Walking On Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2018 | Page 13

our H orse
D uring S tall R est
er Wallace
vetiver, and frankincense. If possible, it is always best
to give your horse a choice, and often a blend may be
needed.
For more information please visit the Beginner’s
Guide to Using Essential Oils.
Massage
Many of us know the relaxing benefits of massage
on our own bodies. It stands to reason it would have
the same effect on our equine friends. The purpose of
massage is to relax the muscle tissue, increase blood
flow and oxygen flow, and decrease pain. The increase
of circulation reduces lymph and swelling, and also
speeds healing.
But did you ever question why massage is relax-
ing?  A wonderful side effect is that massage also
releases endorphins and increases cortisol levels result-
ing in feelings of calm and happiness.
 A few years ago one of our clients was seriously
ill from an abscess in his jaw. He was on stall rest for
more than 2 months after almost losing his life and
had lost approximately 40-50 pounds of muscle. His
little girl was seriously worried about him and he’d lost
his spark. He is a very easy going boy, but was used to
living outside in a herd. Stalls were not usual for him.
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