Equine Massage Therapy, Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises, and other alternative therapies can affect your horse either through the muscle tissue or the nervous system. Quite often, both are affected at the same time. As mentioned before, one of the great benefits of equine therapy is not only for the physical body, but the mental and emotional state of the horse as well. This happens by moving the horse from the Sympathetic (stressed) state to the Parasympathetic (relaxed) state. This is called the "Relaxation Response".

As your horse begins to experience the "Relaxation Response", you will notice signs (feedback) that you should look for. Some of these signs are:

• Licking and chewing
• Looking "sleepy"
• Shifting weight from one leg to another
• Yawning
• Snorting
• Softening of the eyes
• "Twitching" of lips
• Jerking a leg
• Passing gas
• "Gut" sounds

These are just some things to look for. Many horses will come up with their own "antics" to let you know they are enjoying what you are doing.

Some stick out their tongue, (this is one of Que's antics - check out the picture) some toss their head (happily), flutter their eyelids, etc.

Horses with energy blockages can have different responses. I have had a few horses shake their head like they had bugs in their ears (this is an energy release). And, one high spirited mare in particular used to have a mini "freak out" just before almost every release (I made sure to warn the owner to get back just before I felt the release happen so she could stay safe). I believe this had something to do with blocked energy due to the fact that she was recovering from an injury and was on stall rest. After an equine energy session, she was much more calm and relaxed.

So, obviously, this is only a partial list. Over time, you will get to know what to expect from your horse. As long as he looks like he is happy and relaxed, all is well. If he is exhibiting behavior as described above, take a look at what might be causing an energy blockage.

Also, some horses are more sensitive than others and will respond unfavorably if you apply too much pressure or are moving in a way that they find annoying.

Watch out for "naughty" behavior and stay safe. Back off on your pressure, or change to a different movement or to another more "acceptable" part of your horse's body. Sometimes starting farther away from a tense area and moving toward it slowly will make it easier for the horse to accept.


Now, let's learn more about the benefits of equine therapy:

• Physical Benefits of Equine Therapy
• Mental and Emotional Benefits of Equine Therapy