MASSAGE AN EXPLANATION

Massage is an ancient healing tool. Massage, or “rubbing”, dates back to the origins of man, when the first humans “rubbed” a part of their body with their hands to induce warmth and relieve discomfort.

Massage was not limited to humans. All animals that contributed to their respective cultures were provided care and medical treatment, including rubbing / massage.

The much quoted Greek horseman, Xenophon, whose written work on The Art of Horsemanship 23 Centuries ago, and which still stands the test of time, referred to rubbing the horse as a part of routine grooming

Massage was received in western-based cultures in the 16^th Century by a French physician, Ambroise Pare. It then gained additional validity in the 19^th Century by the work of Per Henrik Ling of Sweden . The work of Ling provided credibility and legitimacy for massage in a changing western society, and many of the basic rules of conduct he established centuries ago are still in place today.

Old Time horsemen, in the early 20^th century, offered wise advice to those who would listen when they discussed the finer points of horse management and care. Hand rubbing was often part of a horseman’s or groom’s daily routine for horses in their ownership or care. Rubbing as applied to horses, was considered a time- honored proven practice to those caregivers on the racetracks, at the hunt clubs and working the family farms. The benefit of friction / massage to the horses skin is demonstrated by observing the effects produced by thoroughly hand-rubbing the legs of a tired horse. While every enlargement subsides, and painful stiffness disappears, and the legs attain their natural warmth, and become fine, the animal evidently and rapidly revives. He attacks his food with appetite, and then quietly lies down to rest.

Animals practice massage on themselves’ and share this practice. We can see everyday examples with our own horses. Have you ever watched a horse rub there leg, even if there is no apparent injury or wound? Is the animal just grooming the leg, or itching their nose, or performing a bit of self massage to relieve stress and /or minor pain? Have you watched horses in a paddock or pasture “nibble” or press on one another’s back all way from the withers to the tail, particularly in the Spring and Autumn Are they just passing the time of day or are they massaging their stablemates back? Animals have a great intuitive sense and, given the chance, will maintain their own wellness and health.

Massage can enhance a bond between the animal and the human. It is a way in which we can honor and respect the horse through a hands on manner that can be easily interpreted in a positive way by the animal. In addition massage can be a tool to establish a basis for trust and can educate or re-educate a horse as to the value of human touch and interaction

Thanks to

Patricia Whalen-Shaw M.A./L.M.T.

Equissage for the above information

EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A BODY WORK SESSION  

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO MASSAGE