Contains chapters on equine myofascial massage, equine temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, equine compensation phenomenon and saddle fitting. With an introduction to equine anatomy and physiology and instructions for diverse techniques, this illustrated guide helps owners, riders, trainers, and grooms to enhance their horse's well being.

This is a long awaited update of a classic reference. Fully revised and updated, this new edition features four all new chapters on equine myofascial massage, equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction syndrome, equine compensation phenomenon, and saddle fitting. With an introduction to equine anatomy and physiology, step by step instructions for diverse techniques, and more than 150 photos and illustrations, this guide provides information that owners, riders, trainers, and grooms can use to enhance their horse's well being. It's spiral bound for easy use in the barn or stable. Jean Pierre Hourdebaigt (Wellington, FL), a licensed massage therapist, is internationally renowned for his unique massage awareness method, known to enhance performance and quality of life of horses by increasing flexibility, reducing stiffness, improving attitude, and shortening recovery time from injury. He travels the world teaching animal lovers with a variety of backgrounds, including veterinarians and veterinary technicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, farriers, breeders, trainers, and competitive and recreational horseback riders.

• List of Figures.

  Preface.

  Acknowledgments.

  Introduction.

  1. Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse.

  2. The Horse and Massage Therapy.

  3. Principles and Concepts of Massage.

  4. Hydrotherapy.

  5. Massage Techniques.

  6. Massage Routines.

  7. Kinesiology of the Horse.

  8. Stretching.

  9. Conformation Check up Routine.

  10. Body Parts and Their Stress Points.

  11. Equine Myofascial Massage.

  12. Equine Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (ETDS).

  13. Lines of Compensation.

  14. Saddle Fitting.

  15. Areas of Stress Specific to Each Discipline.

  16. Keeping Records.

  Index.