Effect of Massage on Stress Indicators in Recreational Horses—A Pilot Study

Abstract

This pilot study investigated the effects of massage therapy on stress indicators in recreational horses, focusing on salivary cortisol levels, heart rate and conflict behaviors. Five recreational horses were analyzed under two experimental conditions: without and with massage treatments before riding sessions. Saliva samples were collected at four specific intervals in each condition to measure cortisol concentrations using an ELISA test. Observations of behavioral indicators and heart-rate monitoring complemented the physiological data. The results revealed that massage significantly reduced cortisol levels in saliva, with decreases averaging 526.6 pg/mL and 321.8 pg/mL during key sampling intervals. Behavioral analysis showed a notable reduction in conflict behaviors such as tail swishing, which decreased from 121 occurrences to 85 after massage. Relaxation behaviors, including relaxed lower lip and half-closed eyes, were frequently observed during massage sessions, further confirming its calming effects. These findings demonstrate that massage effectively alleviated stress in horses, providing practical benefits for their well-being and usage in recreational activities. The study underscores the potential of incorporating massage therapy into routine equine care to promote relaxation and enhance animal welfare.