Movement - it's great stuff. The more I move, better I feel. I can't imagine having a desk job - boo, hiss!
I am an amateur athelte. I have been a runner for sixteen years, competed in five half marathons, one full marathon, and oodles of horse shows from age 11 to the present.
I have also had injuries....left knee mainly.
Now, I consider myself to be in rather great shape. HOWEVER, when there is too much running or riding or just plain playing, the old injuries rear their ugly heads.
It's the same thing with horses!!! Betcha ya didn't know I was going to say that!!
BUT! for myself, if I take a little time to relax and stretch my muscles, I am ahead of the game and go on to recover in less time then I would have otherwise.
I do the same for my horses when they have had a particularly hard ride (usually at lessons). I give them a day or two, then a light workout and muscle movement afterwards. Unless the weather is crappy, they also have 24 hour turn-out. Now I know that this is not possible for everyone, but, more movement is always a option. There are ways to get your horse out and about.
Horses are athletes. Treat them like one.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Massage Therapist for Horses??
Sometimes when I tell people I am an Equine Massage Therapist, I get skeptical looks. Massage for "Equines" is still considered ridiculous in many horse speicialities. I call massage a "forward thinking" therapy - it is preventitive as well as healing.
As a bodyworker, I manipulate muscle because I believe in the difference massage can make. I've seen the results on my clients horses and my own horses. Yet, before becoming certified (no not crazy), I would have been out in the skeptical field myself.
The school where I attended was a two month, comprehensive program that covered Shiatsu massage, hoof care, nutrtion, movement, and anatomy. Be aware that many equine massage programs where you can become "certified" are two weeks or less.
My method of massage involves reading the horse and listening to the owner to get clues as to what the horse is dealing with physcially and mentally. Some horses are, surprise, surprise, easier to read and work on then others. However, once the horse "gets it!" the massage session become more and more productive.
Step back and look at your horse. He (or she) is an athlete that works to balance his physical needs of movement with your physical needs of movement. He must compensate for your balance (or lack there of) and move "correctly." Not to mention, deal with a saddle and bridle (hopefully both well-fitted), while you ask him to carry you; something that is NOT natural. Muslces get tired and then muscles get injured.
Now think about. Think about well-moving muscles. Think about healthy muscles. Think about a comfortable horse. Think about Wellness through Movement and Massage.
As a bodyworker, I manipulate muscle because I believe in the difference massage can make. I've seen the results on my clients horses and my own horses. Yet, before becoming certified (no not crazy), I would have been out in the skeptical field myself.
The school where I attended was a two month, comprehensive program that covered Shiatsu massage, hoof care, nutrtion, movement, and anatomy. Be aware that many equine massage programs where you can become "certified" are two weeks or less.
My method of massage involves reading the horse and listening to the owner to get clues as to what the horse is dealing with physcially and mentally. Some horses are, surprise, surprise, easier to read and work on then others. However, once the horse "gets it!" the massage session become more and more productive.
Step back and look at your horse. He (or she) is an athlete that works to balance his physical needs of movement with your physical needs of movement. He must compensate for your balance (or lack there of) and move "correctly." Not to mention, deal with a saddle and bridle (hopefully both well-fitted), while you ask him to carry you; something that is NOT natural. Muslces get tired and then muscles get injured.
Now think about. Think about well-moving muscles. Think about healthy muscles. Think about a comfortable horse. Think about Wellness through Movement and Massage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
