Massages to soothe and relax horses (like t-touch)?

Question

what are some things, like t-touch, to relax horses? i cant do t-touch- i ahve tried heaps of times on different horses and they dont respond, or just sort of go 'what the h**l are you doing?' and get bored. I have looked at youtube videos and books and stuff but i cant do it. (and i dont know anyone who can)

so back to the point- do you know of any easy massage or stroke-type things to soothe horses?

thanks.

Answer 1

I love T-touch for my horses, Just relax and any massage you do will relax and help them, its very important you are not stressed out or thinking negative thoughts, just relax and enjoy the company of your horse.

Answer 2

Maybe bored = relaxed and you have achieved the desired response.  TTouch is great.  I have used the technique to help a very troubled horse.  My horses like it.  Even just breathing in sync with a horse can calm it, especially when you let out a big sigh.

Answer 3

Some horses love ear massages.  You hold the ear so that your thumb is on the inside (not far down though!) of the pinna and rub in circular motions.  Kind of pull it upwards a teeny bit, and massage the upper part of the ear during.  My cat loves this, too, lol.

Answer 4

Rub the area in front of there ears, there are alot of nerves running through there and it really calms them down

Answer 5

A spot I really like is a spot that soothes the tummy (If your horse will let you touch it!) You need to locate your horse's "belly button", then go 4 fingers to either side of it. Rub that spot gently in circles and it soothes their tummy. It's actually an acupressure point.  Good for mild colics. Also, just gently stroke the side of your horse's belly, like you're slowly brushing them. Just the relaxing touch from you helps them relax and makes them feel better.

My horse likes me to scratch right under her eyes and at the top of her forehead too - practically puts her to sleep.

Answer 6

I find that talking to them while your doing it relaxes them more...talk in a soothing voice (like how you would talk to a baby or young child to put them to sleep...) also if you can, stand basically in front of your horse, and massage their temples...all my horses end up pretty much asleep after about 3 minutes...I use it to relax them at shows if they get upset...just be careful that your horse doesnt fling its head up and hit yours...it hurts lol...Usually horses take a little while to relax into a massage...because they arent sure what you're doing to them...give them a few minutes to see that its enjoyable and nice :)

They will come around...

(You could also look up an equine massage therapist in your area...they can come out and massage your horse, even if you get them to come out once...look at the simple massages they do on your horse and see if you can imitate them...)