saddles & tack The pro-active approach to performance
Chiropractor Nicky Hudson BSc DC MCC discusses the valuable role of a physical therapist in successful management of competition horses
Eventing – be it one day or three, intro or four star - show jumping, or dressage, whether you are competitor, owner, trainer, groom, event volunteer or simply a spectator – WOW what a sport we have!! However, the demands are high and we all know the costs. But we perhaps sometimes forget the physical and mental demands we put on the magnificent creatures that partner us…….the horses.
Our competitive horses ARE athletes and like all athletes they need a high level of support. This involves a coordinated ‘team’ effort from a number of different parties, but what can a physical / manipulative therapist contribute to optimise the animal’s performance? A physical therapist is usually first called to help to address perceived problems with performance, or with regard to more general welfare concerns. The therapist in these cases will use their skills to improve the horse’s health and function, to help it to return to work at full capacity. We would describe this as a short term or ‘remedial’ approach to care. Treatment is designed to correct a problem and ends when that problem is believed to have been alleviated.
However, as valuable as this ‘fix it’ phase may be, a more long term proactive approach to the musculoskeletal care of the horse, whether it is known to have had a problem or not, may sometimes reap higher rewards. A proactive approach to treatment can to some extent be compared to having your car serviced, such that developing problems can be nipped in the bud and reliable performance maintained. However, as valuable as such a ‘maintenance’ approach to anything might be, the very term suggests a lack of ambition to actually improve. The truly competitive horse / rider combination should surely aspire to become the best that they can, much the same as motor racing teams will continually seek to ‘develop’ their vehicles. Improvement in equestrian performance is usually incremental and derives from a number of sources. The overall physiology of a young horse will naturally develop with age, but also quite specifically in response to the particular demands placed upon it. The musculoskeletal and controlling nervous systems will become more specialised with repetition of activity, but the better those activities are
Nicky Hudson works with a horse post injury to help re-establish normal movement patterns
performed, the more educated the horse will become, to not only repeat but also enhance that performance. Like any chain, the current performance and ongoing development of a competition horse will be limited by any weak link. Musculoskeletal dysfunction and any sub-optimal muscle, joint and neurological activity within the animal can only represent such a weakness and this is where a suitably trained therapist may well be able to help.
With the necessary veterinary approval the practitioner will discuss the horse’s work and competitive programs, seek information about any problems through a detailed case history, observe the horse in action, perform a physical examination and formulate a treatment plan. Treatment methods are many and varied within this field, but the suggested approach and its rationale should be explained to you before commencement. Your own feedback on the animal’s response to treatment will then be valuable in reviewing the care of the horse on an ongoing basis and the practitioner’s own ongoing assessment will only be enhanced by a developing familiarity with that horse.
We all perform better when we’re having fun……..which is, after all, where that WOW factor comes from! If it hurts, or things just feel less than ‘right’, the pleasure will be reduced.……. for you and your magnificent partner! Do also remember that you, too, are part of the chain. Maybe you could both do with some treatment?!
Contact Nicky Hudson at S&N Healthcare, Longtown, Cumbria on 01228 791518 or 07850 113720 or online at www.
snhealthcare.info
Don’t just wing it….
Saddle pads are one of the most fashionable pieces of equipment we put on our horses, but they also serve an important biomechanical purpose. Few other pieces of gear can affect your horses comfort so substantially.
The HRP Jump Pro Dual WINGS saddle pads are scientifically proven using significant pressure tests to exert NO pressure on the horse behind the saddle over the lumbar spinous processes. In addition to this there is less mean pressure in all gaits in comparison to conventional saddle pads.
The visually striking WING® Saddle Pads also reduce pressure on the thoracolumbar spine and therefore help reduce the risk of local muscle strain. The innovative design and premium quality moisture wicking fabric helps to prevent localised over- heating and helps reduce the formation of moisture and sweat, again helping to prevent muscle dehydration and muscle fatigue. The HRP Jump Pro Dual WINGS® Saddle Pad costs around £115.95.
Sizes: Full, Cob and Pony. Colours: Black, White, Navy. Machine washable at 40°
Buy online at
www.hrpequestrian.com
www.theequinesite.co.uk
Equine Page 15
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