Caroline Bennetts Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Bodyworker
ESMT, MMCp, IAAT, Quad X Equine Rehab Advance Dip, BTMM, LNRT Nerve Release Practitioner,
FEI PET

All horses can benefit from equine bodywork or massage, from cherished family ponies to high-performance competition horses.

Incorporating massage into your horse’s routine—whether during training or pre- and post-competition—helps maintain muscle health, strength, and suppleness. It also prevents atrophy, even during periods of box rest or restricted work. After exertion, massage reduces stiffness, speeds up tissue repair, and alleviates the effects of physical stress and fatigue. Regular maintenance massages keep your horse in peak condition, allowing potential problem areas to be identified and addressed before they impact performance. Additionally, relaxation massages can help manage behavioral issues, fostering trust and strengthening the bond between horse and rider. Passive stretches complement massage by restoring joint and muscle functionality, improving flexibility, and enhancing coordination.

Signs Your Horse May Benefit from Massage:

Benefits of Equine Massage and Stretching Techniques:

• Dislikes grooming

• Exhibits resistances like napping, rearing, refusing, or bucking

• Uneven muscle development or atrophy

• Asymmetry, such as stiffness on one rein or disunited canter

• Hollow-backed or high-headed

• Displays head-shaking or bucking behavior

• Cold-backed when tacked up

• Lacks poll flexion or bend

• Tilts their head or holds their tail to one side

• Uneven stride length

• Behavioral, performance, or temperament changes

• Lameness after a fall or accident (after ruling out other causes)

• Excessive rolling

• Rehabilitation needs following trauma and veterinary referral

• Improves circulation and reduces blood and lymphatic congestion

• Enhances flexibility and performance

• Boosts proprioception (body awareness)

• Aids in injury prevention and recovery

• Improves muscle tone and range of motion

• Relieves adhesions, muscle spasms, and fibrous tissue build-up

• Maintains or restores flexibility and joint health

• Stimulates or calms the nervous system

• Promotes overall well-being and mental relaxation

• Encourages tissue repair and detoxification

• Supports older horses in staying active

• Reduces inflammation in soft tissues

• Improves topline and movement quality

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Massage is a valuable tool for rehabilitation, helping to prevent muscle atrophy (wasting) and supporting recovery after injury. It can also assist with specific challenges like stiffness, lameness, stride length, and jumping ability.

Following your horse’s treatment, I provide a comprehensive report of my visit and provide plan which includes various exercises and techniques you can use between visits to maximize the benefits. Whether your goal is improved performance, relaxation, or recovery, equine bodywork is a powerful way to support your horse's physical and mental well-being.

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