Massage:

* helps the body to function effectively
* relieves aches and pains
* releases muscle knots
* eases tension out of the body
* rebalances the energy flow through their body
* improves the general well being of the horse
* helps to prevent injuries
* speeds recovery from injury

How?
Massage therapy manipulates muscles loosening tight muscles causing pain; the sweeping motion eliminates waste products & toxins which clog muscle fibres causing cramp and aches, and it increases circulation and so the delivery of nutrients throughout the body assisting functionality and healing.

Massage reduces stress by releasing endorphines (happy hormones) and muscle knots can be released, reducing pain and stiffness.

As the treatment is "for" not "inflicted" on the massaged horse, their reaction is usually utter appreciation and they are often visibly more relaxed and feeling noticably good.

Many horses will experience symptoms from aching shoulders and neck muscles (a very common finding due to horses' weight distribution and workload) and can certainly go some way to explaining behaviour problems.