Autumn is a season with many personalities. Flipping from warm sunny days, to frosty nights then the next minute stormy and wild. This, along with the noticeable shortening of the days and clocks going back an hour, we all tend to need time to adjust to the new season.
So what about our horses? Well, a lot tends to happen in Autumn, both physiologically and management wise. The Summer competition season draws to a close, meaning competition horses may have a reduced workload. The temperamental weather and darker afternoons can also lead to horses be exercised less. The shorter days can also mean a reduced number of hours of turnout, those who are turned out at night during the Summer, will find they have a complete routine change, when they get switched to daytime turnout. All these changes can mean they move around less, some horses, particularly older ones or those with osteoarthritis may show signs of stiffness or swelling in their lower legs.
Change in diet also has an impact horses, their digestive system is very complex and have a finely balanced gut biome, that can quickly be affected by changes in forage, New season hay, Autumn flush grass or less grazing time can all impact their digestive system. This may be seen in your horses behaviour. Have you noticed your horse is 'a bit fresh' lately? Or maybe more moody? Perhaps more Spooky? We often put it down to the colder nights or Autumn leaf monsters trying to eat them! It could also be that they are adjusting to changes in the digestive bacteria and hormonal changes.
ACTH is a hormone secreted from the Pituitary gland, levels fluctuate through the seasons and the cooler nights in Autumn trigger a rise. Even healthy horses will have an increased level during the season. This in turn can lead to an rise in insulin levels, especially if it coincides with a sudden growth of grass, if this level rises too high the horse is at an increased risk of developing Laminitis. Overly elevated levels of ACTH is usually a sign of Cushing's disease, it is now believed that more than 20% of horses over the age of 15 have Cushing's. This excessive level of the ACTH hormone can lead to excessively high insulin levels and ultimately Laminitis.
How can we support our horses through Autumn?
So what has all this got to do with massage?
• It increases blood circulation which can help move toxins and fluid build up from standing still too long.
• High levels of sugar in Autumn grass or new season hay can cause discomfort in their Kidneys and liver leading to stiffness and reduced mobility. Massage can help relieve that tension and regain movement through the joints.
• Horses or ponies that have recovered from Laminitis can have residual tension particularly in their Thoracic-Lumbar region and down their hamstrings, a result of bracing backwards onto their heels. (Note: Massage is not appropriate for a horse or pony that is still in pain, a vet may be required to give the all clear, when it is appropriate to massage them.)
• It feels good! Massage releases serotonin and dopamine which help to relive stress and help feel more relaxed. Relaxed horses are not just happier, but are more willing and perform better!
Contact me to book you Autumn Remedial massage now!