Sports
Massage is best applied before exercise. AFTERCARE INFORMATION
Sports
Massage is best applied before exercise.
By making the muscles pliable through massage, it is easier for the rider to work out a problem.
It is ideal if the exercise can be incorporated within 2 hours following the massage session.
If
the massage occurs following exercise it is advisable for someone to hand walk
or hand jog the healthy sound horse afterwards for 10 to 15 minutes.
 |
The
animal may also be withdrawn or quieter than normal |
|
A
regular supply of water is needed as animals may drink more; this helps to flush
out any toxins within the body. |
|
The
animal should be only lightly worked please see suggested post massage workout
on the treatment day and, depending on the specific animal, so many days after
treatment, progressively building back to normal regimes and work loads. |
|
Follow
up treatment may be needed and can be planned with Dawn on the day of treatment.
|
WORKING
YOUR HORSE AFTER A MASSAGE
1
Begin walking the entire long and short sides of the school / arena for five to
ten minutes.
2.
Try positioning the head and neck slightly (using legs and seat) to the inside
for a few strides, back to the center a few strides, then outside for a few
strides. Do this without interrupting the rhythm and without tension. Straighten
for a while then repeat. Do this on both reins / in both directions.
3.
Pick up the trot and remain on the rail / track for the same period of time
about five to ten minutes. On the short side bring your horse back to the walk.
Resume trotting on the long sides. Change the rein / direction and repeat the
trot work.
4.
Repeat the head and neck positioning at the trot work. Again remember not to
disrupt the rhythm walk when necessary.
5.
Begin work on the twenty-meter circle at the trot. Change the rein / direction
and repeat.
6.
Begin a serpentine of three loops at the trot but walk over the centerline.
Change the rein / direction and repeat.
7.
Now begin another serpentine of three loops with no walk transitions over the centerline. Change the rein / direction and repeat.
8.
Free walk using the whole school / arena then take up working trot. Pick up
canter.
9.
In your interval canter work, begin using the whole arena and then work some
large 20 – meter circles. Canter on both reins / in both directions.
10.
Try some head and neck positioning in canter. Repeat this at the other gaits but
think more ‘shoulder fore’.
11.
Depending on the level of fitness and capabilities vary the work by adding other
figures. Try some 15-meter half circles and returning to the rail / track,
spiral in, change of bend, and leg yields.
12.
Cool down for at least 15 minutes in the walk and trot. If it was a hard
workout, trot for half of your cool down period
Remember
that the work after the massage session should be kept as soft, free and
non-restrictive as possible. Avoid working in tight circles, and any long
periods of collection. Allow the horse to stretch downward and long during your
workout for short periods of time. As with any exercise or movement, do not
overdo it.
Post
Massage workout from Manual Foundation course in Equine Body Work Debranne
Pattillo
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A BODY WORK
SESSION
