Equine Massage Therapy for horses of all disciplines from Performance Horses to Trail Horses.

Equine massage is a topic of increasing importance as a natural approach to horse care. Professional and recreational horse owners use it to improve performance, increase mobility and range of motion, and free up the horse's poll, neck, shoulders and back to improve jumping, bending, turning, and stopping.

Massage causes the muscles to fill with rich oxygenated blood flow and increases circulation; which hastens the elimination of wastes and toxic buildup from fatigued muscles. Alleviation of muscle tension and spasms can naturally increase the horse's efficiency. Removing harmful toxins from muscles and joints increases the flexibility, muscle tone, range of motion and enhances competitive performance. By using a consistent massage therapy regime, you can improve your horse's performance, confidence and over all quality of life.

Not only does massage improve its performance and health it can also be used to help the horse relax. If a horse is very stressed out or jumpy, massage normally will help relax the stressed horse and it helps improve the confidence of a jumpy one. Massage can help the horse and handler bond. Massaging a horse before competition can result in as much as 20% increase in the animal's efficiency.

All animal athletes benefit from sports massage. Massage today is anything but new. It was used centuries ago as a healing art. Sports massage is divided into performance maintenance massage, event massage, and pre-purchase massage The equine athlete can be defined as the high-level performance horse, contest horse or as the backyard buddy horse. No matter how you define your horse, they are all athletes. What they all have in common is soft tissue pain and injuries. These soft tissues can become dysfunctional due to muscle cramps, sprains, strains, bruising, common muscle soreness, or recurring stress injuries. All animal athletes can suffer from these symptoms just like humans. The goal of sports massage therapy is to reduce mental and physical stresses for the animals by providing freedom of movement and pain free function.

Equine massage has many benefits for the high performance horse --- through the non-invasive technique of sports massage therapy, you can improve your equine athlete's performance by increasing circulation and range of motion. It also relieves tension and those hindering muscle spasms.

Massage increases performance, and treats & prevents injury. Massage is good maintenance therapy. Don't wait until your horse strains a muscle or tendon, or sprains a ligament. Massage is what you do BEFORE that happens.

Check out additional benefits below...

Benefits of massage are:

Additional Information:

Equine Sports Massage gives you a dynamic tool to use in the care of horses. Small changes are detected at their earlier stages for intervention and care. In racehorses, performance horses, as well as the trail horses this knowledge is invaluable. Joint problems, arthritis, torn or over extended muscles and ligaments, injury and surgery are some of the more common ailments that can benefit from an increase of flexibility and reduced physical and mental stress. The massage itself will promote socialization, enhance the human-animal bond and help maintain good health for your horse, no matter if the horse is inactive or constantly raced. During the period of confinement or restricted movement, the body is at rest and the muscles are inactive or stiff when activities are resumed. Massage improves the flexibility of these muscles and helps to prevent re-injury. An equine massage should be performed prior to exercise as well as post exercise.

Each muscle will affect other muscles. We call this the domino effect and the way each muscle works in conjunction with another, as well as with the bones of the body of which they are connected to. For instance a muscle in the rear leg that has had trauma to it will affect the muscles throughout the back, abdomen, front legs and neck. This will alter the way in which the animal walks, stands, eats and plays. It can also alter their behavior. Medication alone will help control pain and inflammation and even help control the signs of trauma to the muscles. Massage will help the animal to heal the trauma. Manipulation of muscles will strengthen the affected muscles and allow the horse to release adhesions and to slowly start using the muscles again. Equine Sports Massage concentrates on muscles that cannot secure their own release. Many times muscle sensitivity is a secondary result or symptom to orthopedic-type issues, injuries or illness. There are times that overuse or overstretching of a muscle can be a primary cause. A small, adhering bit of tissue of the muscle or joint ligament can make muscles incapable to function properly. Massage restores the freedom of movement by reducing the resistance to motion. Less wear and tear on your horse translates to a longer happier life.

Again, massage is never a replacement for veterinary care. Massage along with quality training techniques enables your horse to perform at his/her best level possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a Few Testimonials
From Some of My Past Clients...

Sheri!!!
I will never be able to thank you enough! I made the mistake of using someone else!! NEVER AGAIN!!! Thank you for coming out today. Lexis was so relaxed and moved so freely. I will never let anyone touch her but You!
Alex & Lexis

Sheri -
Thank you so much for taking extra care with my girl Girly. Even though she's a nervous Nelly, she's really a sweetheart. You've got a heart of gold to look out for her and be so patient. She loves her sessions.
THANK YOU!! Kimberley

Hi Sheri
Cooper was relaxed, confident, with a willingness to go forward and do what a horse should do, and all thanks to you! Thank you so much. I was about to give up on him having tried almost everything under the sun to get him to move, Your session worked a miracle. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Sally & Cooper

Sheri,
All I can say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!
Twice now, you've proven to be right on with diagnosing problems with my horses. First, you knew there was a problem with Destiny's neck while the rest of us were looking at her hind end. Then Monday you were able to pinpoint a problem with Molly's stifles. YOU are the best diagnostic tool in the horse care profession! It's because you really listen to the horses. You let them tell you where it hurts, while the rest of us don't listen closely enough. Hugs, Bev

I just rode my horse tonight and I didn't see that you had massaged him, but I totally knew that you did because he felt so awesome. I had just noticed that the last few rides he just didn't have that elasticity and spring in his back that he normally does and I just figured that he was tired or whatever. Sure enough, after my ride I saw that you had worked on him and, OMG, he feels like a MILLION DOLLARS! So kudos to you my friend! - Casey

Hi Sheri,
Wait till you hear this!!!! Topsey was clocked during her workout this morning ---- she had the 8th fastest workout out of 63 horses!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for giving her the comfort and flexibility to help her work towards her potential! We're so glad that you are on her team!! I am on Cloud Nine!! Susan

Sheri,
I would just like to thank you again for taking such special care of my Toby. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I would never have believed how vital, and necessary it is to my horses health, and well-being. To see you work with him, and to see his response was truly magical. To see him become more pain-free, and less agitated when touched was even better!! Not to mention how much more relaxed, and smooth he is when I ride him. I am absolutely thrilled that your massage has contributed to Toby's wellness, and his happiness. He is a wonderful horse, and it makes me so happy to see him happy!!! -- Kelly & Toby

Sheri -
I just wanted to say thank you. My parents recently bought me a jumper. When he came to us he had trouble bending to the right. He also got very aggressive when you brushed him and put on his saddle. Yesterday I had Sheri look at him. I was worried that the reason he was angry about the saddle was because his back was sore. Sheri looked at him for me and decided that most of Peanuts issues were that he was in fact sore but also he got angry out of habit. I rode him shortly after his treatment and he was like a new horse. He bent easily and stepped out more freely. He was very happy throwing his head up in the air. He didn't mind being brushed and gave little protest to being saddled. I want to thank Sheri deeply for her work on Peanut! She really knows what she's doing. She's great with the horses and she really cares. We love Sheri! She is so nice and joyful to everyone. Thank you so much. Debbie

Sheri -
Before you massaged Hunter he was bracing his neck to one side, had obvious pain and stiffness through his back and was uncharacteristically bucking. Immediately following his first massage with Sheri, Hunter had a longer more flowing stride, held his head and neck centered, and was more than willing to do the work I asked him to do. After the second massage Hunter showed even more improvements. Thanks Sheri! -- Hunter & Ann

My horse has always been very girthy and she never had full free movement. About 4 months ago I was getting on her and she buckled under me. Ouch! That was really bad. After recuperating, I gave you a call and you began working on Alli. The changes that occurred were amazing and immediate. She finally had freedom of movement. All her strides opened up beautifully. She is no longer girthy - at all. Her muscles along her back seem to have changed and her saddle is fitting her better. Thank you so much for making Alli all that she can be. See you next month! Bee & Alli

Sheri,
I just want to thank you for evaluating and working on the horse I was looking to purchase. I had some concerns - he wouldn't stand still while grooming and he did this little bucking thing when I mounted him. He just seemed uncomfortable. After his massage, he was amazing! The bucking stopped, he wasn't squiggly when I brushed him, and his movements were smooth and fluid. Thank you so much, and please keep us on your schedule. We are very grateful! P.S. I don't have a name for him yet - I'll let you know! Sandy & (the horse with no name)

Sheri -
I have to admit, I was a skeptic. Then I watched you work. UNBELIEVABLE! Your intensity, my horses reaction, your persistence, my horses reaction, your love and patience, MY HORSE'S REACTION WAS UNBELIEVABLE! His muscles were no longer in spasm and his eyes were soft. My ride was amazing! He was much easier to bend, his head no longer tipped to the left, and his stride just opened up. His jump was fabulous! He was a star! Thanks Sheri for showing me the way to my horses best! -- Keith & Connie

Sheri,
Thank you soooo much for the wonderful work you did on Sammy! As you have seen, anytime anyone would ride him, especially when cantering, Sammy would buck and kick out pretty severely. He was getting to the point where whenever we wanted to jump, we had to ask people to stop their horses so he wouldn't kick anyone. After just one massage, that stopped, he hasn't bucked once. I thought it was just my riding for a while, but after the massage, and your comments about his muscles, I really realized he really was sore! I am so glad that we decided to have you massage him, and how wonderful he responded. I was on the verge of tears while riding him! You did a great job, I have never seen Sammy so relaxed as he was during the session! Thank you sooo much!!! -- Cynthia & Sammy!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sheri for bringing Massage Therapy into me and my Horses life. I was dealing with my horse bucking, throwing her head, not moving forward, and not paying attention to me. I've sent her to training, I've paid people to ride her (thinking it was me), Then it happened !!!!!!!! SHERI TOUCHED MY Alexis! I am so pleased with the results, she doesn't buck, throw her head around, she's even moving forward. She feels better therefore she listens better. I can't express enough how I feel and I'm sure if Alexis was writing this she would say " I FEEL GOOD .. NA NA - - - - NA NA NA NA ! Thank you so much! -- George

After you gave my horse a massage, Tom rode him and I could see that his left hind seems to be more supple and he didn't have that "hitch in his get along" like he did prior to your treating him. His shoulders were extending nicely. Hank was more supple in all his movements. He was softer when bending and more willing to extend at all gaits! Sheri really cares about each of her clients needs, and her compassion is genuine." "Thank You!" -- CarolynAnn & Hank

Sheri,
I have never used massage therapy on my horse and I am so happy I decided to try it. Your massage has made such a noticeable difference on my horse (Toco), more so than any other treatments I have used in the past. I am a firm believer now and will certainly be a regular client. Thank you! -- Stephanie

Sheri:
I just wanted to thank you so much for everything you have done for Maverick. We have been working with him for so long on trying to loosen his left side so he isn't so stiff all the time. Nothing worked until you started working with him. I cant even believe the entire change in him when I ride. He is so much more relaxed and he finally bends just as nice to the left as he did to the right. As you know he had lots of tension building on his back and hind end and you have helped correct that as well. Thanks to you he is feeling great and I am having so much fun riding him. Thank you for all you have done, Maverick absolutely loves you. You truly have a gift for helping horses, I cant thank you enough for what you have done for my Maverick. -- Joyce & Maverick

You should call what you do something different than "massage". It's much more than that -- maybe Sheri's Miracle Treatments???? Thank you!! -- Joanna

Sheri,
I wanted to share with you the joy your services have given me and my 3 horses. Two of my horses were so sore that it took 3 massages to work out their soreness. My oldest horse who's 13 wasn't such a pleasure for you to work on. However, you persisted, slowly and gently at first until he trusted you enough to apply full pressure. It was like he knew you were there to help him feel better. Now, all my horse's are great! I can't believe the difference in all of them. You have changed their lives and touched mine. We ALL want to thank you for your genuine concern and love for animals. Katie & The Boys

Sheri,
My heart is full tonight as I write this note to you. I cannot thank you enough for the work and dedication you have given my horse. Since you have been massaging Tyler on a regular basis he has been wonderful. His lead changes are a dream, his gates flowing and his ability to bend is remarkable. He has not been lame, stiff, or even girthy. You are a miracle worker! Vincent

My adorable paint horse Tango was a super star in the show ring until he got sick and refused to jump anything - ever. After months of trying to get him back on track and failing, I had Sheri take a look at him. He was unbelievably sore everywhere - even light pressure on his back produced such a severe reaction I thought he might collapse. Now, after a series of four massages he is feeling much better and he's even starting to jump again! We'll see you soon, -- Stanley

As a repeat customer, Sheri has helped my horse Palomino with sore spots in the neck and hips. It is incredible to watch the reaction my horse has when Sheri works on him. It is instant relief! Palomino LOVES the massages. I would highly recommend Sheri's services to any horse owner. She plays a key role in my horse's overall comfort and health. I am a truly satisfied customer. Plus, Sheri's dedication to the horses is amazing. Thanks again. -- Sherry

Sheri,
It was totally amazing to watch you work with Bo. It was incredible how you were able to identify the areas where he was sore, get him to trust you, and work through the pain.
Before you worked on him, it was like riding on a big, hard board of wood! Afterward, he was much more flexible. He had been tripping a lot. Just a few days after the first massage, he did not trip at all. I think he is a much happier horse now, thanks to you. We're both looking forward to Bo's next massage! -- Melissa

Sheri,
Charity has made great progress since you started working with her. I remember that first massage when she was sore all over and not happy about it! Each time you massage her, there are less problem areas and she has learned to relax and enjoy her time with you. In turn she is less stiff and more relaxed when we ride together -- that has made it a more enjoyable experience for both of us! We both thank you, -- Cathy

Sheri,
Sorry it has taken me so long to write to tell you about how great Tommy Boy is doing now that he has his regular massages. In just one visit, his girthiness is gone! I can touch him ANYWHERE without a displeased response. He seems to really enjoy being touched now too. I think he moves noticeably easier after he is massaged and bends easier as well. Lets continue to do him monthly and keep him in tip top shape. Thanks again! -- Lester

Sheri,
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your work with Tamale on Saturday. I know that he got a lot out of it...He was feeling very full of himself on Sunday when I took a lesson on him! I would like to set up another appointment for next month. Thanks again! -- Candice

I have to tell you what I have seen.... Sheri, I have seen such a difference in my friends horse since you have been massaging him. He picks up his feet much better now. His energy level is way up. And I noticed he's not laying down as much as he used to. In fact, his elbows are no longer scuffed from laying down so much. He looks great! I'm glad you care so much - it shows! -- Jonny

Thank you so much for helping me with my horse on such short notice. My daughter was having a lesson and her horse would not turn right - I mean at all. I actually could see the muscle sticking out of his neck and it was hard to the touch. After you massaged him the lump was gone and he was his old self again. Thanks again! Sarah

Sheri,
My horse has been stiff generally all over. But recently I noticed his hind end not moving very well. I couldn't even ride him. I called the Vet out and he took a look, said there were bruises and yes he was very stiff. We took an X-Ray and found nothing fractured or broken. The Vet said that it looked like he fell when he was in turn out. I gave you call to massage my horse. Milo's reaction to the massage and how he leaned into your touch was so unbelievable... After his massage you waited for me to hand walk him and he was no longer stiff. I tacked up and road him right then in front of you. He was no longer stiff at all ! I am amazed. Thank you for your concern and most of all your loving touch. Michelle

My horse is 17 yrs old and always works very hard for who ever rides him. He'll jump anything and make it work no matter what the rider sees. I asked you to give him a massage and what a difference you have made. I can clearly see that Lincoln is more comfortable. He even stretches which I have never seen him do. He has more energy and his range of motion is better. Thank you. for working on my horse. We both appreciate it. Samantha

Thank you so much for working on my daughter's pony, Skittles, the very same day that I called you. Skittles is usually a very sweet natured pony, and for two days in a row he was pinning his ears back as soon as I would approach him with his saddle. Before this, he never pinned his ears back, even when I tightened his girth. I knew something was wrong, and you found some very sore areas around his withers and back. The next day, he was just fine! I really appreciate your same-day responsiveness, along with your extra efforts to test the saddle on his back after your message session. Your care and concern for horses shines through! -- Kristin

Sheri,
I couldn't believe my eyes. I was so worried - I took my 4 year old out 2 days before a horseshow tacked him up and walked into the arena. Low and behold something was very wrong with his neck and he was lame. I was so upset and didn't know what to do. I called you to see if you could massage him. I'm so glad you did ! He so enjoyed the massage and when I went to give him a ride the next day he was as good as new. I couldn't believe my eyes. We went to the horseshow as scheduled and was perfect. Thank you so much. -- Rachel

Sheri,
I just wanted to thank you so much for the relief you gave my horse Stormy. He was coming up lame for just about one week when I asked you to massage him. The next day he was fine! Unbelievable!!! He has been sound ever since. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts. We will see you soon. Jeff

Sheri, Thanks for the massage. ShyAnne has worked so hard all season for me so I decided to give her a treat and have you massage her. Seeing her face while you massaged her was amazing. She feels so good now. Thank you. -- Michael

Sheri,
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me and evaluate my 6 year old. I would have never known he had a sore back until I saw it with my own eyes. I also appreciate you massaging him at the last minute. I'm glad you had the time! I know one thing I will be calling you again soon. Bryson

Sheri's sincere devotion to her work and healing of our horses has proven beneficial in their movement and attitude. She provides timely feedback of her equine massage therapy and is a joy to work with. Pricilla

Sheri spent many long hours working on the problems with each of my horses. For many years I had problems with a gray of mine getting his left lead. After a few sessions there was no more fighting and he was able to pick it right up. Another was very stiff and depressed and always by himself: After about 2 massages he was at the gate first to come in and no more problems to ride or shoe him. A major difference for this old guy. One mare was biting at me each time I went to put the girth on and now is fine. She can be tacked up in her stall without being tied up. I do feel that by even having just one session it made all the difference for each horse. Give it a try! You and your horse will not be disappointed. Toby