EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE Equine Sports Massage is the manipulation of soft tissue. It is used to enhance performance, prevent injury, aid recovery rates and, achieve optimum performance. The Equine Sports Massage Association (ESMA) ensures that the client receives services from a fully qualified and insured therapist. Members of ESMA are experienced horsemen.  As qualified Human Masseurs they receive their training from the leading physiotherapist Mary Bromiley, physio to the New Zealand team in the World Equestrian Games in The Hague 1994. Equine Sports Massage is the therapeutic application of professional sports massage techniques applied to the horse. Increasing circulation and reducing muscular tension, which is the primary cause of muscular injury, improve the rate of recovery.  Prompt attention to “minor” muscular injuries can prevent development of more serious problems due to compensation. When to use Equine Sports Massage      Q Massage can facilitate healing and shorten the recovery period. By          preventing muscle atrophy, joint stiffness and maintaining muscle                suppleness and tone it is of great benefit to horses on box rest.          Q Massage on a regular basis is a beneficial contributory factor in giving                your horse the optimum chance to stay fit and perform at its best.                Q Massage is effective in keeping your horse relaxed, which can be                    beneficial in preparing for competition. Benefits of Equine Sports Massage      Q Relaxes muscle spasm          Q Improves muscle tone                Q Increases excretion of fluids                    Q Helps maintain flexibility                          Q Encourages tissue repair                              Q Stimulates or relaxes the nervous system Introduction to the client The initial consultation consists of approximately twenty minutes discussion to ascertain the horses previous sporting and veterinary history along with general information such as confirmation, age, sex, breed and other relevant information. Introduction to the horse A full observation of the horse will take place with photos (upon consent of the client), the horse will be walked and trotted in hand, then if appropriate ridden. The Veterinary Act Full permission from the owners vet is required before any treatment is undertaken as all practitioners are required to work within the rules of the Veterinary Act. The Honorary President of ESMA: Clive J. Hamblin MRCVS Clive Hamblin MRCVS, qualified in 1976, specialises in equine athletic injury and orthopaedics.  Clive Hamblin stated: -     “There is a serious role for the Equine Sports Therapist in conjunction with conventional Veterinary therapies under the guidance of the attending veterinarian.  Massage can have a positive role in the prevention of athletic injury in the normal training process.”     Treatment fee £30 The above fee is based on one horse; discounts are available for five or more. For Discounts and Special Offers, click here. Holistic Massage Massage does not just benefit horses, to give the horse the optimum chance of success, the rider also needs to be in top physical condition. It is important to see how muscle imbalances in the rider can affect the balance of the horse or visa versa. See Quest Holistic Massage for further details.