CERTIFIED IN THE JACK MEAGHER METHOD OF SPORTSMASSAGE THERAPY
TO PROMOTE ATHLETICISM AND PREVENT INJURY
LAEL COOK
EQUINE SPORTSMASSAGE THERAPIST
Lael Cook is certified in the Jack Meagher Method of Sports Therapy for both horses and people. She attended the Jack Meagher Institute and completed the highest level of training offered. Studies included equine anatomy and physiology, muscular kinetics, equine conditioning and strengthening, and the effects of range of motion on performance.
Lael is also certified in Massage Therapy from the Polarity Realization Institute where she studied anatomy and physiology, deep tissue massage, sports massage, spa treatments, myofascial stretching and other techniques...
Sportsmassage
Sportsmassage was developed by Jack Meagher (for the human athlete) back in the late 1960's and early 70's after he had suffered a sports related injury that ended his major league baseball career. At the time, no therapy existed that dealt with sports injuries (which are typically repetitive use injuries) and more importantly, the prevention of those injuries.
Since then Jack dedicated his life to improving the performance of athletes. He began treating horses in the 1970's, as a result of working with professional riders, coaches and trainers. Believing horses are subject to the same effects of exercise and conditioning as any athlete, Jack applied his unique massage technique, now known as the Jack Meagher Method of Sportsmassage Therapy, to our largest and strongest athlete - the horse.
Benefits of the Meagher Method of Equine Sportsmassage
You have lots of time and money invested in your horse and the Meagher Method of Sportsmassage is a great way to protect that investment.
Tight muscles are weak muscles. They are unable to function properly which will not only take away athletic ability but will lead to extra stress on the joints. The earlier muscle tightening is treated the better the result - otherwise the body will learn to compensate and over time imbalances result leading to a myriad of problems. Many of which could have been avoided.
Common Symptoms
Simple muscle tightening can be the reason your horse isn't performing up to par. The horse isn't necessarily lame but you may notice one or more of the following:
-
Refusing jumps and/or jumping flat
-
Hangs a leg over jumps
-
Heavy in the hands
-
Resisting to pick up the canter or a certain lead
-
Trouble bending one way - or at all
-
Is girthy or balks at the sight of the saddle
-
Toe dragging
-
Not tracking up/short strided
-
Choppy gaits
-
Grouchy attitude
-
Poor topline / muscle wasting
-
Tires faster/seems to be losing stamina
-
General diminished performance
CONTACT
