your horse receives its first massage, an evaluation will take place regarding your horse and his movement extensively for anything that looks suspicious or off balance. At this point, movement is evaluated before taking any history.
A clinical history will be sought from owner, rider and trainer to help evaluate and address the issues you may be having. Most equine clients do best with routine massage therapy at regular intervals, but that doesn't mean every month. You can schedule as often or infrequently as you and your horse's needs arise with attention to shows, injuries and endurance events. Every horse and rider are different and a plan will be implemented that will benefit you both the quickest and most effectively. Any massage therapist should have a history of references and happy clients to provide if asked.
You should be able to ride immediately after the therapy; however, once you see how relaxed your horse is going to be, you may decide not to interrupt him in the "zone". Phone calls and emails from my owners the same day or next day telling me how they can already see the immediate results of the massage work is always appreciated.
At the conclusion of the massage therapy, you will be left with guidelines and tips if you want to work on your horse at intervals between visits.
