How can you tell if your horse would like a massage? Just ask! Every species, human or animal enjoys the effects of massage. Massage improves circulation, breaks up adhesions, and stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins from the body. Plus, it feels really good. Pre ride massage helps supple and prepare the body for work. Post ride massage helps relieve strained muscles and reduce swelling.
Massage can improve your horses attidude Ever go to work with a crick in your neck or a headache? You probably didn't feel much like working. And did so unhappily. Horses suffer from headaches and knotted muscles just like people do. Many behavioral problems can be linked to discomfort.
~Unwilling to change leads or collect ~ Head Throwing ~ Cold Back ~ Unliwilling to turn one dierction ~ Unwilling to Perform
Other benefits of Massage Trailering
Massage before and after trailering can ease the stress and sorness horses often experience during trailering. After all emotional stress associated with trailering weakens the immune system making your horse more vulnerable to shipping fever.(Equus 270) * you should not rely solely on massage to prevent shipping fever, take all necessiary precautions. Navicular disease/ Stocking up The symptoms can be reduced through increased circulation Bowed Tendons Relaxing the muscles of the upper leg can help relieve pain and speed healing Old Injuries
Even the smallest of injuries can cause a problem for years. An injured muscle takes a great deal of care to recover properly. Once injured the muscle retains that memory. Even years after the injury appears to have healed. This is a very important thing to discuss before a massage session. When an injury occures to one leg the horse will often develope a habit of compensating on the opposite side. This puts added strain on that side of the body frequently causing muscle strains. Once a horse begins "protecting" an injury he continues that habit long after the initial injury has healed.
What kind of horses can benefit from massage
All horses! Even if your not an endurance rider, competition puts a great deal of physical and emotional strain on your horse. And if you are just interested in pleasure or trail riding? Out on the trail we frequently ask horses to ignore their core instinct: RUN AWAY! It may seem like a leisurely afternoon ride to you but your horse may be a little more stressed about things.
How can you tell if your horse would like a massage? 
All horses! Even if your not an endurance rider, competition puts a great deal of physical and emotional strain on your horse. And if you are just interested in pleasure or trail riding? Out on the trail we frequently ask horses to ignore their core instinct: RUN AWAY! It may seem like a leisurely afternoon ride to you but your horse may be a little more stressed about things.