At the first treatment your equine osteopath will assess your horse whilst being walked up and then trotted up. Once back in the stable the horse will then be assessed for flexibility, mobility, points of tension etc. The osteopath will explain simply and clearly all the issues that are found and also explain the treatment planned for your horse. Your verbal consent is gained before any treatment takes place.
For assessment and treatment of your horse you need to provide the following:
- Completed vet approval form
- Stable/loose box
- Head collar or bridle
- Handler for the horse (the horse needs to be held by someone during treatment)
Once your vet has ruled out any other underlying causes osteopaths can often help with the following conditions:
- Lameness
- Stiffness
- Back pain
- Cold back & creeping
- Not tracking up
- One sided (unwilling to bend)
- Irregular gait (disunited canter etc.)
- Loss of muscle tone
- Decreased flexion of the poll
- Tension in the jaw (holding or grabbing the bit)
- Tail held to one side
- Uneven muscle development
Very often your horse is not exhibiting any obvious problems but is just less willing in their work and is not his normal self. The rider cannot put their finger on a specific issue but there is a niggling feeling that something is not quite right. Why not call us on 01527 892216 and see if we might be able to help.
Pain and stiffness can often be the cause of the following symptoms:
- Change in attitude (for the worse)
- Less forward going
- Decreased impulsion
- Feels flat during flatwork or when jumping
- Increased rolling when loose or stabled
- Less cadence, especially in lateral work
- Takes longer to warm up
- Increased resistance to certain movements, escalating to bucking, rearing etc.
- Poor transitions
- Head tossing
- Stamping/pawing
- Appearance of, or increase in severity of, stable vices
- Increased sensitivity to touch (usually noticed when grooming)
- Sudden resistance to being tacked up – especially the saddle
In a nutshell, the quality of the horse's work is deteriorating with no obvious reason why.
If you are not sure if we can help your horse's condition/injury you are very welcome to call for a chat about your concerns before booking an appointment on 01527 892216.
Horses treated outside for demonstration purposes only.
