Natascha: "The lymphatic system is very important for the horse's body. The lymphatic vessel system transports, from different tissues, joints, and organs, all substances that are no longer useful. Through lymph fluid, these waste products come to the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes have multiple tasks including filtering. Ultimately, the lymph flow drains into the blood."

Lymphatic system important for immunity

"The lymphatic system is a kind of separate department of the immune system," Natascha explains. "Those two work seamlessly together, and the lymphatic system serves the immune system. The lymphatic system drains various substances: ranging from damaged cells to cells that are being replaced, to various pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. But the system also does the surveillance of tumor cells, cells that are not right are removed this way. When disposing of waste products, it is not just about waste products your horse receives from medication or contamination," Natascha explains.

'Normal' muscle damage

"Every movement causes damage, that's normal. The more intensive you train, the more of this 'normal' damage occurs. The small broken cells resulting from this also need to be properly disposed of. If that's successful, then your horse is less sore and stiff the day after training, and the resilience and functionality of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments increase. So, the lymphatic system also removes internally produced waste products."

What is Manual Lymph Drainage?

"Manual Lymph Drainage, abbreviated as MLD, is a special massage technique where you directly target the lymphatic system. It is a very gentle way of massaging, which horses often really enjoy. They become calm. MLD stimulates the lymphatic system and increases the drainage capacity, sometimes up to 75%! Waste products leave the body faster because of this. MLD is used, among other things, to prevent stiffness and acidification, for summer eczema, for immunity problems, and during rehabilitation and recovery," Natascha says.

Injuries and box rest - a toll on the lymphatic system

"If a horse needs to rehabilitate from a serious injury, such as a tendon injury, then there is often a lot of attention for things like scans, ultrasounds, and the use of a laser. That is also necessary, but not many people realize that you need to clean up everything that is broken first. That way you create space for the influx of good substances and thus for recovery," says Natascha. "Recovery is easier with MLD, it has a positive influence on the quality of the healing tissue. If you are dealing with a serious injury that requires intervention from a clinic and results in box rest, then your horse essentially gets a double blow. Not only is there the injury itself, but also the box rest is burdensome. Problems can then accumulate. Especially if your horse is not at home."

Moving or massaging to keep the lymphatic system functioning

Natascha continues: "From the perspective of the lymphatic system, the motto is: 'Rest rusts.' It benefits from roaming around. The lymphatic system does not have a pump like the heart is for circulation. Lymph fluid circulates as the horse moves slowly. Think of stocking up on legs, that's also a buildup of lymph fluid that goes away when your horse gets moving again. The lymphatic system needs the 'step-by-step' movement to function. When you immobilize your horse due to an injury, such as a damaged tendon or a fracture in the cannon bone, the lymphatic system also comes to a standstill. It can no longer properly remove waste products and damaged cells. Add to that the stress of box rest and the pain of the injury, and there is a negative influence on the lymphatic system. While you actually want it to be optimal for faster recovery!" Natascha explains. "Especially in these situations, MLD can mean a lot for your horse."

Lymphatic drainage as support for injuries

When can you use MLD for injuries? Natascha: "Especially when a horse is performing at a very high level in sports, then it is in top shape. If you suddenly stop such a horse due to an injury, the legs can swell. That edema hinders optimal and efficient recovery. That is the moment to provide lymphatic drainage, thereby maintaining the entire circulation of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic vessel system continues to function properly and the legs remain thin. Especially horses with injuries to the lower legs benefit greatly from this. MLD is a very gentle technique that needs to be performed very slowly. Horses also relax a lot with it. The horse relaxes mentally and feels better. Optimal recovery can then take place at the cellular level," Natascha says. "That's recovery, and nothing else!"

Good experiences with MLD for injuries

"I have experienced several times with sport horses how well MLD can work in recovery. Photos and scans are frequently taken for monitoring, and often veterinarians are completely surprised by the positive outcome at a second scan or check-up. Recovery is indeed faster with MLD. I don't push a horse's system through lymphatic drainage, but I create the conditions needed for optimal recovery. By supporting the lymphatic system, recovery can take place at the pace it naturally would. Despite box rest."

Consultation with veterinarian and therapist

Natascha advocates for good contact and consultation between the therapist performing lymphatic drainage and the veterinary doctor treating the horse for the injury. "I would quickly contact a therapist from the MLD register after an injury. Lymphatic drainage may look simple, but it is actually quite medical. Therefore, always hire a well-trained therapist and ensure that they coordinate with the veterinarian to avoid negative interactions with certain medications. Such a therapist is also aware of the contra-indications. When you can start with MLD for support depends on the nature of the injury, what has been done by the veterinary clinic, and what medication the horse is still receiving. But it is a shame if you wait until your horse has swollen legs. It is better to prevent that and have the MLD therapist start at the right moment."

About Natascha: searching for the 'Yes'

Natascha Bos has been involved with horses her whole life and started with manual lymphatic drainage as a therapist for people. "I have done everything with horses and often wanted to do things a little differently than the norm. When I was young, there was only one system and no internet to look things up, so everyone did things the same way and that was it. I often reached a point where I felt a 'No' in my stomach and especially in my heart: 'No, I don't want to do this with horses like this'. And then I would go to a different discipline or location. At some point, and that's when it got really interesting, I started looking for where my 'Yes' actually lies with horses.

Avoiding dogmas

Because I saw what MLD did with people and also with myself, I wanted that for horses too. To get horses fitter and healthier and to ensure they need less medication. My drive is to inform and inspire people to look at things differently. There is never just one truth, it's fun to avoid dogmas. I love searching and feeling what fits the person and horse in front of me. Because the perfect horse doesn't exist, it's always tailored. Fortunately, nowadays there is a huge choice of different schools of thought, and curious people can find a lot of information. I've been doing this for about 16 years now and I see that the acceptance of a different view and method is much higher. In general, a great movement has started, where there is more and more room for a broader and complementary view of horses and their well-being. That is a big difference from 10 years ago and a huge positive change," concludes Natascha her story.

To learn more or make an appointment with Natascha? Check out: https://blauwehengst.nl/