How not to mount your horse!

"When she went to get back down onto the mounting block her foot slipped, and both the mounting block and Mary ended up underneath Apple!  Apple freaked, took off, and trampled Mary on his way!  Now both horse and rider are petrified and Mary hasn't been able to get back on - what on earth are we going to do?!"

What we did was break the end goal down into small, achievable steps.  First of all, we taught Apple to move forwards, backwards, sideways, and around, when asked.  Next we asked him to stand by the mounting block, with no one on the block.  When he did this for a few seconds, I led him away - remember it's the release that teaches the horse that he's done the right thing.  

We progressed to having someone standing on the mounting block, and asking him to stand.  Initially he chose to stand on the wrong side of the block - that's fine, it's still standing.  Gradually we asked him to stand another side of the block, and then another.  I kept rewarding him by leading him away from the block when he's got it right for a few seconds, but only stroked and talked to him when he was standing by the block.  The release of leading him away lets him know he's done the right thing, but the stroking and gentle murmuring when he's by the block lets him know that's the safe and comfortable place to be.

Finally, we employed the 'moving over' work that we taught him earlier.  I used a schooling stick as an extension of my arm (because I don't have Go-Go-Gadget arms!) to touch the far side of his quarters and ask him to move them towards me, whilst I was standing on the mounting block.  Initially he found this difficult to understand, but as always, the key is in releasing the very instant he responds, as quickly as I would if I touched a burning hot oven.

Because Mary was so nervous, I did the majority of the initial work myself.  This meant that Apple could learn more quickly, because my experience made my timing and application more accurate than Mary's would have been.  I talked Mary through the whole process, and once Apple understood, then Mary was easily able to replicate it.

Within 30 minutes, Mary had got on and off Apple at least 20 times, and I set her homework for the next few days of mounting at least 50 times each day.  A couple of days later I had a report back "Apple has been really good to get on.  He's presenting himself to the block and moving away from the stick if he's too far away and I need to straighten him up.  He hasn't moved a foot on any of the numerous times I've got on him.  I feel so much more confident now - thank you!"

Do you know if your horse therapist is qualified?

Anyone who follows my work will know that one of the things I'm passionate about is educating the UK horse owner population about the lack of protection of the title 'Veterinary Physiotherapist'.  Because of various loopholes, no qualifications at all are necessary to use this title, and you can qualify with a Masters degree in 'Veterinary Physiotherapy' without being qualified in the human field.  To find a Veterinary Physiotherapist who is qualified in the human field, look for a Chartered Physiotherapist (the title 'Chartered' is protected) at www.acpat.co.uk.

Veterinary nurses suffer from a similar problem.  Currently the title ‘veterinary nurse’ is not protected in law, and therefore anyone, even if they lack the relevant training and education, can refer to themselves as a veterinary nurse. The veterinary profession believes that this should change, and  there is currently a petition on the UK Government and Parliament website calling for protection of title for "veterinary nurse".

There are already more than 10,000 signatures, so the government is obliged to respond to the petition, but if they can get to 100,000 then it must be debated in Parliament. I have signed and would urge you to do so as well, if you feel able. If Veterinary Nurses are granted protection of title, it will ultimately benefit animal welfare which is what we all want above all else. It may also be the first step in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) recognising protection of title for Allied Health Professionals such as Physiotherapists is also necessary.

Sign the petition today and help progress animal welfare in the UK.

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Sweet itch relief?

In a recent newsletter I asked readers for their experiences of helping horses who suffer from sweet itch.  I wanted to share with you a particularly in depth and positive response from reader Maggie Barrett:

"Last November I started caring for my friends horse (she had relocated to Australia) who has suffered terribly with sweet itch - his owner has battled with his condition for years, each summer I would see him when we went out hacking and he would be in a terrible condition- mane and tail rubbed red raw and a rather 'scabby' face/ ears.  He is 21 years old and  also got diagnosed with cushings so his coat wasn't in the best of condition. And to top it off he also was prone to sunburn have a pink nose!

He now has very minimal signs of any sweet itch, cushings or sunburn and wanted to share the simple steps of how a achieved this, with not much effort or money at all;

- Shires sweet itch rug with belly and poll protection - on daily especially at dusk and dawn.
- Barriers fly spray with avocado coat conditioners when he had 'naked days' when its was too hot for fly rug. Concentrating on head, mane tail and belly areas
- Fly mask with ears and nose protection
- Canter coat sheen twice a week all over head, body and tail
- Food, changed gradually to less sugary options chaff/ mix
- Garlic and small amount of oil in food all year round
- Baby oil & water- wipe face and tail (sun down only so prevent oil burning on skin)
- Sudocream on the nasty scabs
- Grooming at least twice a week to encourage the oils in his coat as he had quite dry itchy skin

I avoided de-itch cream as it was a very tacky and the next day wouldn't be pleasant on the skin. I also avoided bathing too often as this strips this natural oils in coat.

I hope this helps a few people who are struggling with the battle. I feel its about the little changes - prevention better than cure."

To subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter packed with top tips and useful information, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk and put your name and email address in the box in the top right hand corner.

Impartial advice on grazing muzzles

Do you wonder how to keep the weight off your horse?  Are you on a livery yard where you're unable to restrict the grazing, or on your own land with quite simply too much grass?  Does your horse seems to live off fresh air?  If you're like me, you probably struggle with the idea of a grazing muzzle, because when we look at it from a human point of view, it seems so restrictive.  Charities have recognised that there was a need for impartial advice on grazing muzzles, and the National Equine Welfare Council has released it's first ever video on the subject.

Click here for impartial advice on grazing muzzles from the National Equine Welfare Council.

Click here to find out more about Sue and The Horse Physio

Click here to join Sue on her course 'Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training? Finding the Fix'

Sifting through the layers

Jenny had struggled for months with her horse Jim falling in through his left shoulder in their ridden work. Her instructor had come up with plenty of suggestions, but she felt as though she's hit a brick wall.

It's rare that a schooling problem has a simple fix. Usually it's a mix of what I call 'brain, pain and training' issues. Brain issues are ones that are resolved by improving the rider's understanding, training issues are ones that are resolved by improving the horse's understanding. Pain issues are resolved by finding the right help from an appropriate, qualified, knowledgable, experienced equine professional. 

Jenny and Jim are fictional characters based on something I am regularly asked to help with as a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist (find your local physio at www.acpat.co.uk) with a behavioural background (find your local Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate at www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk). Peeling off the layers is something I specialise in, and often I find that falling in through the shoulder can be massively reduced through a combination of physio for the horse (and sometimes the rider), an improved understanding of how the rider is trying to achieve this goal, the instructor getting on the horse so that the horse's understanding is improved, and sometimes addressing saddlery, dentistry, farriery or even veterinary issues.

If you'd like to learn more about how you can interpret what your horse is trying to tell you, join me on my new course 'Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training? Finding the Fix' on Sunday 15th Nov - find out more at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk

10 things every good horse person knows about backing a youngster

This post is prompted by visiting a couple of youngsters for physio assessment and treatment recently...

1. Have a basic vetting done (heart, eyes, lungs, and flexion tests)

2. Have the physio check him over in preparation for backing 

3. Have his teeth checked 

4. Have his saddle fitted 

5. Make sure his feet are in good condition (he does not need to be shod)

6. Get him relaxed with being groomed all over, including under his tummy and in the girth area

7. Teach him to stand still on a loose rope

8. Teach him to be relaxed when you stand on a mounting block beside or in front of him

9. Lead him out in hand to experience the world outside his yard

10. Take him to shows in hand, even just to graze at the side of the collecting ring, to help him learn to settle when there are other horses around

There are plenty more points I could add to this - please feel free to add yours in the comments!

Find your local Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate here

Find your local Chartered Physiotherapist here

Find your local BHS instructor here

Find your local farrier here

Find your local Master Saddler here

Find your local equine dentist here

To find out more about Sue and her work, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk

To book your place on the one-day course 'Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training - Finding the Fix', click here.

For your copy of the book and DVD 'Horse Massage for Horse Owners' click here.

For your copy of the book 'Sue's Helpful Horse Hints' click here.

Update on Eva

Update on Eva, who had bridling difficulties:
"Hi Sue just a quick update on Eva. She's coming on so much. She's actually listening to me more. standing still for me and excepting the bit a lot better. Still for a little treat but we're getting there. I can tack her up myself now on my own and can even tack her up in the box at the show whereas before we would have to struggle at home to tack her up then load her because she was so much of a fidget at a show. We are still working with her everyday and it's definitely working"

It's a beautiful morning!

It's a beautiful morning, but I'd hoped that the roadworks being completed would mean I wouldn't spend so long sitting in this traffic jam on my way to Centre Lines Dressage!

I am however very much looking forward to seeing the many regulars I have there, including Grace Kelly who competed at her first ever Medium yesterday and got 2nd with professional rider and trainer Carrie Adams - a big step up from when they last competed in January and lots of exciting things to come from this partnership!

How not to get bucked off your youngster!

If you back your youngster using a saddle that doesn't fit, you could be creating problems that take months or years to resolve.

Recently I've visited 3 youngsters in the process of being backed, none of whom have had the saddle fit checked for the horse (but all of whom have recognised that physio is a beneficial part of the backing process, so we'll done to these owners!). This is one of the most crucial times to ensure that your horses saddle is comfortable for him, when you're first introducing him to saddle and rider. If he learns from the beginning that the saddle causes him pain, you've got your job cut out convincing him otherwise at a later stage.

I'm not saying you should go out and spend thousands on a saddle - of course your horse will develop and change shape. But to have a saddle that is sitting down on his withers, or tipping the weight of the rider to the back of the rib cage, or pinching his shoulders, or with a gullet that is bruising his spine, is simply asking for trouble. There are many options available, including adjustable gullets, and an experienced trainer might be able to check the fit on a short term basis for you if you're not keen on getting the saddle fitter so early on.

A saddle that fits is an investment - you wouldn't spend long walking in a pair of shoes that didn't fit, or wearing a belt that rubbed, please don't ask your horse to suffer in silence what must surely be a similar discomfort.

Featuring in Horse and Hound magazine (unintentionally)!

Recently a friend shared a Facebook post with me that was promoting a horse behaviour website (I can't remember which one, and the post has been taken down now), and I recognised the picture as being one of myself working with a problem horse for an article for Horse magazine several years ago!  The website that was being promoted was not in any way linked to Horse magazine, and when my photographer husband Simon contacted the lady she said that she had found the picture on the internet and since that meant it was freely available, she had thought she could use it.  I don't understand the ins and outs of the laws on this, but Simon does (he has to, to survive in his business!), and after he explained it to her she took the post down.  Eventually Simon found where the picture had come from - an online Horse and Hound article from 2010! Horse and Hound are entitled to the picture because they are a sister magazine of Horse magazine, who the pictures from the article belong to (even though it's Simon who took the pictures and me who features in them).  Anyway, I thought I'd share the picture and article with you, because it makes me feel kind of famous to be able to say I've featured in Horse and Hound!

You can view the article by clicking here.

Click here to contact Sue and book your place on her course 'Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training - Finding the Fix'

Click here to find out more about Sue's book, DVD and course 'Horse Massage for Horse Owners'

Click here to get your copy today of 'Sue's Helpful Horse Hints'

Struggling to bridle Eva

"Here is EVA My 6yr old showjumper. We have had her just over 12 months. We have always struggled to put her bridle on. When we approach her in the stable she always seems nervous,  holds her head up high and circles the stable to avoid having bridle on.

After one session with Sue, Eva is now standing still and excepting the bit with treats as a reward. We are still progressing and working with Eva everyday.  Thrilled with results so far."

Click here to email Sue and book yourself onto the 'Brain, Pain or Training' course

New book accepted by publisher - very excited!

My new book, 'Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training?' has been accepted by leading equestrian publisher J A Allen and the contract is in the post!  I will be running a one day course with the same title at Stourport Riding Centre, Worcs, DY13 9JD on Sundays 13th Sept, 25th Oct and 22nd Nov.  The course will run from 10am to 4pm and costs £100 per person.  To book your place drop me an email (sue at thehorsephysio.co.uk) to check availability, then book online through the shop at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk.

Below is the synopsis:

Would you like to improve your horse’s performance?  If so, then this is the book for you!

 

Whatever level you ride at, from top competition to happy hacker, the inability to solve a problem causes frustration and can leave you feeling powerless.  This exciting new approach to the links between horse training, horse health, and horse behaviour will lead to greater success, a better relationship, and ultimately more good times with your horse.

 

In ‘Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training?’ author and Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist Sue Palmer MCSP reveals how you can determine whether your horse’s performance is affected by his behaviour (brain), health (pain), or training, and explains clearly how to overcome problems, or where to find the right help.  Sue, author of the 5* reviewed ‘Horse Massage for Horse Owners’ and ‘Sue’s Helpful Horse Hints’ has a unique combination of equestrian qualifications in the fields of training, health and behaviour, and combines this knowledge with over 35 years of experience with horses.

 

Empowering you with the knowledge and practical skills to make a difference, this book is a must for all who are passionate about their horse’s performance, health and emotional wellbeing.

10 things all good horse people know, but maybe couldn’t tell you … about confident handling from the ground

10 things all good horse people know, but maybe couldn’t tell you …  

about confident handling from the ground

If you are lacking in confidence in handling your horse, mastering these ten exercises will dramatically improve your level of confidence.

Lack of confidence in handling your horse is not something to be afraid of, it’s something to be embraced.  Before you even think about getting on your horse, there are so many fun and interesting things you can do with him from the ground to build your confidence and improve the relationship between the two of you! 

These exercises assume that you have an experienced horse who has a thorough understanding of what is expected of him. If this is not the case, please seek practical help from an expert you trust. No special facilities are required, but a 12ft lead rope is useful, and you may find that using a Dually halter gives you greater control (you can get these from the shop at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk).

1.              Standing still: Teach your horse to stand still at the end of a loose 12ft line

So much of horsemanship is based on the ability to stand still. Without this foundation solidly in place, it is likely that cracks will show elsewhere in your relationship with your horse. Ask your horse to stand. Notice exactly where each of his feet are so that you can correct him if he moves them, by moving each foot back to approximately where it started from. Facing your horse, back away a couple of steps, being careful to keep the line (lead rope) loose, as any slight pressure could be interpreted by your horse as you asking him to move towards you. Aim to stand for at least a minute. If your horse moves a foot, instantly correct him by moving him back until the foot is where it started from, then immediately release all pressure and take a couple of steps back again. Timing is key - the quicker you correct and the quicker you release, the quicker your horse will learn what you are asking of him. Use a level of pressure in your corrections that is proportionate to the level of mistake he's made, so if he's just crept forwards then gently ask him to move back. As you progress, take another step back, then another, until you are at the end of a loose 12ft line. Repeat consistently until you and your horse are able to stand relaxed for up to ten minutes.

2.              Picking up feet: Teach your horse to stand quietly while you pick up each of his feet in turn, in the order you decide

Allowing you to hold his foot up is a sign of your horse's trust in you, since he is giving away his option to flee. Picking the feet out as quickly as you can or not picking out the hind feet altogether to avoid problems can often degenerate into further difficulties. Have someone hold him to start with, or tie him up - although eventually the goal is to be able to do this exercise with your horse loose in the stable or field. Start with one of his front feet. Position yourself safely so that you are standing beside his shoulder facing his tail. Always touch his neck or shoulder then run your hand down to his leg, rather than surprising him by touching his leg first. Run your hand down the back of his leg to the fetlock and ask him to pick up his foot. Be calm but firm, insist that he gives you his foot, even if only for a second. Don't give up because he's resisting or fidgeting, unless safety is a concern. Once he's given you his foot and you've chosen to release it, make sure you reward him with something he enjoys, perhaps a scratch on the withers (the use of food as a reward here is not appropriate). When you are confident with both front feet, follow the same procedure with the back feet. Again be careful to put your hand on his quarters and slide it down to his leg rather than surprising him by touching him on his leg straight away. Over time, vary the order in which you pick up his feet. Build up how long you can hold each foot for, up to a minute or so (if you are holding his foot up for more than a few seconds keep it fairly close to the ground to avoid placing undue stress on the joints by flexing them).

3.              Moving one foot at a time: Cause your horse to move just one foot

This might sound simple, but most people don't find it so easy when they give it a go! It doesn't matter if you're moving the foot forwards or backwards. The key is in the communication you and your horse must have to achieve such a precise goal. Start with your horse standing still, with you facing him. Ask him to move just one foot backwards. Watch really closely - in my experience people often don't notice that two or even three feet have moved! Experiment with how much pressure you need to use to ask for the initial movement, and how quickly you need to release any pressure so that he only moves one foot, as opposed to several. It's likely that you'll find you need to 'reward the thought' by releasing the pressure as you see / feel him thinking about living one foot, because of you leave it any longer than this you'll have triggered the movement of a second or third foot. This a great exercise in teaching you how to listen to your horse, and almost more importantly, in reaching your horse that you are listening to him and responding to his actions. Once you've mastered moving one foot backwards, try moving one forwards, or a front foot sideways towards you, or a hind foot sideways away from you.

Above are the first three of ten tips due to be illustrated and published at a later date – sign up for free with your name and email address at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk to be the first to hear more!

This list is not by any means exhaustive, and there are plenty more options to consider. Trust your instinct and the feedback you get from your horse, rather than what you read on the Internet, what the person in the next door stable did, or what you hear from well meaning friends. Get professional help from someone well qualified, experienced, and fully insured - remember that often you get what you pay for. Write down your goals, and believe that you will find your way to them by following a path that is right for you and your horse.

For practical help with your horse's behaviour please contact your local Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate at www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk.

If you are concerned that your horse's behaviour might be pain related, contact your vet, or your local Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist at www.acpat.co.uk.

To find your local BHS qualified instructor please visit www.bhs.org.uk.

To find out more about Sue, her books, DVDs, and the courses she offers for you and your horse, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk, and while you're there please sign up to receive her regular FREE e-newsletter at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk and follow her blog at www.brainorpain.blogspot.com. You can also join Sue on Facebook at The Horse Physio, or on Twitter at @thehorsephysio.

Well done Lynda Birke and Casanova!

International rider Lynda Birke riding Casanova, a regular client of mine, at a show last week. Well done you guys, what a huge fence!!!

"If it's tight, relax it. If it's stiff, move it. If it's sore, relieve pain."

"If it's tight, relax it. If it's stiff, move it. If it's sore, relieve pain."

As a Chartered Physiotherapist, Sue's aim is to encourage the body to fix itself. Sue says "I want to 'press the right buttons' to trigger the body's own healing response. I'm not a surgeon so I won't take anything out. I'm not a medical practitioner so I won't put anything in. I believe that nature knows best, and that if the body is able to heal itself then it will do so given the right conditions and encouragement. 

My ethos in life is one of no violence, and I will not try to force the body in any way. I know that stress reduces the ability to heal. For this and other reasons I work with the horse rather than against him, aiming for relaxation as part of the treatment process." 

Much of Sue's work comes through word of mouth, and so the results speak for themselves. Many clients choose the option of regular treatment sessions for performance enhancement, to give comfort when there are known underlying conditions, or simply for peace of mind as a preventative measure. All assessments and treatments are tailored to the individual.

Techniques used include:

Massage: Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids.

Joint mobilisation: Joint mobilisation is a manual therapy intervention, a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. It is usually aimed at a 'target' synovial joint with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect. When applied to the spine, it is known as spinal mobilisation.

Soft tissue mobilisation: Soft tissue mobilisation is the hands on mobilisation of soft tissues, including fascia, muscle, tendon, ligaments, and more.

Craniosacral therapy: Craniosacral therapy (CST), or cranial-sacral therapy, is a form of bodywork or alternative therapy focused primarily on the concept of "primary respiration" and regulating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid by using therapeutic touch to manipulate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium. To do this, a practitioner will apply light touches to a patient's skull, face, spine and pelvis.

Myofascial release: Myofascial release (or MFR) is a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. This alternative medicine therapy aims to relax contracted muscles, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles.

Spinal mobilisation: Joint mobilisation is a manual therapy intervention, a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. It is usually aimed at a 'target' synovial joint with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect. When applied to the spine, it is known as spinal mobilisation.

Stretching: Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle or tendon (or muscle group) is deliberately flexed or stretched in order to improve the muscle's felt elasticity and achieve comfortable muscle tone.

Neurodynamics: Neurodynamics is related to communication between different parts of the nervous system.

Muscle energy techniques: Muscle energy techniques are used to treat somatic dysfunction, especially decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity and pain. Historically, the concept emerged as a form of osteopathic manipulative diagnosis and treatment in which the patient's muscles are actively used on request, from a precisely controlled position, in a specific direction, and against a distinctly executed physician counterforce. 

Joint manipulation: Joint manipulation is a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. It is usually aimed at one or more 'target' synovial joints with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect.

Exercises: Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons, including strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, and merely enjoyment.

Gait analysis: Gait analysis is the systematic study of animal locomotion, more specifically the study of human motion, using the eye and the brain of observers, augmented by instrumentation for measuring body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles.

Heat: Heat therapy, also called thermotherapy, is the use of heat in therapy, such as for pain relief and health.

Ice: Cryotherapy is the local or general use of low temperatures in medical therapy.

Electrotherapy (TENS): Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes.

Advice and education

The definitions above are mostly taken from Wikipedia in May 2015.

Do as I say, or else... Clinical practice versus research

'Evidence based medicine' is a phrase these days. The concept began in the 90's, and was originally defined as the best available option combining evidence from clinical practice with evidence from research. It seems to have morphed into a debate between those who believe clinical expertise is more important, and those who believe research is more important.

How can we apply this to our practice with horses, either in behavioural work or in physio assessment and treatment? Like everything with horses, I believe the judgement should be made on an individual basis. 

I remember studying veterinary physio at the Royal Veterinary College and having to study a section on horse behaviour. It was taught by, in my opinion, very research based scientists as opposed to clinical practitioners (ie by university lecturers as opposed to by those working with horses and their owners on a daily basis). I had worked in and studied horse behaviour for nearly 10 years, and been an instructor / groom / horse problem solver for another 10 years before that. I found myself wondering whether these lecturers had ever actually tried applying the techniques they were teaching in the real world (ie with horses and their owners, rather than with horses and students in scientific trials). When it came to exam time I struggled to answer the behavioural questions because none of the multiple choice answers fitted my experiences!

I do believe that research is of huge value, and should underpin the majority of our practices. I say 'majority of' rather than 'all of' because the fact is that there will never be enough funding for equine / equestrian research, except in conditions that affect racehorses. So it is impossible to base all of what we do on what the science recommends. But what science there is available to us should not be ignored.