Senior Horses Aging Gracefully

flexibility in older horses where stability is an important factor in their physical and mental wellbeing a horse that feels unstable feels unsafe. These means less aggressive manipulations of the spine and limbs in favour of gentle movements or lowforce short level manipulations. Gentle bodywork involving stretches without traction is preferable to deep tissue massage or long tractiontype stretching. Stick to a few things you know your horse enjoys and responds to but maybe consider doing them for shorter sessions and with more frequency. Our horses get a full body massage at least once a month but they get gentle stretching sessions and energy work several times a week. I have a veterinary chiropractor who checks them over every six to eight weeks but only adjusts if necessary and never with excessive force.
It is important to recognize that massage is not a substitute for proper veterinary care and a massage practitioner cannot diagnose specific conditions or prescribe treatment for your horse. However they can be an important tool in monitoring your aging horses health. When seeking the services of an animal massage practitioner be sure they are licensed to practice or meet the qualifications required in your region. Or take a basic animal massage class yourself and find out firsthand how massage can improve the bond between you and your best friend.