HorsePower Therapy - Equine Sports Massage

31/03/2024

Happy Easter everyone

13/02/2024

One of the best ways to show that you recognize and value your equine partner is to take preventive care measures.

Just as a human will hurt from work or simply sleep wrong and have a sore body, so can a horse. A massage for your equine partner can go a long way in easing and healing strained or sore muscles while also promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

The benefits are not just for the competitive horse but also our favored trail buddies.

HorsePower Therapy
Ludowici, GA.

10/03/2023

I reached out today to the owners of this beautiful Stud, we miss working with him but look forward to new friends.
Auld Macdonald Farm Arabians has some amazing and beautiful horses and it was our absolute pleasure working with them and learning the world of Dressage.

09/03/2023

Life always looks diffrent when viewed between a horse's ears.

Help keep your trail buddy in great shape with a Equine sport massage

Call/text or message the page for availability

𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒚
𝑨 𝒗𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒔𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.
𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒖𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒄𝒊 𝑮𝑨.
(256) 735 8789

08/03/2023

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚’𝙨 𝘽𝙤𝙙𝙮

Massage isn’t just about pampering your beloved four-hooved friend. In horses, massage has been shown to improve range of motion and stride length and relieve pain and tension. Further, massage may enhance proprioception (the body’s ability to sense its own position and movement) [JB1] and posture, and reduce physiological stress responses.

By increasing the horse’s range of motion, the horse will naturally be more balanced and less likely to have to physically compensate for an area that may not be functioning as it should. Many common sport horse injuries happen when a horse is slightly off balance and must compensate.

Equine massage techniques – from basic stretching to myofascial release – involve the strategic and systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to soothe muscles and relieve pain. Many horses (and riders) have their own massage therapist which they see on a regular basis for bodywork before or after competition, or as part of a rehabilitation program.

𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲
Call or message today to check availability.

𝐀𝐬𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.

07/03/2023

Here are 15 interesting facts about a horse's brain:

1. A horse's brain is relatively small compared to its body size, making up only about 0.1% of its total weight.
2. Despite their small size, horses have very complex brains, with a highly developed cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for conscious thought, decision-making, and memory.
3. Horses are able to learn and remember complex tasks, such as navigating a jumping course or performing a dressage routine, through a process called associative learning.
4. Like humans, horses have a left and a right hemisphere in their brain, each with specialized functions. The left hemisphere is responsible for processing logical and analytical information, while the right hemisphere is more involved in emotional processing and creative thinking.
5. Horses have a strong memory and are able to remember specific people, places, and experiences for many years.
6. Horses are able to learn by observation and are often able to pick up new behaviors and skills simply by watching other horses or humans.
7. Horses have a very sensitive sense of touch and can detect even the slightest pressure or movement on their skin. This helps them to respond to subtle cues from their rider or handler.
8. Horses are able to process visual information very quickly and accurately, allowing them to avoid potential dangers and navigate their environment with ease.
9. Horses are social animals and rely on non-verbal communication to interact with other horses in their herd. This communication is facilitated by the horse's brain, which is able to interpret subtle changes in body language, facial expressions, and vocalizations.
10. Finally, like all animals, horses have a unique personality and individual characteristics that are shaped by their experiences, genetics, and environment, all of which are reflected in their brain function and behavior.
11. Horses have a very strong sense of smell, and their olfactory bulb, which processes smells, is relatively large compared to other parts of their brain.
12. The cerebellum, which is responsible for coordinating movement and balance, is also relatively large in horses. This is because horses need to be able to move quickly and efficiently to escape predators or navigate difficult terrain.
13. Horses have a very high pain threshold, which is thought to be related to the way their brains process pain signals. While this can be beneficial in some situations, it can also mean that horses may not show obvious signs of pain, making it difficult for their caretakers to detect and treat underlying health problems.
14. The hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in learning and memory, is particularly well-developed in horses. This allows them to remember not just specific experiences but also general concepts and patterns that they can apply to new situations.
15. Finally, studies have shown that horses, like other animals, are capable of experiencing emotions such as fear, happiness, and anger. These emotions are thought to be mediated by the limbic system, a group of interconnected brain structures that play a key role in regulating mood and behavior.

Horses love massages.

Benefits of massage with myofascial release include improved muscle function, improved joint alignment, improved self-awareness, mobilized fascia, an increase in stride length and range of motion, enhanced relaxation and improved overall performance and recovery.

Helping horses of all disciplines improve performance and stay sounder and happier longer.

*Contact me today to schedule a Massage for your horse.

*Ask your Vet if massage therapy could help your horse.

Shared from Koper equine

10/02/2023

It has the same effect on me too

https://www.facebook.com/128570532690/posts/10158694494192691/?mibextid=Nif5oz

: Yes, they do! Did you know that several studies have shown that horses prefer country music over rock or jazz? The slower tempo and major key seem to result in more restful behaviors in horses and more time spent eating.

So if you’re looking to relax your equine friends with music, pay attention to what you are playing in your barn!

07/12/2022

𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙮 may be new to Southeast Georga but we are not new to horses. Our owner&certified massage specialist, Daniel, has an extensive history within the equine industry. His experience ranges from lessons and training to guiding trails and rehabilitation.

At 𝐇𝐏𝐓 we are focused on the health and wellbeing of our equine partners. Our reviews reflect our commitment to care and show significant benefits for all from a pasture companion all the way to a dressage competitor.

𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙮 is not just a business but a 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 that prides itself on professionalism, knowledge and passion to care and strengthen our equine partners.

*𝐻𝑃𝑇 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒, 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑏𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠*

06/12/2022

01/12/2022

5 signs your horses shoulders are sore:

1. They lack range of motion in their shoulder and look restricted in their motion up front.

2. They are girthy, cinchy, or irritable when saddle is put on.

3. They have trouble holding their front feet for the farrier.

4. Toeing out or toeing in can be a sign that shoulder muscles are inbalanced.

5. Horses with high/low feet are very prone to pain and tension in the shoulder.

HorsePower Therapy is dedicated to improving the health and overall well being for our equine partners. If your horse is showing any of these signs then consider booking a session with us.

Ask your vet if a sports massage is right for your 4 legged family member.

01/12/2022

5 signs your horses shoulders are sore:

1. They lack range of motion in their shoulder and look restricted in their motion up front.

2. They are girthy, cinchy, or irritable when saddle is put on.

3. They have trouble holding their front feet for the farrier.

4. Toeing out or toeing in can be a sign that shoulder muscles are imbalanced.

5. Horses with high/low feet are very prone to pain and tension in the shoulder.

HorsePower Therapy is dedicated to improving the health and overall well being for our equine partners. If your horse is showing any of these signs then consider booking a session with us.

Ask your vet if a sports massage is right for your 4 legged family member.

01/12/2022

The equine community is massive and every share helps.

29/11/2022

This exercise is very simple to learn and utilize, I use this technique on every horse I work on and I always suggest owners do this as well. its a simple way to maintain and support a healthy topline

24/11/2022

The HPT family gives thanks today for family and friends. But also a very special thanks to our equine partners. Without them, this life wouldn't be as bright as it is.
So don't forget to show them some love this holiday with a special Thanksgiving treat!

Pumpkin Pie Horse Style (Courtney of: Horse Illustrated)

Ingredients:
1 small pumpkin – already baked with flesh removed
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
18 oz oats
¼ cup molasses (other options include honey or applesauce)
½ cup brown sugar

Instructions:
Mix the pumpkin flesh with the other ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon out evenly sized balls on a cookie sheet. If the mixture is too runny, add more molasses for binding. Bake 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F.

24/11/2022

Why Bridle Fit and Understanding Your Horse's Head Anatomy Is So Important. Updated: Jun 22 courtesy of Gillian Higgins

Tightness in the soft tissue structures around the TMJ can affect your horse’s movement, posture, balance and comfort. Knowing this makes you consider the headpiece of the bridle you are using – should it be shaped? Padded? All factors that need considering and also remembering that every horse is different and what suits one, won’t necessarily suit another.

And don’t get me started on the hyoid apparatus – this really blew my mind, especially the tongue-hyoid attachment. The tongue is part of the spinal flexor chain of muscles that continues all the way from the tongue to the hind hoof! (Allison Lowther)

Nosebands:

The pressure applied by the nosebands limited the movement of the nerve and the elasticity of surrounding fascia layer when directed above, below or relatively far from the nerve trunk. The low positioning:

(1) like with a drop noseband seemed to have the most restricting effect if tightened as it then restricts the gliding function of fascia and can press nerves even directly. This positioning is typically seen used on young horses wearing drop or flash nosebands.

The high positioning (3) which more recently can be observed regularly with modern wide cavessons in double-bridles then touching the cheekbone also created movement dysfunction of both fascia and the nerve and according discomfort.

Regular positioning (2) typical for simple cavesson fit seemed to have the least effect on the facial nerve and the fascia.

A comfortable horse is a comfortable ride
HPT

18/11/2022

We're back! 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 has finally arrived in Hinesville GA and we couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter!!

If you have any questions or want to set up an appointment please feel free to reach out on the page or through email @ [email protected].

*𝑊𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑢𝑝 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔.*

21/10/2022

To all the supporters and friends of HPT, We have announcement to make. HPT will be moving to Georgia in early November. We can not express our gratitude to everyone who has followed and supported us since we began this new adventure. My time here in arizona with HPT has been short but the people I have met and the horses I have had the pleasure to work on will be some of my fondest memories of my time here in. Thank you so much.

28/09/2022

Are you worried your horse may be in muscular pain but you aren't sure how to tell?​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Here are some overall signs that your horse may be in muscular pain:​​​​​​​​
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💪🏼They don’t enjoy being groomed​​​​​​​​
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💪🏼Their performance has gone down despite a clean bill of health from your vet​​​​​​​​
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💪🏼They are spooky under saddle ​​​​​​​​
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💪🏼They may run away from you when you go to catch them in the field​​​​​​​​
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💪🏼They may have behavioral issues such as bucking, kicking, rearing, or bolting ​​​​​​​​
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💪🏼They are irritable when you put on the saddle or bridle​​​​​​​​
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💪🏼One side is stiffer than the other ​​​​​​​​
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💪🏼They get “stuck” under saddle frequently and have trouble moving forward​​​​​​​​
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*If your horse is showing any of these signs, it is important that you consult your vet before beginning bodywork, as many of these signs can be caused by other issues outside of our scope.
*original post by Freely forward Bodyworks*

23/09/2022

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

20/09/2022

Although young horses might not have
the chronic aches and pains that come
with age, there are still plenty of ways
that they can benefit from bodywork.

Bodywork is a great way to
acclimate young horses to being
touched everywhere. They learn
very quickly that human touch is
acceptable and enjoyable.

Bodywork helps to prevent injury
by increasing muscle strength
and flexibility. It also increases
proprioception (awareness of position
and movement).

I have found many horses (often
age +15) that do not know how to
process or release tension. These
horses will bottle everything inside
until they break down. The ability
to process and release tension is a
learned skill. Horses that have this
ability, especially when started young,
tend to be much more comfortable in
their body.

Bodywork will release tension in
the fascia and muscles, which in turn
promotes strong, correct muscle
development.

Bodywork can greatly improve a
young horse's posture and can help
correct limb deviations in foals.

A horse that is comfortable being
touched, knows how to release tension
and has strong, flexible muscles will
be much easier to train and/or start
under saddle.

06/09/2022

HPT had a great time attending the Road Runner Dressage Show I.

To be able to watch the athletes and their partners was and is always an amazing sight. While in attendance, HPT had the honor to preform a pre-event massage on a young gelding named Comet - trained and owned by Sharna Watson. Comet and Ms. Sharna went on to perferm at top capacity. Together, they scored so well that Ms. Sharna qualified to ride musical freestyle and earned her Master Challenge Award at first level!

We at HPT look forward to seeing this pair time and time again. Thank you for your Trust in HPT.

29/08/2022

A very simple truth, and this privilege should be cherished and rewarded. HorsePower therapy is always here to keep your equine in great condition no matter where the trail or road takes you.

27/08/2022

It's a fundamental responsibility for all pet owners.

15/08/2022

With the continuing monsoon, it is important for every horse owner to be aware of the possible effects that the changing conditions of the weather can have on their horse. Here is a great article on how wet weather can effect your equine.
https://extension.psu.edu/horse-management-during-wet-weather

Unfortunately for the horse owner, persistent and large amounts of rainfall can create challenges for equine care and have negative effects on your horse's overall health.

05/08/2022

Had the good fortune to be able to conduct a demonstration on the practice and the use of equine sports massage at a small local stable.
Looking forward to conducting more demonstrations and getting to share our knowledge!

Let us know where you want the next one to be.

30/07/2022

We are enjoying the beautiful weather here in Tombstone today while we patiently wait for some exciting bull riding.

(Don't forget to lookout for the shirts for a chance to win a free equine sports massage session)

29/07/2022

After a good long work week it's time to get some relaxation! We look forward to heading out to shoot out arena for their monthly bull riding in Tombstone, AZ. If you haven't been before this would be the perfect opportunity to check it out!

Anyone who comes to meet us/shake hands at the event will be entered for a chance to win a free equine sports massage!
*HINT: we'll be decked out in our HPT shirts*

29/07/2022

Often times you only read about what a sports massage can do for your equine partner, but rarely do you read how it works.

In short, during massage the tightening and adhesions that are in the muscles are broken up. This is accomplished by using diffrent strokes that allow oxygen and blood flow to return in a greater capacity. Stress is relieved and the horse is able to return to more complete soundness.

Due to these benefits, routine massage is highly recommended for all types of horses.

Call or message for more information and to set up an appointment.

520-255-8114

23/07/2022

HPT had a fantastic day getting acquainted with the Empire Ranch Foundation at their National Day of the Cowboy event. If you have never been to visit we highly recommend it!

https://fb.watch/erRZspcR9E/

16/07/2022

Every engine that puts out horsepower needs maintenance. Don't forget your horse is where the term began and true to its nature- requires care.

Appointments are available:
Call, text, or message us!