Post Massage
It is beneficial for your horse if he is exercised within a few hours of the massage session, this should be gentle and will allow him to adjust to the changes in his muscles.
Walking in hand for 10-15 minutes
Quiet hack (walk and trot)
Arena work - warm up exercises.
The following exercise plan may be used when riding your horse after a massage, I am happy to provide copies when I visit you (printable version).
Working your horse after a massage
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Walk along the entire long and short sides of the arena on both reins for 5-10 minutes.
Using the seat, position the head and neck to the inside for a few strides, the centre for a few strides and then the outside for a few strides. Do this without interupting the rhythm and without tension. Straighten for a while then repeat again on both reins.
Pick up trot and spend 5 minutes trotting around the arena, walking on the short side then resume trotting down the long side on both reins.
Repeat the head and neck positioning in the trot work, walk when necessary.
Incorporate some 20m circles in trot on both reins.
Begin a three loop serpentine in trot, walking for a few strides each time you cross the centre line, change rein and repeat.
Complete a serpentine on each rein remaining in trot.
Free walk, allow the horse to stretch.
Take up canter, canter the entire long and short sides of the arena.
Repeat the head and neck positioning in canter, trot where necessary, think more ' shoulder fore'.
Add some 20 m circles in canter.
Depending on fitness levels, add some leg yield, change of bend and 15m circles in walk and trot.
Cool down for at least 15 minutes in walk and trot.