Most horses in any stage of life, of any breed or lifestyle can benefit from massage therapy and bodywork. Massage and bodywork is a critical preventative method for overall health, whether the horse is a companion or in regular activity (working, competing, or lessoning with many different levels of riders, etc.). Most equines carry some muscle tension from repetitive motions, stressors, muscle weakness, confirmation flaws, environment, or influence from tack and weight-bearing. Horses may get used to functioning in a limited or even painful way, and initial areas of restriction or dysfunction often cause the body to compensate in other areas—when one part of the body is weakened, another region must work harder. Horses conceal pain in their nature as prey animals; Issues often go undetected until the symptoms become exaggerated or extreme. Routine maintenance massage may help prevent and resolve ailments before they become more serious and begin to risk considerably altering multiple body systems, performance, behavior, and human/horse safety. Signs or behaviors of discomfort—pinning ears, prolonged widening/closing of the eye, biting, kicking, evasion, head tossing or shaking; “girthy,” cold backed, swishing, wringing, clamping or carrying the tail atypically; deviations in posture or gait (cannot maintain gaits, short-strides, stiff, stumbling, drags toes); refusing or reluctance to being touched or performing tasks; or changes in attitude (i.e. depression, stress, anxiety, irritability or lethargy)—are not typical horse behaviors and are highly likely to reflect musculoskeletal pain and or lameness (Dyson S., Pollard D., 2020). Additionally, just because a horse is performing well, does not necessary mean that he is clinically sound. Equine massage and bodywork provides the horse an opportunity to present their individual needs, especially those needs that may otherwise go unnoticed or ignored (e.g. my horse has always done that or that's just they way they are.) Massage can be a powerful tool in any equine wellness and longevity program, as a valuable noninvasive modality. Equine massage and bodywork is not a substitution for veterinary care.