A long-awaited update of the classic equine massage reference Fully revised and updated, this new edition provides step-by-step instructions and more than 180 photographs and diagrams to help riders and professionals alike master equine massage techniques. This authoritative guide provides detailed information about massage movements, pressures, rhythms, and sequences. It includes: An introduction to equine anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology - Practical information on stretching and hydrotherapy - Four new chapters covering equine myofascial massage, Equine TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Dysfunction Syndrome, Equine Muscular Compensation Phenomenon, and saddle fitting - A conformation check-up routine - Information about areas of stress specific to each discipline and different massage techniques and routines for different situations Equine massage enhances the performance and quality of life of horses by increasing flexibility, reducing stiffness, improving attitude, and shortening recovery time from injury. In addition to its many health benefits, equine massage strengthens the bond between the horse and his owner, trainer, or groom. Using these techniques, you'll learn to "see" with your hands and sense areas that need special attention.  Equine Massage, Second Edition  is truly a hands-on guide to proven massage techniques that improve a horse's well-being. A long-awaited update of the classic equine massage reference Fully revised and updated, this new edition provides step-by-step instructions and more than 180 photographs and diagrams to help riders and professionals alike master equine massage techniques. This authoritative guide provides detailed information about massage movements, pressures, rhythms, and sequences. It includes: An introduction to equine anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology - Practical information on stretching and hydrotherapy - Four new chapters covering equine myofascial massage, Equine TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Dysfunction Syndrome, Equine Muscular Compensation Phenomenon, and saddle fitting - A conformation check-up routine - Information about areas of stress specific to each discipline and different massage techniques and routines for different situations - A handy comb-bound format that lays flat for convenient use in the stable Equine massage enhances the performance and quality of life of horses by increasing flexibility, reducing stiffness, improving attitude, and shortening recovery time from injury. In addition to its many health benefits, equine massage strengthens the bond between the horse and his owner, trainer, or groom. Using these techniques, you'll learn to "see" with your hands and sense areas that need special attention. Equine Massage, Second Edition is truly a hands-on guide to proven massage techniques that improve a horse's well-being. JEAN-PIERRE HOURDEBAIGT , a Licensed Massage Therapist, is internationally renowned for his unique Massage Awareness Method. He travels the world teaching his techniques, which are used by competitive and recreational riders, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, farriers, trainers, and breeders. He can be found at www.massageawareness.com. Equine Massage A Practical Guide By Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt John Wiley & Sons Copyright © 2007 Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-470-07338-4 Chapter One Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse For massage therapy to be effective, its practitioner must have a good knowledge of a horse's makeup. In this chapter, we will examine the systems of the horse and the way in which these systems work together to promote the horse's health. To begin, we have: * The nervous system (brain, spinal cord, sensory and motor nerves), which controls all the other systems. * The respiratory system (trachea and lungs), which transmits oxygen to the bloodstream and removes carbon dioxide. * The cardiovascular system (heart, blood, arteries, and veins), which conveys nutrients, oxygen and other essential components throughout the body. * The lymphatic system (lymph channels and lymph glands), which provides a cleansing, filtering, and defense mechanism to deal with anything that could have a toxic effect on the body (lactic acid, bacteria, and viruses). * The endocrine system, which is composed of glands that permit a range of functions in the body systems. * The digestive system (mouth, stomach, intestines, and bowel), which extracts nutrients from food and eliminates waste. * The urinary system (bladder and kidneys), which removes excess water and unwanted substances by filtering the blood through the kidneys. * The reproductive system, which ensures the continuance of the species. * The skeletal system, which is the bony frame that supports the body. Within the skeletal system there are joints which permit part of the bony frame to articulate (move). * The muscular system, which provides the