Ever since the Jim Masterson DVD arrived I’ve been practicing the bodywork techniques on my two boys (massage techniques to try at home).

The two horses are very different; I’ve gotten a much better understanding of where each one holds tension in their bodies and how each one likes to be touched. It’s been a great bonding experience and I enjoy doing something for them that so obviously makes them more comfortable.

Freedom, my TB, is super sensitive. He reacts to the lightest touch and is most reactive around his poll (perhaps being a cribber has something to do with it). I get a lot of chewing, licking and yawning from him as he releases tension.

Kroni, my Trakehner, likes to lean into the pressure. He particularly enjoys being massaged over his lumbar region, and he definitely lets you know when you hit the right spots. You can see from the photos below that he’s enjoying every moment of his massage. That lip is just so expressive! (Many thanks to my daughter for helping me with the photos. It’s hard to massage and take pictures!)