Nina is going to get a massage this week. A friend of mine just finished a course in the Masterson Method of equine massage and needs some victims horses to practice on. Masterson was (or is?) the massage therapist for the US Endurance horses. The method is more about releasing tension than muscle massage, although there is some massage also.
My friend worked on Ned today. Ned is a TB/Dutch cross who belongs to a new student of mine. He is her new horse. He is a very cool guy but very tight and body sore. I rode him yesterday and was surprised at how stiff he felt. Anyway, he really relaxed nicely with this massage. He was resistant in his shoulders, which is where he is the stiffest, but still got some done. She will do him again next week. We will see how Nina does. My friend is familiar with Nina so she isn't expecting her to just be the nice polite guy like Ned was today. Hopefully Nina will cooperate.
My friend worked on Ned today. Ned is a TB/Dutch cross who belongs to a new student of mine. He is her new horse. He is a very cool guy but very tight and body sore. I rode him yesterday and was surprised at how stiff he felt. Anyway, he really relaxed nicely with this massage. He was resistant in his shoulders, which is where he is the stiffest, but still got some done. She will do him again next week. We will see how Nina does. My friend is familiar with Nina so she isn't expecting her to just be the nice polite guy like Ned was today. Hopefully Nina will cooperate.
I have Jim's DVD which gives a great overview of his method with very clear instructions. I give Freedom a massage a couple of times a week. I'd love to take one of his classes! Lucky Nina!
ReplyDeleteOh, Nina, I hope you're a good girl and behave so you can get a nice massage! ;)
ReplyDeleteRita, are you on high ground? I hadn't seen your blog for a few days and wondered if you were busy packing your canoe.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm on higher ground and on third floor, but it is sure horrible in certain places in town and in outlying areas some spots are just nuts! Should subside quite a bit by the end of the week. People are on dike patrol. Dikes breaking can really change the game. But I am pretty darn safe here. Thanks for asking. I've been sending prayers for the many people dealing with the water.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I LOVE the new picture of Nina, BTW. :)
I hope Nina enjoys her massage. :)
ReplyDeleteI have always been a skeptic of massage for horses, but I got one for my pony, and she improved drastically! I hope Nina enjoys it as well!
ReplyDeleteIt'll be interesting to see how Nina does. Some horses, like people, hate massages. However, I find that in general (once they get used to it) most love it. My curiosity is piqued!
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