Why Forward Momentum Equine Services

Current Working Knowledge

Equine soft tissue therapy is a field with deep roots in clinical practice, yet one in which the peer-reviewed evidence base is still developing. Research has consistently demonstrated that massage can influence measurable physiological and biomechanical outcomes in horses, including reductions in spinal mechanical nociceptive thresholds (Sullivan et al., 2008), increases in hindlimb protraction (Hill & Crook, 2010), changes in postural response (Balcer et al., 2023), and measurable indicators of stress reduction (Jastrzębska et al., 2025; Wild et al., 2023). Behavioral assessment following manual therapy has further shown significant relaxation responses that support its role in equine wellbeing (Paksoy et al., 2025). The existing literature, while growing, remains limited in sample size and methodological consistency. This creates a gap that rigorous, systematically documented individual practice is positioned to help address. At Forward Momentum Equine Services, I am committed to a practice that takes this evidence seriously and contributes to it.

A Systematic Approach to Assessment and Documentation

Every horse seen at Forward Momentum receives a comprehensive baseline assessment at initial evaluation, including systematic conformation photography, thermographic imaging, video-based kinematic analysis, and bilateral palpation mapping across 21 muscle groups. This is not supplementary to the session. It is the clinical foundation from which all treatment decisions are made.

Conformation assessment is not merely observational. Research demonstrates that structural variables such as tarsal joint angle have measurable downstream effects on joint kinematics and kinetics throughout the limb (Gnagey et al., 2006). These results effectively underscore the clinical relevance of systematic conformation evaluation as a component of soft tissue care. Musculoskeletal dysfunction in horses is frequently compensatory in nature; addressing soft tissue tension without documenting the structural context in which it occurs limits the practitioner's ability to understand and track the full clinical picture.

The Case for Evidence-Informed Practice

Horses are non-verbal patients. They cannot report discomfort in the ways human patients can, which means the burden of detection falls entirely on the practitioner. Research has established that musculoskeletal pain in horses is expressed through characteristic changes in facial expression, posture, and behavior, which are frequently overlooked until dysfunction becomes clinically significant (Dyson et al., 2018). Tools that reduce reliance on subjective observation alone are therefore not supplementary but clinically necessary.

Infrared thermography offers a non-invasive means of detecting changes in peripheral circulation that may reflect inflammation or soft tissue stress, and has been proposed as a means of identifying musculoskeletal changes before they manifest as overt clinical signs (Prochno et al., 2020). Integrated with palpation findings, thermographic data provides a more complete picture of the horse's soft tissue status than either tool provides in isolation.

Contributing to a Growing Body of Knowledge

The systematic nature of this clinical approach means that patterns documented across sessions, horses, disciplines, and presenting concerns, contributing meaningfully to our collective understanding of equine soft tissue therapy. When you bring your horse to Forward Momentum, you receive individualized, evidence-informed care. And that care becomes part of something larger.

A Note on Scope of Practice

Equine sports massage therapy is a complementary wellness service and does not substitute for veterinary care. Forward Momentum Equine Services does not diagnose medical conditions. Where session findings suggest the need for further evaluation, whether related to lameness, soft tissue injury, or other clinical concerns, veterinary referral will be recommended. The goal is always the most complete picture of your horse's health, and that picture is best built in collaboration with your veterinary team.

References

Balcer, M., Śnieg, A., Sikorska, U., Maśko, M., & Domino, M. (2023). The initial horse's postural response to the first session of the dorsal, ventral, and dorso–ventral massage techniques. Agriculture, 13(3), 529. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030529

Brockman, T. (2017). A case study utilizing myofascial release, acupressure and trigger point therapy to treat bilateral "Stringhalt" in a 12 year old Akhal-Teke horse. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 21(3), 589–593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.08.019

Dyson, S., Murray, R., & Berger-Mander, P. (2018). Development of a ridden horse pain ethogram. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 23, 47–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.007

Gnagey, L., Clayton, H. M., & Lanovaz, J. L. (2006). Effect of standing tarsal angle on joint kinematics and kinetics. Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(7), 628–633. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406X159043

Hill, C., & Crook, T. (2010). The relationship between massage to the equine caudal hindlimb muscles and hindlimb protraction. Equine Veterinary Journal, 42(S38), 683–687. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00279.x

Jastrzębska, E., Górecka-Bruzda, A., Ogłuszka, M., Lipka, M. S., & Pawłowska, A. (2025). Effect of massage on stress indicators in recreational horses — a pilot study. Animals, 15(6), 789. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060789

Paksoy, Y., Ural, K., Erdoğan, H., Erdoğan, S., & Paşa, S. (2025). Behavioral assessment of equine relaxation following manual therapy: a pilot study. Veterinary Sciences, 12(9), 865. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090865

Prochno, H. C., Barussi, F. M., Bastos, F. Z., Weber, S. H., Bechara, G. H., Rehan, I. F., & Michelotto, P. V. (2020). Infrared thermography applied to monitoring musculoskeletal adaptation to training in thoroughbred race horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 87, 102935. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102935 *

Sullivan, K. A., Hill, A. E., & Haussler, K. K. (2008). The effects of chiropractic, massage and phenylbutazone on spinal mechanical nociceptive thresholds in horses without clinical signs. Equine Veterinary Journal, 40(1), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516407X240456

Wild, K. N., Skiba, S., Räsänen, S., & Richter, C.-P. (2023). Pupillometry to show stress release during equine sports massage therapy. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47590-y