🚩 5 Signs Your Horse is Not a Candidate for Massage—and Needs to See a Vet

As equine therapists and horse owners, our number one priority is the health and safety of the horse. While massage offers incredible benefits for muscle tension, circulation, and relaxation, it’s not a substitute for veterinary care—and in some cases, it’s simply not appropriate.

Knowing the difference between when to massage and when to refer to a vet is part of being a responsible equine caregiver or bodyworker.

Here are five signs your horse may need veterinary attention before receiving any kind of massage therapy.

1. 🔥 Fever or Signs of Systemic Illness

If your horse has a fever, is lethargic, not eating, or seems generally “off,” do not proceed with massage.

A massage can:

• Increase circulation, which may exacerbate systemic infections or inflammation

• Mask symptoms temporarily, delaying necessary diagnosis

📌 What to do instead: Take vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration) and contact your vet to rule out underlying illness.

2. 🐎 Lameness or Unexplained Gait Abnormalities

Massage can complement a rehab plan after diagnosis—but if a horse is noticeably lame or moving abnormally without a known cause, stop and refer to a veterinarian.

Possible causes may include:

• Soft tissue injuries (ligaments, tendons)

• Hoof abscesses

• Joint disease or neurological issues

Massage could cause more harm or delay proper treatment.

📌 Tip: Always assess at the walk and trot before beginning any hands-on session. If something looks “off,” investigate first—don't massage.

3. 🩸 Swelling, Heat, or Open Wounds

If you notice localized swelling, heat, or recent trauma, massage may increase inflammation or interfere with the body’s healing process.

Massage should never be applied:

• Over a fresh injury or surgical site

• Near areas with heat or acute inflammation

• On open or healing wounds

📌 Refer to a vet to assess the injury and determine when (or if) massage can safely be integrated into recovery.

4. ⚠️ Neurological Symptoms

Horses exhibiting neurological signs should never be massaged until cleared by a veterinarian. These signs include:

• Ataxia (stumbling, lack of coordination)

• Hind end weakness or collapse

• Muscle atrophy - especially asymmetrical atrophy

• Difficulty standing or balancing

📌 Rule of thumb: If something feels “off” in their balance, proprioception, or reactions—pause and get a check from the vet.

5. 🚫 Behavior Changes Suggesting Pain or Distress

While massage often helps with behavioral issues, sudden or extreme shifts in behavior—especially during grooming, saddling, or movement—may point to pain that massage alone can’t resolve.

Red flag behaviors include:

• Sudden aggression or reactivity

• Reluctance to move, lie down, or get up

• Vocalizing, grinding teeth, or colic-like symptoms

These behaviors may indicate internal pain, ulcers, injury, or neurological distress.

📌 When in doubt, refer it out. A vet exam can rule out underlying issues before any hands-on therapy is introduced.

🧡 Safety First, Always

At Equine Massage Academy, we train our students not just in technique—but in critical thinking and ethical practice. That means knowing when massage is appropriate, and when it’s time to call in veterinary expertise.

Being part of a horse’s care team means working with vets, farriers, trainers, and other professionals to do what’s best for the horse.

💡 Want to learn how to assess horses safely and responsibly before each session?
👉 Explore our Equine Massage Certification Program here.

📌 Save this post or share it with someone who works with horses. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right techniques.

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Related: See 5 Signs Your Horse Needs a Massage