Willowbrook Equine Massage Therapy

14/12/2025

A recent study from the University of Tennessee has provided clear evidence of something trainers and recovery practitioners have long observed:
ground poles significantly increase muscle activation in key postural and core muscles.

What the Study Found

1. Walking over ground poles increases activity in:
• Longissimus dorsi (the major spinal extensor and topline muscle)
• Abdominal muscles (critical for core stability and back support)

This means that even at the walk, poles ask the horse to lift the limbs higher, stabilize the trunk, and coordinate posture more actively.

2. Trotting over ground poles increases activity in:
• Abdominal muscles

Trotting requires more dynamic stabilization, and the increased limb elevation over poles demands stronger engagement of the horse’s core to control the back and pelvis.

What This Means for Training and Rehab

These findings confirm what many practitioners have recommended for years:

Cavaletti and ground poles are one of the most effective, low-impact ways to:
• Strengthen the topline
• Activate and tone the abdominal muscles
• Improve back stability
• Enhance proprioception and coordination
• Encourage better posture and self-carriage

Because poles promote both spinal extensor activation (longissimus) and ventral line activation (abdominals), they help balance the horse’s musculoskeletal system — a key element in developing a healthy, strong, functional topline.

Why This Matters for Every Horse

Regular use of poles can help:
• Young horses develop correct movement patterns
• Performance horses maintain strength and prevent injury
• Horses in rehabilitation rebuild core control
• Older horses stay mobile and symmetrical

Best of all, the benefits occur even at the walk, making this exercise accessible for horses of all ages and fitness

10/11/2025

What it looks like massaging an 18hh horse.

Lenny was having his back warmed up and light massage before his ride.

As Lenny gets older it is very important that we make sure that his muscles are warmed up and firing up but we do too much with him to avoid any niggles or injury

14/10/2025

Stretching your horse is a great way to help mobility and flexibility.

Using a carrot works well but always remember that after horse will over stretch to get to this delicious treat so all stretches need to be within your horses ROM, also they need to be controlled so let your horse stretch and hold for a second before returning to a neutral position and then stretch again.

The amount you stretch and how far your horse can stretch will depend on alot of different factors so if you dont stretch your horse, dont get a carrot and try doing yoga with it as you will either cause damage or injury.

If you need any form of massage or stretching of your equine companion dont hesitate to get in contact.

05/10/2025

28/09/2025

To strengthen the longissimus dorsi in a horse (Topline)

☆ Ridden Exercises

• Hill Work: Riding up and down hills, at a slow trot or walk, strengthens the hindquarters, back, and abdominal muscles.

• Long and Low Riding: Encourage your horse to stretch their nose forward and down, seeking the bit with loose contact. This stretches the muscles of the topline and engages the abdomen to support the spine.

• Backing Up: Practice backing up, ensuring the horse is gaining the benefits of the movement for their topline.

☆ Groundwork Exercises

• Ground Poles: Walking or trotting over poles increases activity in the longissimus dorsi and abdominal muscles.

• Long and Lining: Use lunging and long-lining to develop core strength and lift the back.

• Carrot Stretches: Perform dynamic mobilization stretches, like the "carrot stretches," to strengthen the back and multifidus muscles.

☆ General Training and Management

• Nutrition: Provide a balanced, forage-first diet to support overall muscle health and nutrient absorption. Essential amino acids and other key nutrients are vital for muscle development.

• Consistency and Patience: Building a strong topline is a gradual process that requires consistent, progressive training and conditioning.

• Professional Guidance: Consult with a veterinarian or experienced equine professional to rule out any underlying back pain or muscle imbalances that could hinder progress.

• Core Strength: Focus on exercises that encourage the horse to lift its back and engage its abdominal muscles, which are crucial for supporting the topline.

02/09/2025

So I thought i would let Lenny just walk over some poles as he hasnt really done any work this year due to problems after problem, so abit of rehab where he has to use his core and think about foot placement.

Lenny had other ideas.......🤣

21/08/2025

So with Lenny now moving more and even being ridden again, he is getting massaged more also.

This will help him with tight and sore muscles and also help to make sure he still has a decent range of motion for his age.

If your horse is struggling with bending and suppleness, or maybe they just feel tension then dont hesitate to get booked in to help keep your horses happy

03/08/2025

Equine massage offers numerous benefits for horses

This Includes:-
• Pain relief
• Injury prevention
• Stress reduction
• Improved flexibility and range of motion.

It can also enhance circulation, promote muscle tone, and improve posture.

Additionally, massage can help with muscle spasms, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being.

Specific benefits include:

Pain Relief:
Massage can alleviate muscle tension and soreness, reducing pain associated with various conditions.

Injury Prevention:
By improving muscle flexibility and range of motion, massage can help prevent injuries caused by overuse or strain.

Stress Reduction:
Massage can help relax muscles and reduce stress, leading to a calmer and more content horse.

Improved Circulation:
Massage increases blood flow to muscles, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion:
Massage can help release muscle stiffness and improve flexibility, allowing for greater freedom of movement.

Improved Muscle Tone:
Regular massage can help maintain healthy muscle tone and prevent muscle atrophy.

Improved Posture:
Massage can address muscle imbalances that may contribute to poor posture.

Reduced Muscle Spasms:
Massage can help release muscle spasms and reduce muscle stiffness.

Improved Lymphatic Drainage:
Massage can help promote lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and inflammation.

Increased Energy Levels:
By reducing muscle tension and improving circulation, massage can help increase a horse's energy levels.

Enhanced Proprioception:
Massage can improve a horse's awareness of their body in space, which is important for balance and coordination.

Reduced Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS):
Massage after exercise can help reduce DOMS, which is the muscle soreness that occurs after strenuous activity.

Building a Bond:
Massage can be a positive bonding experience between a horse and their owner or therapist.

Important Considerations:

Consult with a veterinarian:
It's essential to consult with a veterinarian before starting any massage therapy, especially if your horse has any underlying health conditions.

Proper technique:
Ensure that massage is performed by a qualified and experienced equine massage therapist to avoid injury.

Contraindications:
Massage should not be performed on horses with open wounds, skin irritations, or certain medical conditions where increased circulation could be harmful.

31/07/2025

So i have been quiet on this page lately as ive been away on holiday and trying to keep Lenny in the best health i can but it seems more and more challenging this year.

We are still working and the amount of time I am spending working on Lenny due to him being on box rest or restricted turn out, he is now the most massaged horse ever!

But if you are finding your equine companion is a little tense or needing attention don't hesitate to get in contact.

27/06/2025

I've completely neglected updating this page for a while now, but still working in the background so today I thought I'd film abit of Lenny having a massage in the sunshine.

Massage for horses is so beneficial, it helps to release tension from muscles and will also help their posture and the way the carry themselves.

05/05/2025

🌿🌼DANDELION/ DANDELION ROOT 🌼🌿

Why dandelion are a MUST for your horse

Rich in vitamins and minerals ( like iron and potassium) they help with digestion they are a amazing natural anti-inflammatory. They can detox and support liver function and are a great source of fiber for a healthy gut not to mention amazing for their immune system 😁

And the great part about it is.... they are free if you look for them ✅️🌼🌿

🌼🌼🌼Your horses will thank you later🌼🌼🌼