In my experience, older horses love the massage experience. Often, they seem to just instantly know, as soon as I set hands on them, that massage is here to help! Is it because they have experienced massage many times before? Or is because they are just older and wiser and know what is good for them? I don't know. This photo shows me working on Oliver, a mid-20's thoroughbred with a long career behind him who is now a much-loved lesson program horse doing walk-trot. Like many older horses that I have worked with, Oliver is adept at re-positioning his body so that my hands focus on precisely the areas that he knows need the most attention. And his appreciation for receiving bodywork is just a joy to behold! There is definitely something special in the way that older horses respond to the massage touch. If you own an older horse, I'd really encourage to think about giving them the gift of massage. They will love it!
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