Eggert Equine Sports Massage

Did you know that equine sports massage can date its roots back to 1500 B.C.? Only in the past few decades have alternative therapies resurfaced in holistic care. But there's a reason they've been reimplemented ;) In sports massage, we look at the cause, not the symptom. By working muscles, releasing trigger points and using cross fiber friction, we can do so much to prevent symptoms from ever arising in the first place! This is a great addition to care, no matter if your horse is a pleasure mount or top performer!

The serratus ventralis thoracis (SVT) muscle is a key muscle in supporting the chest. It is part of the thoracic sling. The SVT works to pull the top of the shoulder blade backward when the horse extends its foreleg. It also supports both vertical and horizontal balance. If a horse has tension/tightness in their thoracic sling, they will be heavy on their forehand, unable to extend the forelegs as they should. Consequently, a horse that can't extend their forelegs will ha...ve difficulties engaging their hind legs as there is no room for them to come forward. Often, a horse that is known to "overstep" in the hind end is actually just unable to get out of his own way due to tightness in the SVT. As you can see, it's all connected! During massage sessions, I work on the entire thoracic sling with my clients, releasing trigger points, easing tension and working to allow full extension, balance and support of the front end.

How come none of my clients reciprocate?? Lol

A dusk massage session on Jack, one of monthly clients. He really loves work in his hips and his shoulders! We've made big improvements in freeing up his stride since we started implementing regular sessions. He's such a pleasure to work with!