Sports-based massage is often associated with top athletes. But visitors to the Scottish Christmas Equine Fair, Royal Highland Showground, Edinburgh on 6 and 7 December, will be able to see how such alternative therapies can be used to the benefits of horses too.

Pauline Kidd from Physical Feng Shui will be on hand to discuss the merits of Sportsmassage™. Sportsmassage™ prior to physical activity means that a horse's muscles are relaxed and free, and more able to cope with the stress of exertion. As a result, horses are less prone to injury and are likely to recover more quickly if they are injured.

Regular sportsmassage™ can be an invaluable tool for competing horses. Any muscular balances are noticed quickly and can be addressed before developing into a serious injury.

Some of the common problems that sportsmassage™ can overcome include refusing or resisting leads; 'hanging a leg' over jumps; head and neck discomfort; shortened strides; hind leg scuffing; improper tracking; hip and shoulder lameness; girthing problems; muscular or 'cold' back; and loss of performing ability.