Page 8 - NagMag November 2014

Equine Massage ❘ by www.horsesanddogs.co.uk
How equine massage can help improve the bond you share with your horse
BMeing at one with your Horse
assage is a powerful shoulders, back, hindquarters and soften. Your horse or pony tool when it comes to and, taking care not to be stood will start to see you as his or her helping create a lasting on or kicked, down the limbs as friend, and the beginnings of a
bond with your horse. Whether your well. trusting relationship are born.
horse is new to you or you have owned him for many years, the bond between rider and horse is all important.
McTimoney Animal practitioner and proprietor of Horses and Dogs online massage courses, Nikki Routledge has spent many years focussing on the bond between horses and their owners and what helps promote this bond.
Nikki says, “Essentially, any time spent with your horse creates a bond. Think of the hours kids spend playing with their ponies, grooming them, washing them, painting their feet, feeding them carrots, hand grazing them, patting, stroking and cuddling them. In our time limited world, as adults we may be guilty
of doing the minimum necessary to keep our horses cared for but no more.
Touch is the most powerful tool in creating lasting bonds, as the physical sensation stimulates the release of oxytocin, a powerful bonding hormone. Using simple, easy and effective massage strokes promotes the release of oxytocin in your horse, and you! Your horse or pony will also benefit from stronger muscles, greater flexibility and
the improved performance also associated with massage as well”.
Nikki has the following tips to get started on massaging your horse:
■ Run your hands over your horse
or pony’s body, using sweeping movements with your hands. Work over the head, neck,
■ There will be areas of sensitivity, and areas where your horse or pony seems to relax more and maybe push back into you to increase the pressure of the stroke. For some horses and ponies, the tension builds up
in the neck and shoulders, for others it will be in the back or hindquarters.
Nikki Routledge holds an MSc in McTimoney Animal Manipulation and two BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and Psychology. By combining her love and study of animals with the study of human psychology, Nikki has been able to appreciate exactly how important it is to consider all factors in the health and care of animals, and how in doing so, this reflects in the quality of life for the human owner too. Nikki has taught in a range of environment, including at MSc level for the last twelve years, and has now developed online pet massage courses to help people and animals all over the world experience the benefits and joy of such a
■ At first your horse or pony might
not seem interested but persist
with a ten minute massage
every day for a week and the
effects will become more and
more obvious. Look for the head
dropping, lots of yawning and
soft half closed eyes. You will
also feel the muscle tone change wonderful skill. NM
08 ❘ NagMag November 2014
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To find out more about the online massage courses that Nikki runs for both horses and dogs, go to www.horsesanddogs.co.uk