ESM for Personal Enrichment or Career Path
History of Human and Animal Massage
Equine Sports Massage Foundation Training
Presented by
Don Doran
the Founding Father of equine sports massage
I have been a leader in Equine Sports Massage (ESM) training since 1993.
My life experiences in the horse industry and in the world of human holistic health enable me to bring unique perspectives to my classes.
My high quality educational programs have been well received by horsemen from all around the world.
The intent of these programs is to empower students with relevant information and skills that make them better horsemen and give them a competitive edge in many aspects of the equine industry.
Over the years, I have shared my knowledge with thousands of horse people.
The students that attend my program arrive with different levels of equine experience and are representative of all equine disciplines.
My student list includes professional trainers, professional riders, professional grooms, veterinarians and future veterinarians, vet techs, farriers, human massage therapists and of course, amateur owners.
Many students learn the information and skills and go forward to build successful businesses offering equine massage therapy services. (Some have even started their own equine massage certification programs! But remember, a photocopy of a photocopy tends to loose its clarity..... )
Many students successfully incorporate the information and skills into their own training programs.
All of our students are united by their love and respect for all breeds of horses and their desire to help every horse reach its maximum potential.
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Don has cut a video in which he share his perspective on the role of Equine Sports Massage (ESM) Therapy in the equine industry.
Click here to watch Don's Video
Equine Sports Massage
- Past, Present and Future
Equine Sports Massage is a tool for Equine Professionals as well as for Horse Owners.
Equine Sports Massage can be used for:
Communication
Evaluation
Problem Solving
Problem Prevention
Communication
Your hands communicate the intention in your heart and mind. Any touch delivered with good intention promotes wellness. Touch Therapy
Builds Trust and Confidence
Strengthens Human-Equine bond
Touch Therapy is an effective to modify equine behaviors:
Distrusting
Fearful, Nervous (Natural fear and fear from prior abuse)
Abused
Angry
Depressed, Shut-Down
Evaluation
Educated hands can evaluate muscle tissue. Healthy muscles should feel firm and pliable.
Educated hands can identify tight muscles and problem areas.
Educated hands can identify the horse's level of fitness:
"Couch Potato" with no training
Lower Level of training
"Buff" and ready for competition
Overworked and Problems are on the way.....
Educated hands and minds will know how resolve any muscular issues that are identified through the use of massage and proper equipment and training. Hopefully, these issues are addressed before they become "real" problems.
Take note: Most lameness problems start with the muscular system. Left unattended, these problems make their way into the tendons, ligaments, joints and hooves.
An ounce of prevention can save your horse from requiring expensive joint injections, shock wave therapies and corrective shoeing.
Eliminate Some of the Guess Work
If you have the palpation skills, you can perform a baseline assessment of your horse's fitness level. Then you can monitor how well or not, your horse is responding to his training program and Saddlery.
Don't Buy Someone Else's Problem
If you are planning to purchase a new horse for yourself, wouldn't you like to be able to assess the the health of the horse's muscular system. Remember, tight muscles are problems waiting to happen...
If you buy and sell horses for a living, this skill is PRICELESS.
Problem Solving and Problem Prevention
Horse Owners, these comments are specifically for you.
You are the General Contractor for your horse.
At the end of the day, both you and your horse must live (or die) with the decisions you have made.
In my consultation practice, I often see unrealistic parameters placed on the horse by owners and trainers, who have good intentions, but are loaded with misinformation.
All too often, I am called in to deal with horses that are labeled "lazy", "stupid", or "crazy". What I find is that the horse has muscular issues that have not been identified. Most of the time, these problems come from ill-fitting equipment and unrealistic training programs.
Horses are a labor intensive, expensive investment. Incorporating Equine Sports Massage techniques into your equine management program will save you money and help you get the best performance, the most enjoyment, and the longest career from your horse!
Hope you enjoy watching the video below!