Everyone has experienced pain or discomfort from a sore or stiff muscle at one time or another.  It could have been from a fall, lifting something too heavy, over-doing it at the gym, or a new activity or exercise.  When we hurt we can rest, take medication, seek medical advice and care for ourselves as we see fit.  Horses, on the other hand need to rely on us for their well-being.  They cannot say, “man, my back hurts today” or “that training session yesterday made my muscles sore”.  If feeling stiffness, discomfort or pain a horse usually will resist training or forward motion or demonstrate a “sour” attitude.

If your horse has ever demonstrated the following behaviors, he/she may benefit from a sports massage.

Head tossing

“Cold” backed or girthy

Difficulties with coordination

Trouble picking up correct lead

Four beating or cross cantering

Short strided, doesn’t want to go forward

Going “off” for no apparent reason

Resistant to bending