Review: Equi-Star Horse Massage

So this post has been hanging out half-finished in my drafts folder for a while, but I finally had a chance to get some updated media the week before the horse show! I'd really love to make this a super lengthy and in-depth post but with stuff going on in my personal life, it's gonna be mostly photos and less words. You're probably OK with that though, right?

Soooooo demonstrative for her massages.... haha. I miss her!

Equi-Star Horse Massage is run by a friend of mine and fellow boarder, Kim (named with permission). I first used her services with Topaz a few years ago, while she was working towards her initial certifications. I have never had any specific issues that have prompted me to make massage appointments for any of my horses. The way I look at it, if my horse is working hard for me, they deserve to be kept as comfortable and happy as I can afford. If massage makes them more comfortable, let's do it! I was a little skeptical during the first appointment, but within 20 minutes I could see reactions from Topaz and changes, and now I’m firmly a believer! I’m not using the massage to “fix” anything, just for their general comfort. While I’m sure there are issues out there massage could help fix, I’m sticking to just my own personal experience with this post. 

 

 

With both Topaz initially and now Ruby, I don’t think they are horses you would outwardly consider tense: both of them are pretty chill both to handle and under saddle. But within a few minutes of Kim working on them, you could immediately see them relax in small ways that added up.

 

 

 

 

Topaz in particular was incredibly responsive to both massage and red light therapy, practically falling asleep and yawning every five seconds. It got to the point that when Kim would visit, Topaz would impatiently shove her head in the halter and make a beeline straight over to her. Ruby is slightly less demonstrative, but you could see major releases via her eyes going to half-mast, her lips wiggling and loosening, and even a serious of spontaneous yawns.

 

 

 

One of the many things I appreciate about Kim is her commitment to continuing her education and exploring a variety of different therapies. No single therapy will work for every horse, so she is constantly expanding her toolbox. My guys are pretty simple – a good massage and some red light therapy and they were pretty happy campers. Some horses prefer the inclusion of aromatherapy, hot stone massage, tuning fork therapy, or magnetic therapy -- all services that Kim offers!

 

 

 

Massage therapy is something I will continue to utilize to keep my horses happy, healthy athletes! Now who do I talk to about paying for some massage therapy for me.....