Equine Massage

'The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears'

~ Arabian Proverb ~

Lungta Wellness observes that many ancient cultures understood the powerful presence of horses as spiritual healers. Mongols roaming the steppes of Central Asia and native Americans cherished horses as equal partners.

As such, Lungta Wellness views equine clients as both partners and teachers in their own well-being and healing. Every horse is approached as an individual, fully respecting her/his own personalities, sensitivities, spirit and natural instinct of self-preservation.

Lungta Wellness works with all members of the equine client's team in the spirit of cooperation - owner, trainer, rider, breeder, groom, hot walker, veterinarian, farrier - whilst carefully seeking, listening to, observing, documenting, and taking into account perspectives and input from all of the equine client's wellness team members. For instance, given that a rider's input is crucial to ascertaining a horse's overall health, Lungta Wellness works with both horse and rider, seeking 'samadhi' - a Sanskirt word referring to the highest state of yoga and described invariably as 'ecstatic consciousness' - in this partnership of mutual trust, friendship and loyalty. It may be for instance a rider's seat is slightly off-balance, contributing adversely to a horse's well-being; thus, in such cases yoga routines are developed specifically for the rider (see further information in 'Yoga', the next section on this website). In turn, this integrated holistic approach benefits the equine client and contributes to alleviating health issues that adversely affect a sport horse's performance, such as 'cold back'.

Kindly contact Lungta Wellness to book your equine family member's holistic wellness session. Namaste.

Paula demonstrates a Triceps Release in the photo below.

Stretching out the equine athlete is an integral part of a horse's training regime.

Contact Lungta Wellness to learn proper stretching techniques.

Benefits of Equine Massage

'A horse gallops with his lungs,

Perseveres with his heart,

And wins with his character'

Federico Tesio, Legendary Italian Breeder/Trainer of Nearco,

Northern Dancer's Grandsire

Transl. from 'Puro Sangre - Animale da Esperimento' (1947)

Higher performance expectations in any athlete lead to injuries. The same philosophy applies to the equine athlete. Holistic therapies such as equine sports massage & myofascial release (MFR) consider every sport horse as a whole. Benefits for horses & ponies of all breed & disciplines, whether in training or a retired field horse ridden on light hacks, include:

Prevention of injury, improved athletic function & ultimately performance
Improved gait, disposition & stamina
Rehydrated fascia (connective tissue)
Relief of sore muscles, stress, tension & muscle spasm
Increased circulation, flexibility & range of motion
Increased muscle oxygenation
Regulation of circulatory, muscular & nervous systems
Eliminates & flushes toxins
Enhanced muscle tone
Assists stall bound horses in rehabilitation & recovery from injury
Builds a bond between horse & rider, where the rider participates in hands-on massage in between sessions
Overall, results in a healthier, happier & fitter horse!

~ Kindly note that equine holistic therapies are complementary to but not substitutes for Veterinary care ~

About an Holistic

Equine Massage Session

'O for a horse with wings!'

Cymbeline, William Shakespeare

A typical holistic equine massage session lasts 60-90 minutes & includes:

Evaluation: during the first session, a full holistic examination is undertaken, comprising: gait analysis; muscle tension, tone, texture & symmetry; dental health; tack (includes saddle fit); & foot balance. Photos & video are taken to establish a baseline for future reference & comparison.
Treatment: as determined after a full holistic assessment, the application of equine sports massage, MFR, craniosacral & stress point therapy & cross-fibre friction, in combination &/or as required. Also encompasses stretching, range of motion & relaxation techniques & exercises.
Maintenance: discussion of a home programme, follow-up holistic sessions, exercises & maintenance routines.

Prior to the first holistic equine massage session, an 'Intake, History & Release Form' ('Intake Form') must be completed as well as indication that the equine client's regular Veterinarian approves of the complementary equine massage session. Intake forms are available from Lungta Wellness upon request.

Detailed written & digital records are kept of every equine client, inclusive of: Intake Form (noted above); photos; digital video of gait analysis (where possible, video taken at the walk, trot, canter & gallop with & without rider), in order to develop a baseline for future video comparison; detailed notes on gait analysis, static & dynamic observations; & an Evaluation, Treatment & Maintenance Form filled out at each holistic massage session & a copy provided to Owner/Agent.