Getting to know you

The purpose of massage is to help the horse fell calm and open the channels of communication between the therapist and the horse.  In order to begin the process of communication I will spend some time standing quietly at the horses head, giving him  a chance to get to know me.  I am allowing the horse a chance to feel comfortable in my presence and to be aware that I am there to listen to his needs.  I find most horses are comforted by these few moments of quiet listening and become more willing to work with me afterwards.  I also use this opportunity to ask the horse to respond to simple requests such as backing and stepping forward.  By noticing the horse's response to these questions I can asses some areas of tightness as well how willing the horse is to work with me.