Published on 12/12/2005

People in the horse world know all too well that performance horses, like human athletes, are trained, fed and cared for so they can go faster, jump higher and run longer. Daily training and competing can result in injuries, aches and pains, which if treated by drugs alone may only mask the problem and not remedy it.

Equine Massage

USA Customers	A Practical Guide Author: Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt People in the horse world know all too well that performance horses, like human athletes, are trained, fed and cared for so they can go faster, jump higher and run longer. Daily training and competing can result in injuries, aches and pains, which if treated by drugs alone may only mask the problem and not remedy it. This is why equine massage therapist Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt created a program of techniques that will enable owners and riders, trainers and grooms to: Alleviate soreness and pain in the horse's most vulnerable stress sites; Identify and treat the injuries common to any horse sport; Use relaxation and maintenance routines for the horse's mental and physical well-being. Hourdebaigt provides step-by-step instruction and more than 150 photographs and diagrams so that everyone-including nonprofessionals-can learn to massage their horse. Equine Massage may be the key to unlocking the door to a horse's future, one that promises good health and improved performance.	Canada Customers
Customer Reviews
Every so often a book comes along that just WOWs you January 29, 2001 Reviewer: R. Sparks (Norman, Oklahoma United States) 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 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!
A marvelous book for any horse owner or lover…October 21, 2000 Reviewer: Laura Haggarty (Berry, KY USA) This is a great book. It is filled with excellent charts and illustrations, as well as through 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 Dicipline; 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!
A marvelous book for any horse owner or lover…October 21, 2000 Reviewer: Laura Haggarty (Berry, KY USA) This is a great book. It is filled with excellent charts and illustrations, as well as through 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 Dicipline; 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!
A marvelous book for any horse owner or lover…October 21, 2000 Reviewer: Laura Haggarty (Berry, KY USA) This is a great book. It is filled with excellent charts and illustrations, as well as through 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 Dicipline; 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!
it was GREAT! August 17, 2005 Reviewer: K. Slate had this book been smaller, it would have been perfect! Or had more phots… I used it as a reference while I was working on my horse and it was kind of hard to manage both the massage and the reading at the same time;)
best book I have found in a decade June 12, 2005 Reviewer: Susie Huber-Lytal, MS (palos Verdes, Ca USA) Having been an equine bodywork practioner in So. Cal for over a decade, I have looked at many massage books. This book is by far the most comprehensive as far as anatomy and function of the horse. One word of caution, be careful when performing the stretches he demonstrates in the book, not always the best human biomechanics are used!
become a massage pro! November 11, 2004 Reviewer: Nathalie Menard (Quebec, Canada) This is an excellent book on equine massage. It covers anatomy in sufficient details and is well illustrated. The different moves are well explained and supported with clear pictures. I found the information on hydrotherapy, kinesiology, conformation and stretching surprisingly interesting. It gives you an overall view of the horse and makes the book so much more useful. The fun part of it, you go and try it on your horse and it works! The horses love it and cooperate gladly. The book describe different routines of massage but leaves room for personal input as well. I had to treat wounds and swelling on my horses and found helpful tips in there. Excellent in theory, excellent in practice, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to try his hands at equine massage.
Really helps your horse February 12, 2004 Reviewer: "abbyraffles" (Cold Soil Farm) It's amazing how easy it is to follow the author's instructions. I actually didn't know how to massage but I took the book with me to the barn and worked on my horse. Almost immediately, I could see the difference. He was moving more freely. His back felt much better. Later I used it on his legs to reduce swelling. Now when his legs swells or his back stiffens, I know what to do. If only I could get someone to do this for me.
Clear, well written and well illustrated August 31, 2003 Reviewer: Vivien Dostine (Auckland New Zealand) I already had a few basic massage techniques from my equine physio and this book is exactly what I wanted to further my knowledge. The beginning of the book includes clear detailed anatomical pictures. Each technique is then described and shown and practical helpful hints such as using your bathroom scale to work out what 'X'lbs of pressure feels like abound. To make the book even better there are then sections which describe what various 'rountines' might be made up of (relaxation for instance) and how long to spend etc. There are also recommendations for how to start with a new horse, body signals to look for and when you may need a helper.
Excellent July 9, 2003 Reviewer: Informative, easy to understand, and it actually works. My horse loves some of the techniques used in this book! I am very pleased!
Excellent diagrams, poor paper quality June 21, 2003 Reviewer: milo (phoenix, AZ United States) This is a great book. It covers equine anatomy in detail so you know what you are working with. The are tons of diagrams and drawings. It reads like a textbook, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it's not exactly easy, light reading at bedtime :) The only reason I didn't give it 4 stars is that the book feels cheaply made. The paper is very thin, and it seems like someone just xeroxed the pages and mailed them out. The cover should be plastic or a thicker bond of paper. Don't get me wrong, the spiral binding is a great idea--makes it easy to have a page open at the stables. But my pags are already staring to teat out a bit.
A "Must Have" for the Equestrian, Horse Owner, Trainer September 19, 2001 Reviewer: 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 diagram alone are worth the price. In a few short seesions, I have been able to reduce the 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.
Excellent Resource! November 17, 2000 Reviewer: lola (Austin, Texas United States) This book is almost like taking a study course in equine massage. It teaches the physiology of the horse along with massage techniques and routines that are customized to the individual's needs. The explanations are clear and concise and there are illustrations and photos to demonstrate various techniques and the physical aspects of the horse. A wonderful resource for anyone who would like to have their horse benefit from the application of massage.
A must-have for anyone serious about their horse's health… July 26, 1998 Reviewer: This book is amazing…I love it…I keep it at the barn so I can use as much from it as possible…the hydrotherapy section was probably the best I've read on the subject concerning application and techniques with horses...the many pictures are very helpful as added instruction...I would recommend this book to anyone with a horse for any purpose... The discipline-specific massage routine in the back of the book were a major help...they shed light on what you should be doing for your particular horse and why...
Written for the lay person but left with education of a pro! January 10, 1998 Reviewer: (usa) Excellent information in easy to read spiral bound text. All of the techniques given were used by the massage therapist I've used over the years and spent $100's on. Simple daily routines to diverse self diagnosis are possible with this book. What more can you ask for? My horse and I love it!!