Does your horse need sports therapy? 

As already mentioned prevention is better than correction, therefore your horse should be on a suitable yearly plan, depending on the work he is doing. This may only mean 2 or 3 visits a year. However if your vet has diagnosed any muscular trauma, injury, pain or soreness, or you suspect this then I would recommend contacting me. I often liaise with your vet in a treatment plan, some cases only require a single treatment for resolution, with a follow up treatment later on, to help your horse recuperate. Treatment may include muscular manipulation, relaxation of the muscle structure through sports therapy techniques and a range of rehabilitation exercises.

A general MOT is always advisable at regular intervals so any soreness or small issues arising can be relieved to stop the need of any further more long term recovery.

I am very busy at the beginning of event seasons so please prepare early to book appointments.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CORRECTION!

A horse may learn alternative ways of carrying himself to alleviate pain or soreness, this is why it is very important to have your horse checked regularly, this may mean only 3 times a year, but will be invaluable as small issues can be found. 

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:

Here are several signs that your horse needs sports therapy: 

  •  Muscle wastage / uneven development
  • A shortened stride
  • A dipped back
  • Grouchy when groomed, mounted, tacked up
  • A change in temperament or deterioration of performance
  • Bucking / rearing / bolting / napping
  • Unable to get certain canter lead
  • Better on one rein/ stiffness
  • Unable / willing to work from behind
  • Has had a badly fitting saddle at some point
  • A reluctance to go forward
  • Constantly changing legs
  • Had a fall
  • Hock screws
  • Cold backed

How the back can be damaged:

  • Poorly fitting/damaged saddle
  • Too much work for level of fitness
  • Insufficient warm up/ cool down
  • Mounting from the ground
  • Surfaces , stumbling / pot holes / jar to pelvis / back
  • Poor shoeing / trimming
  • A fall / a slip / stumbling
  • Incorrect foot balance

my horses bad back