Make a ‘cup’ from your hand, so that the edges of your hand (including your little finger, the pads of your fingers, your thumb and the heel of your hand) are in contact with your forearm. Softly tap the muscle on your arm so that you can see a slight wobble through the surrounding areas.
If your partner is standing up then will only be able to use one hand, like when you practise on yourself. However, if your partner is lying face down for you to practise, you can use both hands for the cupping technique, which is what you will do when you massage your horse. Make a ‘cup’ from your hand, so that the edges of your hand (including your little finger, the pads of your fingers, your thumb and the heel of your hand) are in contact with your partner’s low back. You can only use this technique on their low back because the size of your hand will be too big to use it between the shoulder blade and the back since you should avoid massaging over bony areas. Softly tap your partner’s back muscle; if their clothing is tight you’ll be able to see a slight wobble through the surrounding areas. If you’re using both hands, use them alternately.
Work in a rhythm that suits you, perhaps two to four taps per second.
All the other techniques use one hand only, and sometimes people forget to use both hands for the cupping. Alternate your hands, using one then the other. Try to find a comfortable rhythm to work in – you can use the massage on yourself and your partner to experiment with different rhythms. See which feels best / easiest for you, and which your partner prefers.
This technique is gentler with the hands cupped rather than flat. Flat hands remind me of ‘slapping’, which is not nearly so comfortable for the recipient! The sound that your hands make when they come into contact with the skin should be a hollow sound, rather than something that sounds like clapping or slapping.
You can use cupping as firmly or as softly as you like. However, just to convince yourself that even a very soft cupping technique will have an effect, try using it as softly as you can on yourself or your partner, and decide whether you feel anything. Massage does not have to be high pressure or forceful to be effective.
For more information and to order your copy of ‘Horse Massage For Horse Owners’ today, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk.
”This book is a must for anyone who would like to improve the health, wellbeing or performance of their horse. Practical, educational and easy to follow, the author shares with you the knowledge and skills you need to massage your own horse. Learn about equine anatomy, massage techniques, and how to combine the moves to develop a complete massage routine. With the emphasis on how you can work with your own horse, Sue offers an insight into how to reduce pain and stiffness in your horse as well as improve performance. Massaging your horse gives something back in return for all he does for you, and will help you and your horse to truly enjoy the time that you spend together.”
“I was really impressed by this book. Written clearly, with relevant illustrations that reinforce the text, it tells you what to do and explains why. I enjoyed learning a bit more about the horse’s anatomy and it made it easier to understand the massage. The techniques do take some practice – my forearm and partner are as well massaged as the horse! – but they get easier. My older mare certainly enjoys the sessions and it seems to give me feedback on how she’s feeling. I think she’s moving more easily too. Our horses have benefitted from treatment from both physiotherapists and osteopaths previously and this would in no way replace their expertise, but would hopefully be a useful adjunct. The FAQs are informative and the prompt section a useful idea. The book is great for amateurs like me but I feel that professional riders may find it of interest as well.”
Publisher: J.A.Allen & Co Ltd; Illustrated edition (30 Aug. 2012)
Language: English
Paperback: 128 pages
ISBN-10: 0851319998
ISBN-13: 978-0851319995
Dimensions: 19.05 x 1.27 x 24.13 cm
For more information and to order your copy of ‘Horse Massage For Horse Owners’ today, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk.
© Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, 2021
Treating your horse with care, connection, curiosity and compassion
