They also aid in lateral movement and kicking. Inflexibility in this muscle group can cause a shortened forward stride, a resistance to lateral work and joint discomfort in the hindquarters. Inflexibility within a muscle or muscle group will also increase the risk of injury. This is especially true if the tightness is limited to only one side. In an effort to extend evenly during training or performance, a horse can pull the tight muscle.
Massage stretches the muscle fibers and fascia through manual squeezing and kneading.
The use of direct pressure into the muscle will release the knotted fibers and the fascia. Freeing up an inflexible muscle increases the flow of oxygen rich blood to the area. Horses will often lean into my fingers or fists as I press into their muscles helping to increase the depth and release they receive. Often times it may take several massages to get a tightened muscle to relax. Horses are very much creatures of habit and they get used to functioning in the limited way with a tightened muscle.