Looking to Behaviour to find Discomfort

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Current research shows that we should be looking to what was once classed as an unwanted or naughty behaviour such as bucking, rearing, napping, reluctance to go forwards or even abnormal or stereotypical behaviour as a way of communication from the horse. It’s down to us to listen to them and understand that they could be doing such things due to being in discomfort or pain and this may or may not be when ridden. If we do not listen to the horse sooner rather than later it can create a multitude of issues which when left untreated can cause problems such as compensatory locomotion, lameness or even stress to other muscles in the body when they work harder to support the initial injured area.

 

The services are unique to the individual horse and rider dependent on the service requested

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Therapy Sessions

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Identifying areas of concern with a thorough investigation of the horse including static phase, dynamic phase and ridden where applicable.  Addressing any issues such as asymmetry and/or crookedness with massage is ideal to treat injuries as well as being used as a preventative treatment dealing with the health of muscle and connective tissue, range of movement, tone, symmetry, balance of muscle and quality of posture. Alongside massage the use of myofascial release work is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial pain often results from muscle injury or repetitive strain. When stressed or injured, muscles often form trigger points, like contracted knots, that cause pain and tightness. Alongside this I can use various modalities such as

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• Sports Massage

• Remedial Massage

• Craniosacral therapy

• Advanced Myofascial release

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage

• Spinal Freedom

• InfraRed Light Therapy

• Low Level Laser Therapy

• SURE FOOT method

• Kinesiology taping

• EMBT

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to help achieve the best results for the horse. A review of current tack will also be undertaken as well as a full history of the horse recorded along with, the horse’s current weight and nutrition. Any rehabilitation or fitness plans will be tailor made to the horse moving forward and will be sent in a comprehensive report via email.

 

Equine Rehabilitation Programs

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These are dealt with in block sessions and can include all therapy the horse needs. Tailored plans for rehabilitation working alongside vet recommendations will be tailored to each horse’s condition. Success rates and testimonials can be seen. Previous and current cases undertaken vary from

 

• Tendon and ligament injuries

• Surgical recovery

• Osteoarthritis

• Kissing Spine

• Fractures

• A wide range of myopathy’s

• Major and minor lesions

• Major and minor wounds

• Laminitis

• Colic recovery

• Lymphangitis

• Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome recovery

• And more……..

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Fitness programs

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Whether your horse needs to lose a few pounds, or you are training for a 4* star event adapting weight and muscle to the horse’s job can be a daunting task. Keeping your horse in a positive equilibrium will improve training and give better results as well as optimising their welfare. These can be discussed either during a therapy session or consultation, or as a standalone option as required.

 

Pre and Post Event Therapy

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Like every athlete, being in the best physical shape can give that competitive edge needed to succeed. As this would be a fully bespoke service please contact me to discuss your specific requirements.

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Pole Work Clinics

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These are designed and tailored to that horses needs based on a pre-assessment. Pole work helps develop your horse’s proprioception as well as timing and balance. Working with the horse we can then target muscle groups to help strengthen the horse whether it be core, hind end or top line muscle. Pole work is also key for riders to work on their coordination, timing and balance. Sessions can be private or in groups. Full day clinics are also available at request.

 

Pre-Purchase Assessment

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I am available at the request of the potential buyer to be present at a pre-purchase viewing. To arrange please contact.

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• Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 owners need to inform their Vet of my visit to their horse or seek permission of therapy if the horse is injured, has an illness or convalescing.

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• The horse or pony must be in a clean, dry condition as mud can be abrasive hindering the work possible on the horse due to discomfort.