General Guidelines

• From 6 hours to 2 hours prior to event, approximately a 15-20 minute massage

• From 2 hours to 30 minutes prior to event, 8-10 minute massage

• Prepare the horse physically and psychologically for the event

• Provide a positive attitude for both horse and rider

• Keep techniques brisk and light, general and non-specific

Benefits

• Increase blood flow and tissue temperature

• Increase flexibility and loosen tight joints

• Enhance mental readiness

• Decrease pre-event jitters

• Decrease muscle tension

• Preparatory work for assisted stretching

Intent

• Develop mental and physical sense or readiness

• Invigorate and stimulate

• Increase blood flow to primary muscles

• Aid muscles in working longer and more efficiently

• Complement the athlete's warm-up

Benefits

• Promotes relaxation

• Reduces muscle tension

• Prevents muscle soreness

• Decreases recuperation time and facilitates recovery process

• Prevents cramping

Guidelines

• 48 hours and beyond, Post-event

• I practice an integration of hands-on skills that serve the needs of the horse and the activity he is trained for

• Vigorous body work and range-of-motion/flexibility are applied to Healthy Tissue, common tension patterns in the body that are found from sport to sport, and chronic injuries

• Depends on the horse's needs - a basic session is appropriate - approximately 15-20 minutes

Benefits

• Eliminates soreness by promoting healthy tissue consistency

• Release deep-seated tension patterns

• Separates fibers of muscle and fascia

• Enhanced neuromuscular response, thereby enhancing coordination

Intent

• Bring about full recovery

• Seek out and prevent injuries before they occur

• Address structural problems

• Enhance performance