Equine Massage: A Practical Guide (Howell Equestrian Library) (Plastic Comb)

by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt LMT (Author)
Key Phrases: head massage routine, stress point location, use cold hydrotherapy, Problem Areas, Quarter Horses, Deep Muscle Layer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A long-awaited update of the classic equine massage reference



Fully revised and updated, this new edition provides step-by-step instructions and more than 180 photographs and diagrams to help riders and professionals alike master equine massage techniques. This authoritative guide provides detailed information about massage movements, pressures, rhythms, and sequences. It includes:
* An introduction to equine anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
* Practical information on stretching and hydrotherapy
* Four new chapters covering equine myofascial massage, Equine TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Dysfunction Syndrome, Equine Muscular Compensation Phenomenon, and saddle fitting
* A conformation check-up routine
* Information about areas of stress specific to each discipline and different massage techniques and routines for different situations
* A handy comb-bound format that lays flat for convenient use in the stable


Equine massage enhances the performance and quality of life of horses by increasing flexibility, reducing stiffness, improving attitude, and shortening recovery time from injury. In addition to its many health benefits, equine massage strengthens the bond between the horse and his owner, trainer, or groom. Using these techniques, you'll learn to "see" with your hands and sense areas that need special attention. Equine Massage, Second Edition is truly a hands-on guide to proven massage techniques that improve a horse's well-being.

From the Back Cover
A long-awaited update of the classic equine massage reference

Fully revised and updated, this new edition provides step-by-step instructions and more than 180 photographs and diagrams to help riders and professionals alike master equine massage techniques. This authoritative guide provides detailed information about massage movements, pressures, rhythms, and sequences. It includes:

• An introduction to equine anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
• Practical information on stretching and hydrotherapy
• Four new chapters covering equine myofascial massage, Equine TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Dysfunction Syndrome, Equine Muscular Compensation Phenomenon, and saddle fitting
• A conformation check-up routine
• Information about areas of stress specific to each discipline and different massage techniques and routines for different situations
• A handy comb-bound format that lays flat for convenient use in the stable

Equine massage enhances the performance and quality of life of horses by increasing flexibility, reducing stiffness, improving attitude, and shortening recovery time from injury. In addition to its many health benefits, equine massage strengthens the bond between the horse and his owner, trainer, or groom. Using these techniques, you'll learn to "see" with your hands and sense areas that need special attention. Equine Massage, Second Edition is truly a hands-on guide to proven massage techniques that improve a horse's well-being.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Plastic Comb: 352 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 2 edition (March 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470073381
• ISBN-13: 978-0470073384
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #16,157 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every so often a book comes along that just WOWs you., January 29, 2001

By	R. Sparks "middle_path" (Norman, Oklahoma United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Equine Massage: A Practical Guide (Spiral-bound)

This is the WOW book to which the title refers. . . It is, for lack of a better description, "everything you need it to be".

As a Clinical Massage Therapist I have become accustomed to dealing with physicians and their patients. . . When I got a call from a VET I was, well, taken aback. Having been a CCMT for many years, I knew what to expect and where to find problems in a HUMAN, but this book filled in absolutely every gap I could have come up with in regards to equine physiology, anatomy, kinesiology and the basics of "don't do this around a horse if you want to make it to your next patient" . . .

To start off with, it's spiral bound so it's super easy to take to the stable! The illustrations are terrific and the text doesn't speak to you like you're a fifth grader; it assumes that if you're working on horses, you at least know the basics of working on humans. And finally, it's encouraging. . . It let's you know some of the pitfalls before they happen and how to avoid them.

I'm really glad I picked this one up!

I strongly recommend it for anyone interested in Equine Massage!

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A marvelous book for any horse owner or lover..., October 21, 2000

By	Laura Haggarty (Northern KY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Equine Massage: A Practical Guide (Spiral-bound)

This is a great book. It is filled with excellent charts and illustrations, as well as thorough explanations of techniques the average horse owner/lover can use to help create and increase wellness in their horse.

The book covers the following: Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse; The Horse and Massage Therapy; Principles and Concepts of Massage; Hydrotherapy; Massage Techniques and Routines; Kinesiology of the Horse; Stretching; Conformation Check-up Routine; Body Parts and Their Stress Points; Areas of Stress Specific to Each Discipline; Keeping Records.

This book begs to be taken to the stable with you, and the format makes it easy to use there. It is spiral bound, which makes it easy to leave open to a section from which you're working, and the cover is easily wiped off if it gets dirty (not that we ever get dirty at the barn, eh?). All in all this is a marvelous book, don't hesitate to buy it!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Have" for the Equestrian, Horse Owner, Trainer, September 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Equine Massage: A Practical Guide (Spiral-bound)

For less than a fraction of the cost of a single massage session, utilizing the techniques in is wonderful book enables you to free up your horse from aches, pains, and holding patterns at a minimum. The charts and diagrams alone are worth the price.

In a few short sessions, I have been able to reduce swelling from a deep hematoma in a horse I work with who suffered a recent fall, just one example of improved circulation. He is more relaxed, moves more freely, is comfortable in his own skin now, and more able to learn. It also does wonders for deeper bonding and improving your relationship.

This book is well thought-out, easy to use, and the spiral binding is very useful. Mr. Hourdebaigt is one of few masters in the relatively new field of ESMT. One does well to learn from him.