During a study 72 Purebred Arabian race horses were studied. They were examined during first racing season, which lasted for six months. At the beginning of the study, the horses were 28–31 months old. The horses were randomly assigned to massage (n=48), or control (n=24) groups.
All horses were regularly trained and competed in official races. Once a month, saliva samples were collected from each horse to determine the cortisol concentration. Massage resulted in significantly lower salivary cortisol concentration compared to control group.
The results suggest that the relaxing massage may be effectively used to make the racehorses more relaxed and calm.
A second study was done to assess the effect of relaxing massage on the heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in young racehorses during their first racing season. HR and HRV were assumed as indicators of the emotional state of the horses. Measurements were taken six times, every 4-5 weeks.
In the study, 72 Purebred Arabian racehorses were included.
The horses from control and experimental groups were included in regular race training 6 days a week through the entire race season.
The horses from the experimental group were additionally subject to the relaxing massage 3 days a week during the whole study.
The HRV parameters were measured at rest, during grooming and saddling the horse and during warm-up walking under a rider.
The changes of the parameters throughout the season suggest that the relaxing massage may be effectively used to make the racehorses more relaxed and calm.
Moreover, horses in the groups that received massages had better PERFORMANCE RECORDS.
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