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July 2009 Enhancing performance and preventing injury – cutting-edge massage device at Dublin Horse Show 2009

Innovative hand-held horse massage technology used and recommended by the Irish international show jumping star Marie Burke; is to be showcased at the Dublin Horse Show on August 5 – 9, 2009. It is the first time the leading specialists in holistic health for horses and their riders – Health Connection – will be demonstrating and selling the device at the leading Ireland event; capable of greatly improving performance and preventing injury.

The device is unique as it allows the rider or trainer to manually reach all areas of the horse (or themselves) with ease. Many top professional riders and trainers in the industry are already using the device. Marie Burke - International Show Jumper of the Year in 2006 - bought the Horse Massager from Health Connection at the Balmoral show in Belfast, May 2009.

Marie said: “I often use the device before and after I ride the horse, as it not only physically – but mentally – works to relax and properly prepare the horse for exercise. It's a great way to strengthen the relationship between a rider and their horse too, which has always been really important to me.” “I would certainly recommend horse massage. It makes a great contribution to the overall health and fitness of horses but also reinforces the success of professional show jumpers.”

A key benefit of the Horse Massager is it allows for areas of discomfort to be located and relieved – allowing the horse or rider to move more naturally and pain free. If such muscle spasms are not located, this can lead to serious, longer term injury. Massage also improves recovery rates and is highly effective in post operative care too - increasing circulation and removing toxin and lactic acid build up. Along with the procedure helping to calm nervous horses, it enables horses to feel more comfortable with touch to allow for better handling too.

At the event, Health Connection will also be showcasing their leading acupuncture and reflexology products and offering a lower back cushion with any purchase. Learn more about the great benefits of holistic health by visiting Health Connection at the Dublin Horse Show or www.health-connection.co.uk

Based in Southampton, England, Health Connection offer alternative health products covering a range of techniques to help treat illness, relieve stress and generally feel good. With Health Connection you can enjoy the benefits of acupuncture, massage and reflexology in your home.

The Horse Show is a Dublin institution and a celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse. The event features the best show horses and leading international show jumpers; welcoming tens of thousands of people from Ireland and all over the world each year. For more information contact Health Connection -

Tel: +44 (0)800 999 9091

Email: info@health-connection.co.uk

Website: www.health-connection.co.uk

Health Connection Feature – Horse Health magazine

New equine massage device helps improve your horse's health

By Mandi Movson, for Health Connection

In the general equine and competitive racing industry, owners, trainers, veterinarians and riders go to great lengths to ensure that their horses are both healthy and happy. In order for a horse to achieve its best performance, it is vital for horse care providers to ensure that each horse is both physically and mentally healthy.

For years, equine professionals have increasingly taken notice of the benefits of horse massage. Trainers regularly use equine massage to improve performance levels and prevent injury. Recently, however, more riders and owners are utilizing equine massage to relax muscles and improve their horses' overall health.

Similar to application on humans, especially athletes, there are many key advantages of massage which ultimately lead to the horse and its rider performing better. Since 60 percent of a horse's body is made up of muscle, one of the key benefits of equine massage is its effectiveness against injury, along with its ability to speed up recovery after an injury.

According to the Equine Sports Massage Association (ESMA) all horses can benefit from equine massage, especially to prevent injuries. "Small muscle injuries can take up to 90 days to become apparent (by a change in attitude, decreased performance and lameness) by which time they may have caused more serious injury. Prompt attention to these 'minor' muscle injuries not only enhances a horse's performance but also may prevent future problems."

The therapeutic techniques of massage work to locate and minimise any areas of discomfort including muscle spasms, allowing the horse to move more naturally and pain free. If such muscle spasms are not located, this can lead to serious injury. Massage also improves recovery rates and is highly effective in post operative care by increasing circulation and removing toxin and lactic acid build up. Along with the procedure helping to calm nervous horses, it also means horses feel more comfortable with touch to allow for better handling.

One of the latest and most unique techniques in horse massage is an innovative hands held device called the Horse Massager. Developed by an English-based company, this hands-on horse massage technology allows the rider or trainer to manually reach all areas of the horse with ease. Used before and after exercise, The Horse Massager enables deep muscle penetration and helps relieve areas of discomfort within 3-5 minutes, allowing the horse or rider to move more naturally and pain free. The massager increases circulation, helping to remove toxin and lactic acid build-up. Because of this, it can improve recovery rates and can be highly effective in post operative care. An additional benefit of using the massager is that it allows the horse to become more comfortable with day-to-day handling.

International Show Jumper of the Year, Marie Burke, is an advocate of the Horse Massager. “Massage is key in ensuring my horse’s wellbeing and successful show jumping performance,” Marie said. “I often use the device before and after I ride the horse, as it not only physically, but mentally, works to relax and properly prepare the horse for exercise. It is a great way to further strengthen the relationship between a rider and their horse too, which has always been really important to me.”

“Massage also speeds up the recovery of injured horses. I especially like the hands on approach of the Horse Massager, allowing you to reach any area of the horse. I would certainly recommend horse massage; not only making a great contribution to the overall health and fitness of horses but reinforcing the success of professional show jumpers too.”

Benefits of the Horse Massager:

• Increases muscle tone
• Improves strength and conformation
• Promotes suppleness and better movement for an easier ride
• Helps remove lactic acid and toxic build-up
• Leading post-operative care by providing excellent physio benefits
• Aids recovery of damaged muscle when bringing your horse back into work

The company behind the Horse Massager is Health Connection, a family run business and farm which specialises in holistic health. Health Connection initially developed the Horse Massager to improve the health of their own horses and now supply their product to a list of celebrity clientèle and top training professionals. For more information on the Horse Massager, visit www.healthconnectiononline.co.uk.

For more information contact Health Connection -

Tel: +44 (0)800 999 9091

Email: info@health-connection.co.uk