What is chiropractic?
The word chiropractic really means to treat with the hands. I use a very fast but gentle force on specific joints which causes a reflex action in the muscles around it, releasing joints, easing muscle spasm and reducing nerve pain. This improves the performance and well being of the patient as bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves are all interrelated and a problem in one area can lead to huge problems elsewhere. I also use muscle and myofascial release techniques, which complement the treatment really well.

What is muscle therapy?

Muscle therapy involves the use of physical therapy techniques and pressure point stress release. Muscles work by contracting and relaxing, but if the muscle fibres remain contracted, the muscle can be said to be in spasm. This causes pain, may affect nerves and also estricts normal movement. The use of muscle therapy to release spasm, in conjunction with chiropractic treatment ensures that joints and the muscles surrounding them function optimally and in a pain free manner. This allows your horse to reach it.s athletic potential.

How do people know there is a problem with their horses?
Sometimes it is a very obvious thing like the horse is lame or injured, or has a reduced performance. It may exhibit behavioural problems such as bucking, rearing, refusing to jump etc or it may be more subtle than that, the horse may move from being good natured to being cross, dislike being tacked up or groomed or even touched. Many people also find that a quick check over regularly even if there are no obvious problems, helps prevent problems from occurring.
A horse can be in a great deal of pain and still carry on working. Repetitive strain injuries which have arisen over a long time due to incorrectly fitting saddles, tooth problems, foot balance problems, insufficient or unsuitable training methods are the most commmon cause of physical problems in the horse. Sometimes it is the rider who needs to be treated and the horse has developed compensatory problems due to the rider. Really the horse is a very long suffering and patient animal!

So, what exactly do you do?
Firstly, I like people to inform their vet that the animal is going to be treated, just to make sure it is OK. Then it’s a bit like being a detective- I have to assess the problem by examining the horse very closely - watching how it stands and moves, palpating muscles and joints for signs of abnormality or pain. I then use a combination of joint manipulation, muscle release, myofascial release and massage to treat the animal. I also advise the owner/trainer on how best to allow the horse to recover and how to prevent further problems.

Don’t you need to be very strong?
No, the treatment is based on skill and speed rather than strength. If you use a large force on the animal, you will just do more damage.

Were people very sceptical? How did you get started?
Until recently, most people expected their horses to be competitive athletes without treating them like athletes, but now sports science is being applied more and more to animals with fantastic results. After all they are made of very similar muscle, joints, tendons and ligaments to humans, so why shouldn’t it work?
Also, over the last 5 years, I have noticed that people have become more open to physical therapy as they have seen how effective it is in horses like ‘Beef or Salmon’, and may have also experienced it themselves.
Sometimes people say to me
‘I don’t believe in that kind of thing’
And I say
‘Well, your horse doesn’t either, but they feel better after being treated!’
It really shows in their performance and temperament.

What kinds of horses do you treat?
All kinds, from race horses to international showjumpers, dressage horses, riding and pony club horses, hunters and family pets. I work one day a week in a remedial clinic with horses who have behavioural problems and injuries where we have had some amazing results.

What are the benefits of treatment?
Really, it vastly improves the horse physically, once all joints and muscles are working properly, the horse can perform as well as possible with increased stamina and strength. It is rid of nagging aches and pains, and has increased flexibility and athletic ability. The animal feels good and it shows in their attitude, temperament and ability.

What are your plans for the future?
I am constantly trying to improve my skills by doing courses and learning as much as possible, also I give quite a few lectures on the subject of physical therapy for horses, The book on stretching, massage and injury prevention is coming along slowly but surely. I also plan to open a clinic where people can bring horses to me!