08/02/2025
Why is massage therapy, such an ancient practice, still so popular and widely used today?
Because it continues to be one of the MOST EFFECTIVE ways to care for the body.
Equine Massage Therapy has a very long history of use:
Evidence shows that massage was used in ancient China, Rome and Egypt as a therapeutic practice for both working and war horses.
In ancient India, specific points on the bodies of humans and horses, known as Marma points, were carefully charted and integrated into therapeutic practices. These points inspired modern techniques like acupressure and also share similarities with trigger point therapy.
Around 350 BC Xenophon, who is often referred to as “the father of horsemanship” wrote a book in known as “The Art of Horsemanship”. In it, he emphasized the importance of caring for horses and discussed various aspects of horse management, including grooming, feeding, exercise, and massage, which he believed helped to prevent injuries, relieve muscle tension, and maintain the horse’s physical condition.
Swedish massage, considered the foundation of modern massage, was introduced to the United States in 1877. It wasn’t until the World Wars that it gained widespread acceptance as an effective and valuable medical treatment.
In the United States, equine sports massage was first introduced to horses by a massage therapist named Jack Meagher, who developed what he called “Sportsmassage” for the NFL athletes. He was later asked to help the United States Equestrian Team prepare for and compete at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. There, he played a pivotal role in helping the U.S. eventing team win individual gold and silver medals as well as team gold — their first medal wins in 44 years. This is the only time in U.S. Eventing history where the U.S. earned both team gold and individual gold at an Olympic Games.
Massage techniques continue to improve as we learn more about the equine body how to best care for our horses.
Fun Fact: It’s said that Julius Caesar traveled with a personal masseuse, who not only worked on him but also on his war dogs.
Koper Equine is recommended by and referred to by top vets.
Helping horses of all disciplines improve performance and stay sounder and happier longer.
https://koperequine.com/massage-is-the-study-of-anatomy-in-braille/
————————————
*How many horses do you see in the picture?
————————————
