In her book, Equine Injury, Therapy and Rehabilitation, Mary Bromiley states that "The art of "rubbing" or massage is as old as time…All descriptions of healing contain instructions in the uses of rubbing (massage)...". Grooming too has always been regarded as an important aspect in the horses management. In Blacks Veterinary Dictionary it states - "The objects of grooming are fourfold: undertaken for the purpose of cleanliness, prevention of disease of the skin, to stimulate the skin circulation, and remove waste products of metabolism."
Grooming provides the ideal opportunity to; get to know the horse inside out, build a rapport and detect painful areas which could go unnoticed. To become familiar with the "usual" lumps/bumps, regular checking of legs (for heat/swelling) and feet/shoes should all be vital parts of the daily routine. Observation and attention to detail is crucial.
In days gone by horses were quartered before exercise and groomed in the afternoon. Strapping, where a repetitive rhythm is maintained, was often included with ¾ hour to 1 hour spent on each individual. Handmade straw wisps were often used for strapping. Adams, in his book Care and Management of the Horse, describes how to "wisp the animal dry" after hunting to avoid "stiffness of the muscles". Strapping creates a similar response to that of a stimulating massage. The aim is to achieve a neural response, through nerve and muscle tissues, which will result in the enhancement of circulatory and lymphatic flow.
The compression/relaxation action assists in lymph movement, whilst long, deep compression strokes (in the direction of venal flow) assist the journey of venous blood to the heart (this is particularly beneficial in areas of no contracting muscle).
Enhancement of arterial supply and an increase of tissue temperature also result, stimulating body activities which, dilate local blood and lymph vessels bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area and increase the removal rate of waste products.
The overall enhancement of circulation aids tissue renewal and repair. Sweat and sebaceous glands are also stimulated (the former aiding elimination of heat/toxins, the latter lubricating/protecting the skin).
There is no doubt that the old stud grooms were well aware of the benefits of grooming/strapping the horse.
