What is equine osteopathy?
What is a 'back man'?
Can anybody call themselves an Equine Osteopath?
Can anybody call themselves an Osteopath (treating humans)?
Are you insured?
Will my pet insurance cover the cost of treatment?
What happens at the first treatment?
Do I need my vets permission?
Do you offer a group discount?
Will treatment hurt my horse?
Will my horse be sore the next day?
Will my horse need any time off after treatment?
How many treatments will my horse need?
How do I book an appointment?
What is equine osteopathy?
Equine osteopaths use their hands to identify and treat abnormalities within the equine structure and function. A variety of stretches, mobilizing and manipulative techniques are used to improve blood flow and soft tissue drainage, release tension and improve joint mobility.
What is a 'back man'?
A 'back man' may be an osteopath, it is important to establish which area your 'back man' trained in and also to check that they are fully insured. Astwood Equine Osteopaths are all fully trained osteopaths (for humans) who have also completed a post graduate diploma in animal osteopathy.
Can anybody call themselves an Equine Osteopath?
Yes, anybody can call themselves an equine osteopath even when they have had no training, no background in healthcare or even worked with animals! It is important to check the qualifications and insurance of any practitioner working
on your horse.
Astwood Equine Osteopaths are fully trained and insured.
Can anybody call themselves an Osteopath (treating humans)?
No, you have to hold a recognised qualification (currently an honours degree in osteopathy) and appropriate insurance. Osteopaths are lobbying to have the term 'equine osteopath' protected by law as we believe the general public is being misled and horses' welfare could be at risk.
Are you insured?
Yes, we are fully insured. Please advise at time of booking if your horse is worth more than £100,000.
Will my pet insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Many horse and pet insurance policies cover treatment by osteopaths. Please check with your insurance provider before booking an appointment.
What happens at the first treatment?
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)
Back to top.
Do I need my vets permission?
Yes, diagnosis and treatment of all animals is controlled by veterinary surgeons (Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons).
Do you offer a group discount?
Yes, please see the fees page for further information.
How far will you travel?
Approximately 30 miles from our base in Astwood Bank (near Redditch). Visits outside of our normal area may incur additional travel costs, please call us on 01527 892216 to discuss.
Will treatment hurt my horse?
No, whilst equine osteopaths some times have to use strong movements to affect change, the techniques used will not cause pain to your horse.
Obviously if a horse is very sore before the treatment, they will try to resist certain positions but most horses enjoy the treatment and sometimes even go to sleep!
Will my horse be sore the next day?
Depending on the condition/injury your horse had it is likely that your horse will still be feeling sore for a day or two after treatment. It takes a couple of days for everything to settle down. If your horse was not sore before the treatment they will just feel like they have had a good work out and may feel a little fatigued. It is best to turn your horse out for a couple of days or just lightly hack if possible. Your equine osteopath will advise you on care of your horse following treatment.
Will my horse need any time off after treatment?
It depends on how severe your horse's condition/injury was before the treatment. It is best to turn your horse out for a couple of days or just lightly hack if possible.
Your equine osteopath will advise you on care of your horse following treatment.
How many treatments will my horse need?
Most horses with straightforward issues usually only require 2 treatments to see significant improvement. However some horses have more complex issues and require further treatments. Your equine osteopath will advise how many treatments may be needed at your first appointment.
Please call us on 01527 892216
or e-mail
appointments@astwoodosteopaths.co.uk
Please e mail your name, contact phone number and the best time to reach you, we will call you back as soon as we can. Please note if asked 'who is calling' we will answer 'Astwood Equine Osteopaths', if this is not acceptable please ensure you give us your home phone number.
If you wish to rearrange an appointment you have already booked, this can only be done by phone. We require at least 48 hours notice, otherwise a full fee will be liable.
