A Horse Owner`s Guide to Massage: The Neck: Part Two

A Horse Owner’s Guide to Massage: The Neck: Part Two
By Debranne Pattillo, Master Equine Body Worker®
In the last article, numerous facets
that can cause issues in the horse’s
neck were discussed; probably
many more than most horse
owners imagined. Some problems
are easy to rectify with a change of
tack or approach to training, while
others such as conformation and
health issues need managing on a
regular basis.
Let’s add to the last moves
demonstrated in the previous
article. Included in this installment
for easy reference, are the
superficial muscles (photo 1) and
the deeper muscles (photo 2).
Photo 1: Superficial Muscles of the Neck
Photo 2: Deeper Muscles of the Neck
The Melt:
This move is very simple to apply and not only addresses the rhomboid muscle in the
neck (the blue-green muscle in photo 2) but also facilitates a lengthening of the
trapezius portion in the neck (the vivid green muscle in photo 1)
When you might use this stroke in this area:
We discussed quite a few reasons why horses have difficulty in this area but here are
a few things to consider that may suggest issues with these muscles:
• If the horse bulges his neck and holds his head high with his nose leading, he is
working with both the neck portions of the rhomboid and trapezius muscles
shortened. This is an “upside-down” or inverted horse.
• If this muscle is restricted (shortened), he will resist coming on to the aids or into
the bridle. Training aids such as “bungee” type devices and ill fitting martingales
may compound the problems unless used correctly.
• When tight and sore on one side, the horse may hold his head and neck towards
that side.
• If the horse has been avoiding improperly fitting tack in the “pocket of the wither”
or impinging shoulder movement, they have to travel “upside down” to avoid
pressure in the area. They may display a shortened stride in front.
If someone walks past while attempting this move, they will probably think you are
trying to hold up the horse. Apparently they have never propped up an adult horse!
Photo 3: The beginning position of the “Melt”
The horse does most of the work for this move which is why it is a favorite in the
neck region. All one has to do is place the palms of both hands so they cup the lower
edge of the rhomboid and trapezius area of the neck (photo 3). Apply just enough
pressure to meet the horse so they wish to lean into you. This is the most important
aspect of this move. Wait until a few seconds or until the horse offers to lean into
you more. When the horse is ready he will actually lower his head and neck which
will in turn lengthen the muscle fibers.
Step by step:
• Stand facing the neck.
• Place the palms of your hand cupping the bottom edge of the rhomboids. It is best
to try this around the middle of the neck. If you have an exceptionally large horse,
you may want to do this in two positions (photo 4).
• Try to keep as much bend out of your wrist as
possible. It helps to think about keeping your
elbows down. Put a slight bend in your
knuckles to take the tension out of your
hands.
• Don’t forget to breathe!
• Lean into the horse just enough so he meets
the pressure without stepping away.
• If possible hold for at least 90 seconds. Look
for that soft eye as the horse lowers his head
(photo 5)
• Let the horse relax and then try again.
• Move to the other side and repeat the steps.
Photo 4: Horse leaning into the “Melt”
Photo 5: Horse working with the move
The Glide:
This move can be easily utilized on the serratus ventralis cervicis (blue muscle in
photos 1 and 2).
When you might use this stroke in this area:
• If this muscle is restricted, the shoulder may appear upright and his forward
stride may be restricted.
• When tight and sore on one side, he may hold his head and neck towards that
side.
• This stroke is very beneficial for horses utilizing this muscle in high levels of
competitions such as jumping, eventing, steeplechase, polo and cutting.
Step by step:
• Stand by the side of his neck facing
the hind end.
• Position 1: Using your outside hand,
point your fingers up and place your
palm at the base of the neck and
shoulder as shown in photo 6. Stay
above the large strap neck muscle
(brachiocephalicus) which is shown in
both photos 1 and 2. You can use a
loose fist instead if this is easier for
you (photo 7).
• Try to keep as much bend out of your
wrist as possible by keeping your
elbow pointing towards the ground.
Put a slight bend in your knuckles to
Photo 6: Starting position for the glide
take the tension out of your
hand.
•
•
•
•
Photo 7: Using a loose fist
Breathe!
Lean into the horse just
enough so he meets the
pressure without stepping
away.
Allow your palm to very
slowly slide up. This may
take over a minute to reach
the top. Allow him to lower
his head and neck if he
wishes.
Place your hand above the
large strap muscle in
position 2 (see photo 8) and
repeat the move sliding up to the same spot where you ended on the first
line.
•
•
•
Photo 8: The three lines for the serratus
Repeat with your hand in position 3.
Repeat the glide along all three lines again.
Putting the Pieces All Together
Combine all the strokes discussed in these articles and finish off the neck and upper
shoulder muscles with this final move.
Shoulder and Trapezius Combo
Before starting here, first locate the spine of the shoulder blade. For this move it is
very important that your hands work on either side of the prominence. As a reminder
this is the white line in photo 1 in between the two parts of the green trapezius
muscle. Your hands will be moving up and down the lines in photo 9 below.
Photo 9: Follow these lines
Preparing the area: Place your hands in the position as shown in the photo 10 series
and slowly slide up using the edge of your front hand and the palm of your other
hand.
Photo 10 Series: Start from the
bottom and continue until you
reach the top
When you reach the top of the two lines; rake down
with your finger pads as shown in Photo 11.
Photo 11: Raking the 2 lines with finger pads