Lori’s Equine Massage

08/28/2026

Why Late Summer Heat Creates Surprise Tension Spots

Horses compensate differently when they’re hot, dehydrated, or mentally fatigued from the weather. I know here in the Tucson desert, there is no escape from the heat in the peak summer months. I found out first-hand this summer how my horse began having a hard time in this heat. Here is what I found in some research on this matter:

Heat stress changes how horses regulate their bodies - Horses under heat stress are more likely to brace, shorten stride, and develop tension in predictable areas — especially the poll, sternum, ribs, and hind end.

Heat + exercise increases biochemical markers linked to muscle strain - Under hot conditions, horses show muscular fatigue and tension.

Heat stress reduces the body’s ability to dissipate tension - When heat accumulation exceeds dissipation, horses enter a state of heat stress, which can lead to altered movement, guarding patterns, and compensatory posture. This may be why you see tension pop up in unexpected places — the horse is bracing to stay cool and conserve energy. My horse began breathing really fast!

Dehydration affects tissue elasticity - Heat stress is strongly associated with dehydration, which reduces the elasticity of soft tissues (including fascia) and increases stiffness.

Research tells us:
• Heat stress alters muscle metabolism → more fatigue → more tension
• Horses compensate differently when hot → predictable bracing patterns
• Dehydration reduces tissue elasticity → fascia becomes “stickier”
• Nervous system activation under heat → increased guarding

If your horse is moving differently this week, you’re not imagining it. Your first call should always be to your veterinarian to ensure your horse’s overall health is good and to discuss the goals you have for your horse. At the end of the day, their well-being is the most important thing. Once your vet has ruled out medical concerns, massage can help address the tension your horse may be holding — especially the heat related tightness that shows up.

Massage supports comfort, improves mobility, and helps your horse move more naturally again.

Autumn, my horse, is doing fine now. My Vetinarian and I have discussed our plan of action given her age and health to get through the rest of the summer. Keep safe and cool! https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/
Research Articles
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1734969/full?utm_source=copilot.com

https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/items/1afa67cf-de44-4b71-a821-a3541ac0ae16?utm_source=copilot.com

Lori's Equine Massage uses the hands to feel muscle tension, tightness, spasm areas, and trigger points. Massage therapy helps increase circulation, get more oxygen and nutrients through muscles, which in return gets horses moving and feeling better!

08/24/2026

At Lori’s Equine Massage, my focus is simple: helping horses feel better, move better, and stay comfortable through massage, stretching, and kinesiology taping.
Learn more: https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/

08/23/2026

When to Massage Your Horse
Massage can benefit your horse at any time — but choosing the right time helps your horse be more receptive and ensures the best results. Every horse, every day, and every situation is different, so timing matters more than people realize.

Choose a Time When Your Horse Can Relax
Your horse will get the most out of massage when their mind and body are ready to settle. Depending on your goals, you’ll want to pick a time when your horse isn’t distracted, stressed, or anticipating something else.

What I Look for Before a Session
When I prepare to massage a horse, I always take a moment to observe what’s happening around us and evaluate the horse’s temperament. Horses are sensitive to their environment, and outside influences can affect how well they accept bodywork.

Things that may impact a session:
• Approaching monsoon storms (they can roll in fast here in Tucson)
• Strong winds
• Unusual barn activity — construction, w**d wacking, chainsaws, loud equipment
• Feeding time or being taken away from food
• Extreme heat — horses may have less patience
• Signs of colic or discomfort
• Heavy training schedules
• Competition season and travel stress

A horse that is mentally unsettled will not receive the same benefit as one who feels relaxed and calm.

The Best Time to Schedule a Massage Session
The ideal moment is when your horse has a day off or a lighter workload day. This allows their body to fully process the releases, integrate the changes, and reset movement patterns without immediately being asked to perform.

A relaxed day = a more effective session.

Contact me if you are ready to schedule a session: https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/https-www-lorisequinemassage-com-contact-8

08/14/2026

Equine Taping - Kinesiology Taping for Equines 🐴✨🩹

Add a targeted layer of support to your horse’s bodywork plan. I use kinesiology tape, exclusively made for equines, to support muscle recovery, boost circulation, help reduce inflammation, and encourage steadier movement or support between visits. This is a 15–20-minute add-on and starts at $25 per function. I’ll assess during your appointment and explain whether taping is a good fit for your horse.

In this image: This is my own horse who ended up with fluid in her knee. I used a circulation taping (in pink) to push fluid out of her knee toward her lymph centers as well as a decompression taping (in blue). This taping helped tremendously and her knee was back to normal after about 2-3 weeks. Taping works!

Visit my website at: https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/

08/12/2026

Consistent care can make a big difference for your horse. I use gentle, targeted equine massage to address tension patterns. Over time, regular sessions help your horse feel more comfortable, move more freely, and stay happier in their work or turnout.

I am committed to delivering a positive, respectful, and professional experience that supports your horse’s comfort and overall well‑being. Because this therapy is an essential part of your horse’s wellness, I truly hope every horse owner understands how important massage therapy is in supporting their horse’s ongoing care.

Ready to help your horse feel better? Book a Consultation with Owner at https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/book-online

08/10/2026

A relaxed body can mean easier movement all day. 🐴✨ I offer a Massage & Stretching Session - a full‑body massage with gentle stretching tailored to your horse’s ability. I work to ease stiffness between rides, smooth stride quality, and support horses with their different comfort needs.

This is a 60‑minute, in‑person session ($85). I come to your barn in Tucson. You can request a booking online - I manually confirm each appointment so we can plan the best approach for your horse. 📅https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/book-online

Where does your horse feel tight? Comment below, send me a DM or through my Contact Me form and I will get back with you. https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/https-www-lorisequinemassage-com-contact-8

08/09/2026

Share with friends!! Barn Spa Day is back!

✨Barn Spa Day is Back✨

Horse owners, gather your barn friends, bring a chair, your favorite beverage (legal) or snack, and enjoy a relaxing time watching horses get pampered (because yes – it’s relaxing and IMPORTRANT!) Come hang out with friends, reconnect with old ones, make new friends, or simply sit back and watch your beautiful horse melt into a full wellness session.

Each horse receives a full body massage + stretching session with any equine taping needed.

Minimum of 4 horses per event Only $70 per horse

It’s social, educational, and FUN for everyone at the barn! 🌻
..Because it's About the Muscles!

Visit to Book Now: https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/book-online

08/09/2026

✨Barn Spa Day is Back✨

Horse owners, gather your barn friends, bring a chair, your favorite beverage (legal) or snack, and enjoy a relaxing time watching horses get pampered (because yes – it’s relaxing and IMPORTRANT!) Come hang out with friends, reconnect with old ones, make new friends, or simply sit back and watch your beautiful horse melt into a full wellness session.

Each horse receives a full body massage + stretching session with any equine taping needed.

Minimum of 4 horses per event Only $70 per horse

It’s social, educational, and FUN for everyone at the barn! 🌻
..Because it's About the Muscles!

Visit to Book Now: https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/book-online

08/03/2026

Massage • Stretching • Taping

Massage is an effective way to support your horse’s comfort and overall movement. Through targeted soft‑tissue work, tight areas can soften, healthy mobility can be restored, and tension patterns can begin to unwind. Gentle stretching further enhances flexibility, range of motion, and body awareness—always performed within your horse’s comfort level and ability.

I also offer Kinesiology Taping to provide muscle support, improve circulation, assist with decompression, or reinforce joint stability. Together, these techniques help your horse maintain comfort, balance, and more efficient movement.

💙 Curious about these techniques? I’m always happy to explain how they support your horse’s comfort, balance, and performance. If you’d like to learn what a session looks like, visit https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/ for details — or DM me to start the conversation.

07/18/2026

✨ Spot the Tension: Closing Post
Thank you for following along with the Spot the Tension series. Every horse communicates through posture, expression, and subtle shifts in their body — and when we learn to notice those small changes, we can support them long before discomfort becomes a bigger issue.

Your horse’s body is always speaking. When we listen, we help them move, feel, and live more comfortably.

If you would like to talk through what you’re noticing in your own horse and discuss how massage can help, complete my Contact Me form. A consultation fee is applied to the massage price when the session is completed on site. If the massage isn’t completed, the consultation fee remains and includes a helpful assessment.

🧡 ….Because it’s About the Muscles!
https://www.lorisequinemassage.com/https-www-lorisequinemassage-com-contact-8 | Loris Equine Massage