Why use Equine Manipulation?

The techniques and stretches used in Equine manipulation work to remove muscle spasms within the body which, over time have caused misalignments (subluxations) of the skeletal system. These subluxations can cause impingements of the spine resulting in pain, muscle wastage, nerve damage and in some cases disease*. (*If an organs nerve supply is impinged over a number of years the organ can cease to work sufficiently – over a prolonged period of time this can reduce the effectiveness of the associated organ). The removal of muscle spasms allows the body to realign itself improving nerve function, circulation and productivity of the endocrine and lymphatic systems. Muscle spasms, subluxations and impingements of the nerves can cause:

• Reduced performance
• Abnormal posture while standing
• Uneven muscle development (hypertrophy)/ Muscle wastage (atrophy)
• Discomfort (often displayed as bad temperedness) while grooming
• Discomfort (often displayed as bad temperedness) while being saddled or girthed
• Symptoms of being 'Cold backed'
• An uneven gait (uneven wear of shoes)
• Inability/ refusal to track up
• Carrying the tail to one-side
• Stiffness on one or both reins while ridden
• Disuniting in canter
• Evading the bit/ hollowing while ridden
• Reluctance to move forward
• Refusal/ reluctance to jump
• Refusal/ reluctance to lateral work
• Behavioural problems - ridden (e.g. bucking, rearing, napping) or while handled (e.g. aggression, nervousness, head shy)
• Unexplained/ intermittent lameness (Vets should always be consulted first in these instances)
• Saddle slipping

These problems and their symptoms, whether they occur while the animal is being ridden or handled, may be acute (rapid-onset) or chronic (long-term). This directly affects the amount of time it takes for manipulation to improve the horse’s way of going.

Any of the above can be as a result of injuries or falls (Your vet should always be consulted first in these instances), badly fitting tack, obesity of the horse or rider, unevenness of the rider, dental problems, over exertion and bad shoeing. The treatment is and should also be used as a preventative method. Regular visits from Amy, alongside your vet, farrier, saddler and dentist should form part of a balanced health regime for your horse.

Many behavioural problems can be misunderstood, particularly in horses and are as a result of pain. From experience some horses believed to be ‘difficult’ have significantly improved when benefiting from manipulation.

Manipulation can be used in conjunction with your vet for certain medical conditions such as arthritis, rehabilitation of injured animals, animals being brought back into work after surgery, or for unexplained lameness. Your vet should always be consulted.

All work is covered by professional indemnity insurance