How do I massage my horse’s neck?

Summer or winter, caring for your horse means helping them feel more comfortable every day and during exercise. Élodie, equine massage therapist and founder of Alodis Care, shares her tips for massaging one area that works especially hard: the neck ✨

Why massage your horse’s neck?

Massaging the neck helps warm up the muscles before exercise, ease tension, and support recovery after an intense session ❤️ Like us, horses carry tension, and the neck is one of the areas that works hardest.

Neck tension most often comes from:

Stress: travel, competitions, or a change of environment.
An awkward movement: in the stall, in the pasture, or during a session.
Fatigue and soreness: after strenuous work or returning to exercise.
Natural stiffness: some horses are simply stiffer than others.

‼️ Massage is not a substitute for advice from a veterinarian or equine osteopath. If your horse has severe pain, is lame, or has persistent stiffness, have them examined.

Which parts of the neck should you massage?

The neck has several distinct areas, each worth paying attention to. Knowing them helps you tailor your touch.

Area	Where to find it	How to massage it
Upper neck	Top of the neck, just behind the poll	Start the massage with gentle, broad circles
Crest of the neck	Where the mane grows	Gentle rubbing to ease tension
Brachiocephalic muscle	Along the neck, down to where it meets the shoulder	Gently vibrate the muscle between your thumb and the rest of your hand
Shoulder	Base of the neck	Follow the bone with your hands, from top to bottom

The brachiocephalic muscle deserves special attention. Like our trapezius muscles, it works hard and can be very sensitive 🙌

Which massage oil should you use on your horse’s neck?

When massaging your horse’s neck, choose an oil that suits your goal: post-exercise recovery, muscle relief, or helping a nervous horse relax. Several brands offer massage oils specially formulated for horses 😉

Our favorite oils for the neck:

Alodis Care Work Récup for recovery: the oil Élodie uses in her demonstration. Formulated for use after exercise, it helps reduce cramps and muscle fatigue and soothe muscle tightness.
Michel Vaillant Moveness Essentiel for muscles and joints: a massage oil that soothes muscle and joint pain. Apply after exercise, massaging gently.
Cura Naturale Muscle Comfort Oil for relaxation: designed to promote well-being and ease nervousness. Ideal for a tense or stressed horse, such as before or after transport.

You can apply them to the neck, as well as the back, croup, and poll—areas that see a lot of movement every day or tend to be sensitive 🥰

How to massage your horse’s neck in 6 steps

A full neck massage takes 10 to 15 minutes. Follow these steps in order ✅

Prepare the oil. Shake the bottle well, place a small dab in your palm, and rub your hands together to warm it. A little goes a long way.
Warm up the muscle. Start at the upper neck and work down to the shoulder with large circular movements. Always follow the direction of the coat, blood flow, and lymphatic flow 🙈
Work into the muscle. Once it’s warm, switch to smaller, focused circles. Spend more time on tight spots without pressing too hard; this also helps the oil absorb. Gently rub the crest of the neck to ease tension 🥰
Release the brachiocephalic muscle. Hold the muscle between your thumb and the rest of your hand, and gently vibrate it to help it relax.
Work on the shoulder. Follow the shoulder bone with your hands, from top to bottom 🔥
Finish with soothing strokes. Don’t skip this step. End with large circles, always following the direction of blood flow.

💡A helpful tip: watch how your horse responds throughout the massage. If they move away, tense up, or pin their ears back, use a lighter touch on that area.

What should you do after the massage?

To extend the benefits, apply an clay poultice to the massaged area 🌿 It keeps working over time and helps your horse relax even more.

Massage is also a wonderful way to check in with your horse. Feeling tight spots beneath your hands helps you understand how their body is doing. You can then adjust your sessions from day to day and help them perform at their best.

FAQ: massaging your horse’s neck

How long should a neck massage last?

Allow 10 to 15 minutes for a full massage. That gives you time to warm up the muscle, work on tight areas, and finish with soothing strokes.

Should you massage your horse before or after exercise?

Both work. Before exercise, massage warms up the muscles. Afterward, it supports recovery and eases soreness.

Which direction should you massage your horse’s neck?

Always follow the direction of the coat, blood flow, and lymphatic flow. Start at the upper neck and work down toward the shoulder.

Can you use massage oil in competition?

Yes, massage oil can be used during competition, provided it contains no substances prohibited under anti-doping regulations. Be sure to check the ingredients.

Why finish a massage with soothing strokes?

Finish the muscle work with broad, enveloping circles. This gently closes the massage after the focused work on tight spots.