Short answer, so I can help your horse perform to the best of their ability and remain healthy and strong for as long as possible.

To begin, I need to understand what “normal” looks like, things like breathing and heart rates. A horse that is rapidly breathing at rest indicates there is most likely something more than a tight muscle going on and I may recommend you speak to a vet. 

Of course, I absolutely need to understand where the muscles are, their origins and insertions, and what each one does to be able to provide an effective treatment. For example a horse who is struggling with extending his foreleg may have issues with his digital flexor, but it could also be affected by the muscles through his neck, shoulder and back – possibly the rhomboids, trapezius, deltoids, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus and into the latissimus dorsi.

In cases where I work with a vet or another equine professional the terminology used needs to be understood by both parties so the diagnosis and treatment can be consistent and useful. This means his reports are written using standard industry annotations, including anatomical directions, to make sure your horse receives the correct care on the correct area at any given time by any professional. Have a look at my Glossary of Terms to understand these in more detail.

I have to be able to explain to you what is happening and why. For example, the after effects of a lymphatic massage may result in the horse appearing lethargic for a day or two post massage as the toxins leave his system. I have to be sure you understand this is normal and you must offer plenty of fresh drinking water and quiet rest so he can continue to flush the toxins from his system after the treatment has finished. Did you know a treatment continues long after I have left?

I need to understand the emotions of your horse. If he is highly-strung he will be more inclined to tense his muscles quicker and hold his head higher than a relaxed horse who will hold his head lower and breathe deeper. This helps me know what is normal for your horse so I can work with them to achieve the best result. It also helps me remain safe as I recognise the trigger reactions for the “fight or flight” response!

Understanding the horse’s systems enables me to understand the effects the horse’s exercise and care program is having on his body. Under exercise may result in swelling in the lower leg, while over exercising and irregular exercise may result in pulled muscles and, in severe cases, Azoturia (Monday Morning Sickness) where the muscles remain so contracted the horse is unable to move forward freely and, in severe cases, may shake and fall over. The name Monday Morning Sickness was given when it was realised horses were suffering from the effects of hard riding over a weekend following a week of no exercise. Racehorses used to be particular sufferers of this ailment after an intense build-up of lactic acid in the muscles from running causes them to remain in a contracted state. This is why warm-up / cool-down is so important.

A horse on box rest may suffer with “filled legs” as he is unable to mobilise and use the fetlock’s natural pump action to drain excess fluid, so he will benefit from deep effleurage, which will help with the efficiency of the lymphatic system and aid the draining of fluid from his legs.

Knowledge of the horse’s conformation helps me decide whether the horse requires any special exercise or riding requirements. A horse with weak hindquarters might be given some walk exercises to do over poles to encourage him to pick his feet up thereby strengthening the muscles along his back or to help a horse who is weaker on one side, one side of the poles may be slightly raised to encourage that particular side to lift higher and build muscle.

Alongside knowing what good looks like, there is the need to be able to spot contraindications. Sometimes these can prevent a treatment going ahead especially where open wounds and lameness are apparent. I will write about contraindications in another post if you wish to learn more.

As long as any equine professional has a good understanding of the horse’s systems they will be able to ask the right questions to ascertain what is troubling the horse, apply the knowledge of the systems during the appointment to read the horse’s body and ensure he is receiving the appropriate treatment, and then easily convey back to you the information including his aftercare and any particular beneficial exercises or on going treatment he might require.