What is equissage?

Background

Equissage equipment has been developed from human massage equipment which has been used successfully for over 50 years in relieving symptoms associated with injuries or illness, to increase mobility or simply to promote a feeling of wellbeing and ease.

The Equissage is based on a unique cycloidal action which produces a very deep but very gentle, non-aggressive physiotherapy massage reaching every part of the body.

In humans, the prime medical benefits of the special three dimensional vibration include relaxation of muscles, increased joint mobility and improved circulation and lymphatic drainage.

In horses too, the results are dramatic in producing better movement and performance as well as helping with many specific problems.

Simple and safe, it is recommended for daily use. In only 20 minutes or so, even on top of rugs, the Equissage pad’s action brings numerous benefits including warming up before and warming down after exercise, preventing stiffness and loosening up a horse’s action. It helps promote general good health and well being and can help improve a horse’s skin, coat and hooves.

In addition, when used in conjunction with the Equissage Handset, specific problems such as trouble with tendons and ligaments, sore shins, pulled muscles, soft swellings, cold or sore backs, early stages of colic, tying up and thick wind can be relieved successfully. As well as generally speeding up the healing process it can prevent fluid retention, thus secondary infections, and help soften and draw abscesses.

Top competitors currently using and recommending the Equissage include:

William Fox-Pitt and Karen O’Connor in Eventing; Ellen Whitaker, Di Lampard, Bill Twomey and John Renwick in Showjumping; Lee Pearson, Nicola McGivern, Nikki Barrett and Laura Fry in Dressage; Sarah Tyson, Kirsty Whiscombe, Beccy Broughton and Liz Platts in Endurance and James Fanshawe, Paul Webber, Henrietta Knight and Howard Johnson in Racing as well as a host of riders, trainers, producers, vets and complementary therapists across all equine disciplines around the country.

Plus, there are countless livery yards, riding schools and, perhaps even more telling, individuals from all walks of life who will testify through their own experiences to the benefits Equissage can bring to a horse or pony.

Indications that a horse may benefit from treatment:

Harry, a 16.3hh ID/TB event horse, can get uptight and is quite tense. A nightmare to clip, he requires sedation and twitching, so I was fascinated to see his reaction to Equissage.

Sally Prichard checked his history, movement and schooling and, by feeling over his body, obvious muscle/soft tissue problems. She introduced the Equissage pad and gently started to get him used to the vibration on his back – he soon settled and seemed to be enjoying the therapy.

Sally explained the pad stimulates circulation, releases muscle tension, improves lymphatic drainage and gives a deep cycloidal massage releasing lactic acid and encouraging healing. The treatment worked through his whole body and I could even feel it on his forehead. Everyday use of the pad is recommended – it’s simple and convenient with an in-built timer and can be used anywhere.

Next came the hand held unit which, like the pad, is powered by rechargeable batteries. Earlier, to illustrate the unique cycloidal effect, a marble placed on my fist spun on its own as the handset was placed underneath, demonstrating Equissage works through bone and muscles but is not intrusive and I felt the sensation through to my shoulder. I expected Harry to leap out of the stable, but although wary he became so relaxed, he hardly flinched!

The handset was run over Harry’s muscles and attention paid to sore and tight areas. He really enjoyed this, pushing his body against the machine to get the full benefit. He started to lick and chew, his eyes went soft and I think he was actually smiling!

The handset should be used in conjunction with the pad, but only need be applied once or twice a week for maintenance. Obviously, it can be used more often, even twice a day for specific injuries and, using the knee and fetlock boot, is brilliant for filled legs and even laminitis.

I had a go and felt Harry respond as Sally explained effects are cumulative, so regular use gives best results in treating and preventing injury and general health and welfare. You can ride immediately after therapy so it’s ideal to warm up or warm down helping a horse’s performance. Certainly, after therapy Harry appeared much more relaxed and freer in his movement.

Equissage is a brilliant piece of equipment that isn’t just for competition horses. Any horse benefits from extra TLC – and riders can use it too!

Sally visited for a free no obligation trial and clearly explained Equissage’s uses. Used by our top riders in every discipline, I feel Equissage has equally important benefits for horses such as Harry who do a little bit of everything.