Massage in horses uses many techniques first used for human massage, and it is becoming more common in both competitive equestrian disciplines and pleasure riding. Proponents say that equine massage improves movement and reduces pain and stress responses. Research has shown that massage affects the muscular system at the cellular and fascial levels, as well as physiologic systems. Preliminary research has been conducted that demonstrates possible benefits in exercise recovery, but additional rigorous research is needed to further examine these possibilities.