Many horses, despite their physical gifts, struggle with anxiety and self-confidence issues. A horse that’s physically gifted and eager to please will often excel in early training. Trainers love this type as they provide an opportunity to showcase their expertise and can command higher prices sooner for performing at a higher level. But willingness and physical ability doesn’t guarantee that they fully comprehend what they’re asked to do or that they believe in their complete ability to perform.
Massage is a holistic way to help this type of horse recover his self confidence, to help him feel more capable, and to trust his ability to rise to each challenge presented.
The first reason why it’s so helpful is physical: Massage will help reduce the myofascial restrictions that worry him, and strip him of his self-confidence. By suppling tension, freeing motion, and reducing discomfort, we can effectively improve his confidence that his body will be able to do what it needs to do when he needs it to without pain or a loss of ability or coordination when he needs it most.
Another reason why massage is incredibly beneficial for these horses is captured by this beautiful phrase my friend uses when explaining why she loves massage: “I want to give him a good experience in his body.” This phrase embodies the essence of providing comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation through massage. It’s about more than just physical touch; it’s about creating a positive, pleasurable experience that enhances your horse’s overall well-being and connection with his body. It’s a thoughtful and caring way to nurture his physical and emotional health. And, the more times a horse has a pleasant, gratifying experience within his own body, the more it will sink into his comprehension of life.
These horses are thinkers and have learned to be careful about their bodies. They often find chiropractic care alarming which means that finding another type of musculoskeletal and alignment care, one that they actually appreciate, is necessary. They need to develop a trusted relationship with their massage therapist, one in which they feel safe and well cared for. They need to know that they can ask for help where they need it and that they can ask you not to mess with an area they don’t want messed with.
Consistent massage sessions, alongside gentle and purposeful exercise and training, is the best way to help them overcome their insecurities and shine.
A variation on this type of horse is one that I have temporarily in training. He’s been handled by quite a few novices and people who are busy with more straightforward types. He has chosen to protect himself over pleasing the people he doesn’t understand. He has learned to shut down when he doesn’t like the way things are going and he is no longer afraid to express his opinion.
I haven’t been working with him long but he’s already gone from kicking at people when he’s let go in the field to coming to me in the field, which seems like a good sign. He even ground-tied the last time I worked with him, also a good sign, considering he was breaking out of his cross-ties with someone he worked with before me. He likes for things to not be too different, to feel too different, so much so that I even leave his fly boots and mask on to ride, so that those feel the same as they do during turn out (he lives out in them).
These horses don’t want to be trained in the traditional way, they need to be allowed to choose to do whatever it is. Your job as a trainer is to give them the mindset that they want to do whatever you’re asking for: that they can do it and it will be an okay experience for them if they do. You have to give them the tools to make that true. And so this is often when I go off the “regular” script and go by feel and instinct. To others, it can look like I’m not doing anything special, or even anything at all. But no matter, because the horse knows that I am, and he’s the only one that counts.
I like to do a bit of bodywork and massage before and after we ride, to make them more comfortable, to prepare the body for work and to create a mood of peace and goodwill. Then we try to find out what he feels ok doing, and what can he be polite about doing and try to grow from there.
And, if I’m given enough time and freedom, the horse will start to tell you just how good I am at what I do. In fact, he will do more than tell you. He will prove it.
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