This is more than just a book about Massage. The book covers massage applications, anatomy, stretching, conditions, physiology, adjunctive therapies and saddle fitting. The easy to use format is extremely helpful. There are margins on each page for note taking, at a glance tables in the applications and anatomy sections and clearly understood photographs. The book has been used as a guide for the professional as well as a starting point for the layperson or aspiring therapist. Methods described in the book are safe for both the horse and owner.

Learn basic anatomy, stretching exercises, muscle construction, movement evaluation and technique and application of equine massage principles.

"A manual teaching the techniques of neuromuscular therapy (NMT), and how to combine it with medical exercise interventions, for the treatment of soft tissue pain and injury"--Provided by publisher.

When your horse suddenly develops a performance problem or a bad attitude and neither seem to be remedied by new training techniques or medical care, you often face months—even years—of frustration and career limitation. Dr. Joyce Harman, veterinarian and respected saddle-fitting expert, states that 75 percent of horses with such issues are simply reacting to pain caused by ill-fitting saddles. And, as she explains in this thorough and highly illustrated book, poor saddle fit can be corrected with patience and know-how.

This issue of Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice focuses on Equine Sports Medicine and includes topics on: Lameness evaluation in the equine athlete; Diagnosis of soft tissue injury in the sport horse; Upper airway conditions affecting the equine athlete; Lower airway conditions affecting the equine athlete; Cardiac/Cardiovascular conditions affecting sport horses; Neck, back, and pelvic pain in sport horses; Neurologic conditions affecting the equine athlete; Metabolic diseases in the equine athlete; Muscle conditions affecting sport horses; Lyme disease in the sport horse; Management and rehabilitation of joint disease in sport horses; Regenerative medicine and rehabilitation for tendinous and ligamentous injuries in sport horses; and Chiropractic and manual therapies.

Gentle ways to improve the horse’s core fitness while relieving pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. Every equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that “dances” when you are on him, and the one that doesn’t? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza, Trainer and Examiner for the La Fédération Française d'Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse’s posture. The horse’s ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside. This invisible and complex arrangement of internal “core” muscles control the horse’s posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance. Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse’s body and: Gently “unlock” areas that may be a little “rusty.” Improve core fitness. And even relieve pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. In this highly illustrated book, he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse’s posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you’ve always imagined.

In this book, Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006 and 2008 and 2010 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions, teaches a unique method of equine bodywork, in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the horse to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance.This practical book with step-by-step instructions, photographs and illustrations is ideally suited to accompany you to the yard/stables, where you can practice the Masterson Method techniques on horses. Expanded chapters with Tips & Techniques, anatomical explanations and examples from Jim's practice help deepen your understanding. A 'quick reference' section will point you to exercises that are specifically suited to your particular discipline, may it be dressage, endurance, eventing, or others in the vast realm of horse sports.

"Practical Horse Massage puts massage techniques and stretching exercises into perspective and is easy to learn."--Alaska Horse Journal "If you've ever thought that massage or stretching could benefit your horse, Practical Horse Massage is an easy, but thorough read."--Horse Illustrated "Well illustrated with color photographs, the author leaves nothing to chance and makes sure the reader will understand the various massage procedures by using pictures as well as text instructions."--The Northwest Horse Source This book provides a complete introduction to horse massage, with easy-to-learn techniques and exercises. It is a book for everyone who wants to help their horses to relax and regenerate after competitions or long rides.