A relaxing massage session or a day at a SPA are relaxing activities that benefit our physical and mental health. In the same way horses have their formulas to relax.
When we see a horse that wallows we can associate it with multiple causes. Basically, there are two causes that respond to this behavior, one of them is precisely to relax muscle tension. By rolling on the ground, in mud, snow and dust, the horse comes into contact with the degreasing substances of the ground. This causes the grease secretions from the horses' hair to mix with the mud and dirt and also get rid of any kind of insects that might cause them discomfort or itching. This provides a very beneficial effect that removes excess fat (for them it is like an exfoliation) and the presence of parasites and insects.
The other cause is rather psychological, wallowing causes them a great feeling of relaxation. Any horse that has just worked or made an effort when we leave it free in its box, the first thing it will do is roll over and release any tension. Rolling over on the chosen floor, they enjoy a good massage and often take the opportunity to scratch parts of their body that they cannot reach when they are standing up. Even so, you have to be on the lookout because when a horse wallows it can also do so in order to relieve some pain, it is one of the causes that can indicate colic. When the horse feels a lot of pain, it rolls over on itself and when it's finished it doesn't get up, it has a sad look and constantly snorts. In these cases it is necessary to call the veterinary service and start exercising with the horse in order to give mobility to the bowels and in this way manage to end the colic in the best case.
Our Salao is an expert swaying with happiness, he has a habit that never fails, whenever we just hook up or exercise with him he sways around making whole turns about himself. He is the greatest grandfather of all but he is agile like a colt!
