Gentle ear circles can be incredibly beneficial for your horse and are easy for any owner or massage therapist to do. The ears are packed with nerve endings connected to the entire body, so softly massaging them helps release tension not just in the head, but throughout the horse’s body. It can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and even improve circulation. Plus, ear circles can help your horse feel more comfortable being handled, deepening your bond and trust. It's a simple, calming technique with big benefits
The forelimb abduction stretch is excellent for releasing tension in the pectoral muscles, shoulders, and chest, areas that can become tight from work, posture, or conformation issues. This stretch helps improve range of motion, enhances flexibility, and encourages better balance and symmetry in the horse.
Because it involves careful handling of the limb and precise movements, it’s best performed by a trained massage professional to ensure the stretch is done safely and effectively.
However, there are plenty of other stretches that can be safely demonstrated to owners, helping them to support their horse’s mobility and comfort between sessions.
Hold for 5 to 15 seconds and this can be repeated twice.
Equine myofascial release under the jaw is a gentle yet effective technique to release tension and fascial restrictions in this sensitive area. By lightly holding the tissue with a slight upward pressure, you can help to soften the fascia and encourage the release of tightness that may affect the jaw, neck, and even the shoulders.
This technique helps improve the horse’s range of motion, relieves discomfort, and promotes relaxation. It’s especially useful for horses that may hold tension due to bracing, stress, or dental issues. This simple yet powerful release can help your horse feel more free and comfortable in their movement.
The subclavian release is a beneficial technique for horses that helps to release tension in the muscles and fascia around the shoulder and upper chest area. By applying gentle pressure and then rolling this tissue out and away, which is located just beneath the shoulder, this release helps to improve the horse’s range of motion, ease tightness, and promote better posture.
It can be particularly helpful for horses that experience stiffness or discomfort in the front end, especially after intense exercise or from poor posture. Horses that work on the forehand particularly benefit from this. This technique helps the horse move more freely, with improved fluidity and less strain on the neck and shoulders.
I hold this release gently for up to 30 seconds and may repeat this twice. I also compare both sides to see which side rolls out with less stress or tension.
Finger raking in an upwards motion through the quadriceps and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) is an effective technique for releasing tension in the muscles around the stifle area. By using your fingers to apply gentle, upward strokes, you help to break up tightness in the quadriceps, which play a key role in the movement and stability of the stifle joint.
This technique also targets the TFL, a muscle that can often become tight and restrict movement in the hindquarters. Releasing tension in these areas improves flexibility, enhances mobility, and reduces strain around the stifle, allowing for more fluid and comfortable movement for the horse.
It’s especially helpful for horses that may experience stiffness or discomfort in the hind end after exercise or training. This was an area that carried a lot of tension in a previous clients’ horse of mine that had bilateral unstable patellas.
