BODYWORK … Could be the Most
Important Investment you make
for your Equine Athlete.
by Melissa Gibson and Christy Egan
Have you noticed? The world of horses has become increasingly more competitive. Globally, people are breeding better and better horses, trainers are becoming more expert in their horsemanship and Equine Psychology, and riders and handlers have become world class athletes, right alongside their horses. The Winning Edge is often measured in inches, whether you are crossing a finish line a nose ahead, clearing the last jump as smoothly as the first, or picking up that extra half-second or half-point with a perfect turn. Human athletes are well aware of the advantages of bodywork. The results are everywhere, from the high school baseball fields and tennis courts to the professionals caring for the NFL players and Olympic competitors. Ease of tension and stress plus the physical therapy relief provided by regular Bodywork ranks in importance with attitude, exercise and carefully orchestrated diets. The horse is one of nature’s ultimate athletes, and the best horsemen and trainers have discovered the difference in their horses when provided the advantage of regular Bodywork.
- Relief from strain, stress and spasm
- Improvement of suppleness and flexibility
- Dramatic decrease in recovery time after an Injury
- Increased tissue elasticity allowing for greater extension
- Increased blood circulation throughout ALL systems
- Improved drainage of the lymph and of lactic acid-presenting fatigue
(Build-up of lactic acid is the Number One cause of fatigue in equine athletes)
- ALL RESULTING IN ENHANCED EQUINE PERFORMANCE!
Bodywork, stretching and acupressure are ALL part of the Winning Edge. You can easily see how Bodywork is Proactive en route to making your team the Best! The benefits don’t stop there … they’re Reactive as well. The very nature of athletics includes pulled muscles, torn ligaments, strained tendons and soreness everywhere. These can be minor or a career and season-ending injury for horse or human. Bodywork can stop or limit these problems; reduce the necessary down time. 
Bodywork provides good solutions: stretching exercises to keep horses free from fatigue and to ease the pain; to increase blood flow and circulation to injured areas, speeding the healing. Bodywork addresses problems increased by confinement without risking additional injury. Why not get proactive in the battle to stay in the ring, the show pen and the field?! Two-legged and four-legged athletes and team members need the same care and opportunities to achieve their biggest goals. Bodywork can add years to both you and your horse’s lives as athletes and top competitors. Fewer injuries, less down time, better fitness, less pain. Bodywork is a Great Big Step toward the Winning Edge!
