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"she takes a good deal of time to get to know the horse and create a relationship."
Why should I consider this therapy for my horse?
The health benefits of Massage Therapy include but are not limited to:
Increased circulation improving healing time of wounds and injuries
Stimulates Lymphatic system
Promotes the flow of nutrients to the muscles thus eliminating waste and toxins.
Increases range of motion & suppleness
Reduces muscle spasms
Enhances muscle tone
Lengthens connective tissue
Reduces inflammation and swelling of joints
Increases production of synovial fluid for joint health
Reduces stress encouraging relaxation
What is equine sports massage therapy?
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Equine Sports Massage is a hands on treatment to the muscular system that reduces muscle pain and other symptoms associated with muscle dysfunction. Like us, horses develop restrictions and tension in their bodies due to the physical demands we ask of them. These restrictions can go unnoticed for some time before manifesting into issues such as loss of impulsion, reduced performance, head tossing, sore back, shortened stride, incorrect and/or swapping of leads, inability to maintain gaits, girthing issues, bucking, and behavior concerns. Sixty percent of a horse’s body weight is muscle. Sore and tight muscles are not healthy muscles. Unhealthy muscles restrict blood supply, oxygen, and nutrients causing the muscle to become tight, painful and unable to perform its job. This will affect attached and surrounding muscles throwing the horse out of balance and will cause compensation throughout the body. Sports massage helps to break this cycle through stimulation by introducing new blood and healthy levels of oxygen to promote muscle health and healing. If massage therapy is used as part of a horse’s normal maintenance regiment, rather than waiting to treat muscle injuries after they happen, the owner and therapist can get ahead of the potential issues. Used as a preventative, massage can help to reduce the likelihood of injury by maximizing the range of motion and decreasing muscular restrictions.
Sports massage supports healthy biomechanical movement by addressing the whole body of the horse. It allows all of the muscles to work together in unison giving the horse the ability to use its body the way it was designed.
What kind of training do your massage therapists' have?
Our massage therapists are certified from Equissage, which is the leading Sports Massage training facility in the USA and/or other approved IAAMB or NBCAAM certification programs. We also participate in several continuing educational programs each year centered around the enhancement of our massage & bodywork skills as they relate to all facets of horse health.
Are you insured?
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Yes, we carry full liability insurance on all of our therapists.
How do I go about scheduling an appointment?
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You can contact us directly at CTEQUINEMASSAGE@yahoo.com or call/text us at
203-430-4092.
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What does a massage session cost?
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The cost depends on where you are located. Fees within Connecticut usually run between $85 and $115 per visit. Out of state clients are charged through private treaty. We also offer group discounts for multiple horses at a single location.
Can you perform massage on a sick or injured horse?
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It depends on the horse and the injury or illness. In most cases, we ask that your vet gives us clearance to work on your horse.
Do I have to be there when my horse receives a massage?
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No you do not have to be present. However, it is helpful if you are there for the first appointment. Not only will your horse be more comfortable with you there, most owners enjoy watching the process and seeing the reactions from their horse. It also gives us an opportunity to talk about issues we find while we are working on your horse.
Is there anything I should do in preparation for the massage?
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Yes, your horse should be clean and dry when the therapist arrives. Please have a bucket of water and a flake of hay readily available, and decide where your horse will be most comfortable for the massage. Usually a quiet low traffic spot works best.
Is there a good or bad time to have a massage?
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We encourage owners to not schedule an appointment around feeding time. Your horse will most likely be too distracted and be difficult to work on for the therapist.
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Can I get the same massage therapist for subsequent appointments?
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Yes, just request the therapist you would like to use when you schedule the appointment.
What should I do if I have to cancel an appointment?
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Please just give us a call as early as possible.
Can I safely massage my own horse?
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Yes. We offer massage clinics specifically to teach horse owners basic massage techniques.