As mentioned earlier, equine massage and alternative therapies help move the horse from a stressed state to a state of relaxation by making changes in the Autonomic Nervous System.

This change allows the horse to release tension and anxiety. I think you will agree that a relaxed, anxiety free horse is much easier to work with.

Some horses (and people for that matter) seem to get stuck in the Sympathetic state and are always uptight. By helping them to learn to move from the Sympathetic (stressed) state to the Parasympathetic (relaxed) state your horse will become a calmer, more relaxed partner.

Now, I am not saying that your horse will automatically change overnight - and I am not saying that your horse will suddenly have a completely different personality. But, I am saying that your horse will learn to be more willing and cooperative due to the fact that he is calmer and more relaxed. He will be more ready to respond to your training efforts (Parasympathetic state) rather than be stuck in the "fight" or "flight" mode, (Sympathetic state).

During some alternative equine therapies such as Equine Myofascial Release and Equine Energy Therapy , horses can experience an emotional release. This release is called a Somatic Emotional Release. Since this is a somewhat in depth subject, I will discuss it more during the lessons on these therapies.

Another wonderful benefit of equine therapy is the bond that it will create (or strengthen) between you and your horse. If you have problems with your horse that are creating a void between you, I believe equine therapy to be one of the best ways to cross that bridge. And, you might figure out the reasons behind some of the problems along the way.