Like any professional athlete, racehorses often face their fair share of trials and tribulations when it comes to injuries and setbacks. In order to perform at their peak, whether it be preparing for yearling sales, race day or stallion service, it is vital the horses are at top physical condition inside and out.

 

It's individuals such as Peter Neal, an equine muscle therapist based in the Waikato who treats some of New Zealand's leading thoroughbreds to ensure they have the ability to perform at the highest standard possible. 

 

Specialising in equine biomechanics, 'Pete' as he is better known treats thoroughbreds in various levels of work, including stallions and yearlings. Working in some of New Zealand's leading stables such as Tony Pike's, Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman's, and studs such as Waikato, Trelawney and Rich Hill, Pete is always kept busy.

 

He explained his massage techniques stretch muscle fibres and fascia which are knotted, freeing inflexible muscles to increase the flow of oxygen rich blood. Just like athletes, equines can only perform to the best of their ability when their bodies will allow it, Pete helps to ensure this.

 

“If you've got the freedom to move, you've got the freedom to perform.”

 

 

Built for movement, the equine muscular system is greatly complex and powerful. Categorised into three different types; skeletal, cardiac and smooth, Peter treats what is known as the superficial muscles. Classified as movement muscles, they are located between the deep muscles and the skin, and vary in size and shape. Peter explains there is 30 major points in the horse, and his job involves "opening the points of the muscles so the fuel can get in", thus relieving the horse of any pain. 

 

Using strong massage techniques, he begins the treatment behind the horse’s ear working down along the neck to the point of the shoulder, the brachiocephalicus muscle. Moving throughout the horse’s body, to the triceps brachii muscle on the upper forelimb or shoulder. The pectoral muscles underneath, and the longissimus and iliocostalis muscles which run along the spine. Eventually working his way to the very large and powerful glutes and hamstrings known as semimembranosus muscles. "I pretty much go over the whole horse." These are just some of the key muscles within the horse's anatomy where Pete often finds issues.

 

Over his years of experience, Pete has found that if after two sessions there is little to no improvement within the horse, the issue is more likely structural rather than muscular. Describing himself as quite a confident person, he confesses he feels little pressure in trying to ‘fix’ a horse, as his results have been well proven over the years. Pete ensures to keep in touch with his clients and their horse’s progress, as a somewhat reassurance the therapy is successful. He also feels a great sense of pride and accomplishment when once injured horses he has treated go on to make significant recoveries.

 

“Watching horses improve in their performance is as good as it gets.”

 

 

Thoroughly involved in the horseracing industry, he finds great benefit and pleasure in working with elite horses and following their racing careers. As a high pressure and expensive sport, Pete considers the ability to improve and enhance the horse’s performance naturally is vital. Treating some of the greatest stallions and racehorses the country has to offer on a weekly basis is a deeply gratifying part of the job for Pete. "I'm fortunate enough to be working with horses that are pretty much at the top of the ladder."

 

Pete explains some of his favourite horses he has worked with over the years include The Chosen One, Volpe Veloce, and Jon Snow just to name a few. "For a stallion, he was an amazing horse." His career highlights include treating the quinella in the 2016 Auckland Cup, El Soldado and Rose Of Virginia. As well as New Zealand Oaks winner Fanatic and Australian Derby winner Tavago the same year.

 

A former dairy farmer, Pete has discovered his current career path has very little negatives, and is a passion rather than a livelihood. "I'm passionate about what I do, I think that's a big part of it." Not shy to confess his love for the job and appreciation for his clients, Pete is undeniably a talented and humble man who embodies ‘do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.’