The Fairfax bridle - what's all the hype about?

I am fascinated by the lack of knowledge we have on the effect that the bridle and bit have on our horse's way of going, and am always on the look out to find out more.  I get extremely frustrated by companies who make unsubstantiated (or equally bad, poorly substantiated) claims about how their particular design of bridle or bit will improve your horse's performance.  Owners are continually explaining to me that they have the right thing for their horse by quoting the 'spiel' that's on the packaging, without realising that there's little or nothing to back this up, other than clever marketing.  The most important thing of course is the effect the tack has on the horse, but the lack of knowledge (as opposed to long held beliefs) means it can be the horse that suffers - and the owner's pocket!

So I'm really excited that Fairfax have done extensive research, the results of which have been published in a good quality peer reviewed journal (and believe me, that's not easy to achieve!), in developing their new bridle.  I'm waiting of course to hear from owners what the horses think of it, and I realise that at around £400 (more for the double), most happy hackers and riding club competitors will need to be thoroughly convinced before they buy.  I thought I'd start though, by asking Fairfax themselves to tell me about the new bridle, so that at the very least, I have a greater understanding of what and why it's different.

Kitty King using the Fairfax bridle

Here is their response, from Angie Garton of Fairfax Saddles Ltd:

10 REASONS TO BUY A FAIRFAX BRIDLE

1 Based on scientific research

 The Performance Bridle is unique in that it has been developed using independent pressure mapping and gait analysis. Vanessa Fairfax, the product designer spent two years looking at traditional bridles, identifying common pressures and assessing whether pressure affects the horse.

The Fairfax bridle has been designed based on scientific research

 2 Pressure affects the horse’s way of going and the Performance Bridle helps eliminate pressure

Gait analysis consistently recorded significantly better hock flexion, knee flexion and forelimb protraction when bridle pressure was relieved.

Comfort factors built into the Performance Bridle help eliminate the six key areas of pressure identified by Fairfax. They include Prolite pads which lift the bridle clear of pressure points below the browband and pads on the noseband to lift it clear of the nasal bone, relieving pressure on the sensitive areas either side. A shaped headpiece relieves pressure at the back edge of the skull.

3 Stability is essential for comfort

Fairfax’s research shows that the more movement there is around the crown of the horse’s head, the less comfortable he is. The Performance Bridle remains stable against the horse’s head. This stability is consistent even as the horse is in motion. This bridle moves with the horse, not against him.

4 Articulation improves stability

Articulation rings mean that the components of the bridle move independently as the horse moves. Instead of being a fixed and rigid item against his face, the bridle pressure remains stable and therefore is effectively reduced.

5 Symmetry is significant

Fairfax proved a significant decrease in knee flexion when there was asymmetry around the horse’s head. So in the Performance Bridle there are equal buckles each side and the bridle is fitted so that the cheekpieces, noseband and throatlash all buckle at the same level.

6 Fairfax claims are proven!

The Journal of EquineVeterinary Science published a scientific paper about the results of Fairfax’s research. This is recognition that the testing was carried out under controlled scientific conditions with little or no room for misinterpretation. It is confirmation that the research is proven and can be trusted.

7 Top riders agree

The science is being proven ‘in the field’. Top riders such as Kitty King, Gareth Hughes and Spencer Wilton are achieving their best ever results with the Fairfax Performance Bridle.

8 Fairfax has pedigree

The Performance Bridle comes from the same designer and production team that brought us the Performance Girth – still referred to as the 2012 Team GB’ssecret weapon!

9 Try before you buy

The Performance Bridle is not available on line or mail order. It has to be fitted by a trained bridle retailer. This way, you can feel the difference it makes to your horse for yourself before parting with your cash.

10 Made in England

Fairfax is one of the few companies to make bridles in England. Each Performance Bridle is entirely made in Walsall by craftsmen using the finest bridle leather. The bridle is cut, stitched, assembled and finished in England from start to finish.

To find your nearest retailer and book a Performance Bridle fitting click here.

The Fairfax bridle is made in England

A significant finding was that most bridles exert hardly any poll pressure at all.  "Pressure is actually higher each side of the poll, behind the ears and under the browband".  This is particularly significant to me from a physio point of view, because a large percentage of horses that I treat have some level of muscle tension and sensitivity behind the ears and under the browband - is this caused by / contributed to / nothing to do with wearing a conventional bridle?  My guess would be that it is not caused by the bridle (I say this largely because I can often cause long term relief of tension and sensitivity using appropriate treatment techniques), but that it would certainly be irritated by the bridle, and that this would have a significant effect on the horse's way of going.

The Fairfax bridle relieves pressure, leading to greater limb range of movement 

One of the things I find most fascinating is the evidence in relation to the noseband pressure.  Who would have thought that a cavesson noseband would exert more pressure than a grackle noseband?!  The damning evidence on flash nosebands doesn't surprise me though, I've been trying to persuade riders not to use those for a long time now!  There's more fascinating info on the Fairfax website here.

A couple of things from the website that I found particularly interesting:

"Pressure exerted on either side of the nasal bone by a’normal’ cavesson noseband is four times higher than that we measured under a saddle. The cavesson pressure we recorded was so high, we thought the pressure mat must be faulty and we sent it back to the manufacturer. It wasn’t."

"Drop and grackle nosebands perform better in terms of pressure reduction and freedom of movement compared to any other conventional noseband we tested."

"Flash nosebands cause the most pressure and have the most detrimental effect on a horse’s movement. A flash stap dragging down the lower edge of the cavesson part is the most antagonistic high-pressure noseband design we tested."

I have a few clients who have tried the Fairfax bridle - some have loved it, others haven't.  To me, it makes sense - and if I had my own horse, I'd definitely be trying it.  I'd love to hear what you think, so if you've got any experience of the new bridle, please leave me a comment below!

Trigger point treatment

This is a technique that you can use on your own horse to help release muscle spasm. Muscle spasm causes soreness and tightness, leading to reduced performance, bad behaviour, and an increased risk of injury. This technique is technically known as 'ischemic compression' and is used to treat 'trigger points'. 

Press your fingers into your horses back muscle, above the rib cage, and slowly move your fingers towards the spine, maintaining the pressure at all times. Ideally, you'll be applying about as much pressure as you would to dent a football, but that will depend on your horse (and how well blown up your footballs are!). The muscle should feel soft under your fingers and your horse should not react in any adverse way - if you have any concerns then please contact your vet or local Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist (www.acpat.co.uk) for assessment from a qualified professional. 

If and when you get to a point where the muscle suddenly feels hard under your fingers, you'll see the area of the horses back that is in front of your fingers contract / go tight.  At this point stay still, maintain the same level of pressure, and after a short period of time (between a few seconds and a minute) you'll see the muscles in front of your hand start to ripple (fasciculation). 

Wait until the rippling stops, and you'll feel the muscle under your fingers suddenly go soft, so that your fingers sink gently and comfortably into your horses back (you can see this happening on the video here: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=496117673925834&id=297037173833886&ref=bookmarks). At this point, remove your hand, and either repeat in another place, move on to another treatment technique, or finish your treatment there.

Please note that some (by no means all) horses will feel sore after this treatment, so please use your judgement as to when you should next ride.

A description of ischemic compression is given here (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ischemic_compression), and of trigger points here (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myofascial_trigger_point).

To find out more about The Horse Physio, sign up to receive our free e-newsletter at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk, or follow us on Facebook (The Horse Physio) or Twitter (@thehorsephysio).

The Horse Physio in Shropshire

Yesterday's clinic was not as peaceful as I would have liked. Unfortunately, someone was involved in an accident with a vehicle during the day, through no fault of her own. It really made me think about the safety, or not, of riding on today's roads. 

Thankfully, the horses I was treating were wonderful, and thoroughly appreciated the work that I did. Diablo, pictured here, enjoyed soaking up the sun with me. In the video I have posted on my Facebook page here (https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=496055420598726&id=297037173833886&ref=bookmarks), you can clearly see how physiotherapy has promoted relaxation and healing.

I love my job, and always enjoy my working day, but it's even better when the sun is shining, and the place I am working in feels like a little piece of heaven!

To find out more about bringing your horse to a clinic for treatment, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk.

Hyoid release: a gentle, effective treatment technique

The body is incredible, and never ceases to amaze me. Everything is connected, as so affecting one part of the body, however small, has a ripple effect elsewhere. 

I choose to use treatment techniques that allow the horse to stay calm, because increased adrenalin means decreased healing, and my job as a Chartered Physiotherapist is to promote the healing process, not reduce it. There are plenty of techniques for the 'back last for horses' to choose from, and one of my favourite is the hyoid release.

Recently I found a video on YouTube that explains well what I'm doing, put together by someone who learned the technique from the same person I did, the incredible, wonderful Dr Kerry Ridgway. And so for all those who've clients who've asked what I'm doing when I work with the horses tongue, here is a good explanation: https://youtu.be/0PDjICClW3w

This is not an exercise that I recommend owners trying for themselves, as there is a risk of fracturing the hyoid bone, which is very delicate. But in the hands of a professional, it is a relaxing and effective technique, which allows the practitioner to use other gentle techniques as a follow on.

First, I assess the horse, including for muscle spasm around the hyoid bone.

Next, I take a gentle but firm hold of the tongue, and allow the horse to mobilise it for himself, in the head and neck position that he chooses, until I feel a release of muscle tension.

Once the tension has released, I move to the base of the neck, to cause a further release, which generally leads to improve range if movement and greater relaxation.

Almost every horse I've tried this technique with has found it relaxing, and the benefits of treatment are clear to see immediately afterwards. It's as though you can see the body unwinding before your eyes. 

To find out more about The Horse Physio, and to keep in touch, follow us on FB at The Horse Physio, or Twitter @thehorsephysio, or sign up to receive a free ended letter with top tips and helpful hints at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk.

Physio clinic at Stourport Riding Centre, 24.5.16

Stourport is such a nice place to run a clinic at.  The staff are all friendly and welcoming, there's free tea and coffee (and sometimes chocolate - but don't tell anyone that, because I'm supposed to be on a sugar free diet!), and the facilities are ideal.

Each month I treat several horses, either belonging to the Riding Centre, or horses who have travelled to the clinic for me to treat.  This month included Arnie, Lincoln and Uno, amongst others.  Uno is a young horse, in ridden work for around a year now, and he's one of the nicest 'people' you could ever hope to meet.  He was also a model for us at the Horse Massage for Horse Owners course that we ran last weekend - I think Sara, who was working with him then, would have liked to move into his stable with him!  He's just started jumping, and Gemma, who runs Stourport, is great at making sure the horses are checked out regularly, so she wanted to make sure he wasn't struggling physically with the change in workload.  Lincoln is reportedly his usual self, showing off his huge talent - he knows he's the star of the yard!  And Arnie is coming on in leaps and bounds with rosettes every time he goes out.  It's a pleasure to work with such pleasant, relaxed, happy horses - all credit to Gemma, Dan and the team for creating an environment that both encourages and allows this.  I'm already looking forward to going back next month!

If you'd like to bring your horse along for assessment and treatment, drop me an email through my website, www.thehorsephysio.co.uk.

How you can tell if your horse is sore through his back

There are some really simple techniques that you can use with your own horse to assess for soreness, stiffness, or restriction in range of movement. 

Recently I posted on Facebook:
"Use this video to help you learn how to assess if your horse is sore through his back, and please share it with your friends so that they can do the same. This horse is not sore through his back. See how the muscle is soft, and you can see it ripple in front of my fingers like a gentle wave. I am pressing into the muscle, moving against the direction of the hair, as I am more likely to pick up subtle problems this way. If your horse reacts differently to this, then I recommend assessment from a Chartered Physiotherapist (www.acpat.co.uk in the UK), Osteopath, Chiropractor, or Vet. You can see a full assessment at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk, or on YouTube here: 
https://youtu.be/poJoJaMZD3I"

You can view the Facebook post and the video here

The response was huge - within 24hrs the video had been viewed nearly 5000 times, and shared by 45 people.  The subject is an emotive one - no one likes to think of their horse being uncomfortable, and discomfort can lead to behavioural problems or reduced performance.  It's always difficult to work out whether problems are due to pain, behaviour, or training - which is exactly why I've developed the methodology of Brain, Pain or Training?, supported by 27 guest authors, all top equestrian sports people or therapists.

To have a go at this technique to assess for soreness in the back, simply feel through your horse's back muscles by pressing in with your fingers about as hard as you would push to dent a football (i.e. fairly firmly), and sliding your hand along the back muscles from the withers to the tail, one side at a time.  Go first in the direction of the hair, and then, if there is no adverse reaction, slide back against the direction of the hair.  Your horse should remain relaxed throughout, there should be no sign of discomfort, and the muscles should feel soft like play dough throughout.  

If you feel or see your horse tense up or react uncomfortably, it may be worth asking someone more experienced to assess him - a qualified professional such as a Chartered Physiotherapist, Osteopath or Chiropractor.

This is a 'have a go' technique, and it would be worth getting together with a couple of friends so that you can each assess each others horses.  It's impossible to know what 'normal' feels like if you've only felt the back muscles of one horse!

Let me know how you get on - I look forward to hearing from you!

Physio for performance

Juniper narrowly missed qualifying for the Scope show jumping qualifying championships last week, but will have another go this weekend. A long 3 strides in the combination caught rider Helen out, and she's quick to say that he probably could have managed it just fine if she hadn't been trying to help him! His Physio this morning released some tightness through his back, which should make it that little bit easier for him to shorten and lengthen as necessary this weekend :-) You can see a short video of Juniper enjoying his Physio here: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=493399104197691&id=297037173833886

A lot of the physiotherapy work I do at The Horse Physio (http://www.thehorsephysio.co.uk/index.html) is about improving performance, tweaking here and there to increase range of movement, release muscle spasm, or relieve discomfort, to make the horses job just a little bit easier. Reduced range of movement due to joint stiffness or tight muscles will affect his ability to perform at his best, just as it would in the human field. No serious human athlete would expect to perform at their best without the support of physical therapy of some kind, and it is well recognised that physiotherapy helps improve performance at the top level in equestrian sport as well, amongst all disciplines.

To find out more about how Chartered Physiotherapy could improve your horses performance, visit http://www.acpat.org/.

Daneswood Physio clinic, 23.5.16

Sponsored rider Leonie Smith is as busy as ever at Daneswood Dressage, I discovered at my Physio clinic there yesterday. Exciting news is that client Ashleigh Jones, para rider on the World Class program, is looking at teaming up with a new horse, 11yr old Fresian gelding Prince,  on loan from Mandy Wright and pictured here ridden by Leonie. Ashleigh, Prince and Leonie went to the World Class weekend training session a couple of weeks ago where they wowed everyone, and Prince took it all in his stride.

Leonie's own Fresian, Bert, is coming on in leaps and bounds (not literally!), and their training sessions with David Pincus are paying dividends. Bert is still struggling slightly with consistency in the changes, more so one way than the other, but is improving as he strengthens. My role is to release any restrictions that might cause skeletal asymmetry (like many horses, he is restricted in his movement in the upper cervical spine, initially more to one side than the other, and after a few treatments is much more even) so that Leonie can use the ridden work to strengthen him within this more symmetrical frame. His piaffe and passage are progressing exceptionally well, and we're looking guessed to capturing that on film this weekend when we film the companion DVD to my new book 'Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training?' (weather permitting!). 

At the horse Physio clinic yesterday I treated regulars Amor (great to know that he's back competing after some time off, and I captured a lovely video clip of part of his treatment, which you can see on The Horss Physio FB page for 23.5.16), Rufus (handsome and much loved young horse just beginning his ridden cater), Princess's (whose core stability muscles have really developed over the past month, and who showed some very positive improvements in her Physio assessment this time), the lovely coloured cob Bobby, who is aiming to qualify for the cob dressage championship later this year, and Blue Cross pony Trinity, amongst others. A busy day, with great rewards from the horses who give me the energy to keep going!

Many thanks to Leonie (www.daneswooddressage.co.uk) for fantastic facilities and friendly service as always!

27 talented guest contributors lend strength to message contained within book

"Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training?" update April 2016

It is with great excitement that I announce the list of guest contributors to my next book, 'Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training?', with foreword by Richard Davison, is published by J A Allen and due out October 2016. The final edits are in, and the book is now in the design stage - huge sigh of relief on my part! Pre-orders will be available from July, sign up at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk to be first to receive more info!

Guest contributor credentials

Foreword

Richard Davison is a four-time Olympian and European medalist and has been at the forefront of the international equestrian world for almost four decades. As well as competing in the 2012 London Olympic Games Richard finished his four-year term as the British World Class Performance Manager and former British Dressage Team Captain. He is credited for ‘masterminding the strategic plan behind Britain’s most successful period of international successes’ resulting in their historic Olympic and European team gold medals and World Championship medals. Richard combined this role whilst himself competing at the highest levels including the World Cup Finals and the Olympics, a feat believed to be unequalled.

Richard has been a coach to UK Sports World Class Development Show Jumping Program for almost a decade, and was recently made a Fellow of the International Dressage Trainers Club. He is a Fellow of the British Horse Society and has served on many BHS Committees, was awarded the British Equestrian Federation’s Medal of Honour, and holds the FEI’s Gold Badge of Honour.  Richard has been a contributor and columnist to countless equestrian magazines including Horses and Hound, Your Horse, Horse and Rider and others, and regularly commentates for various TV channels.

 

Communication

Monty Roberts, ‘The Man Who Listens To Horses’, is an honorary member of the Royal Victorian Order, which is given by the Queen to people who have served Her Majesty or the monarchy in a personal way.  He is an award-winning trainer of championship horses, a best selling author, foster dad to 47 children (in addition to three of his own) and creator of the world-renowned equine training technique called Join-Up. 

www.montyrobertsuniversity.com

The British Horse Society

The British Horse Society is a charity that provides welfare services to horses and advice for owners.  They campaign and lobby for key equestrian issues on behalf of all horses and riders, and offer the world’s leading equestrian qualifications and approvals system.

www.bhs.org.uk

Horse Rescue

Bransby Horses is one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities.

www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

Eventing

Lucinda Green MBE is the 1982 Eventing World Champion and a two-time European Champion (1975, 1977).  She also won World team Gold (1982), three European team Golds (1977, 1985, 1987), and Olympic team Silver (1984).  Between 1973 and 1984, she won a record six times at Badminton Horse Trials (on six different horses).  She also won the Burghley Horse Trials in 1977 and 1981. 

www.britisheventing.com

Dressage

Leonie Smith B.Sc is a Grand Prix dressage rider who has trained and competed many horses to advanced level, including winning 4^th place on ‘Absolut’ in the Prix St George Freestyle National Championships, and training ‘Red Dawn’ who was sold to the Hong Kong Paralympic team and shortlisted for the 2012 Olympics.  She is an inspiring instructor, always searching for the best approach for each individual horse and rider partnership, and putting the horse’s welfare at the forefront of her training.

www.daneswooddressage.co.uk

Show Jumping

Lynda Birke B.Sc, M.Phil, D.Phil, is an international show jumper who has ridden on the British veteran’s show jumping team, and has a doctorate in animal behaviour.

www.ajambassadors.com

Showing

Daisy Smith is a showing judge, competitor, reporter and coach.  Daisy is the only person to have twice won the British Show Pony Society Rider of the Year Championship (2003 and 2005).  She has qualified six different ponies and horses for the Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show, won at shows including Royal Windsor, Cheshire County, Kent County (an incredible 4 times in a row), competed on the England team, and won the Desert Orchid Working Hunter Pony of the Year.  Qualified as a BSPS ride judge in 2012, Daisy runs showing master classes and offers talks on showing and horsemanship, as well as providing articles for equestrian publications and writing a popular blog.

www.howveryhorsey.co.uk

Endurance Riding

Jackie Lockett is former British National Champion in endurance riding.  She has also supported and trained for her daughter on the GB Team at the International FEI Challenge in South Africa (2009), the European Championships in Czech Republic (2006), at the World Championships in Bahrain (2005), and at the Presidents Cup in Abu Dhabi (2007).  Jackie is also the sole proprietor of Equimaze Equine Thermography. 

www.equimazeequinethermography.co.uk

TREC

Lynne Mabbitt MRCVS was a Team GBR member 2014, TREC GB Level 4 British Champion 2015, and is a TREC GB International Rider.

https://trecgbinternationalriders.wordpress.com

Driving

Pam Neill and her chestnut gelding Pablo Diablo represented Great Britain in the FEI World Singles Carriage Driving Championships in Pratoni, Italy in 2010, and Lezerias, Portugal in 2012.  She has also evented, hunted, done affiliated dressage, and show jumped both in this country and abroad on the Ambassadors tour. 

www.britishcarriagedriving.co.uk

Racing and Horse Behaviour

Kelly Marks is the founder of the Intelligent Horsemanship Association.  She won British Show Jumping Championships as a junior rider and went on to great success as a Lady Jockey, including representing her country on several occasions and retiring after winning a Ladies European Championship.  She has since had success in TREC and Show Hunter classes but now primarily works with horses and their owners to overcome behavioural problems, as well as teaching on horsemanship courses and educational demonstrations, often alongside Monty Roberts.

www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk

Western Riding

Jim Goddard is a UKCC Western Coach, Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate, Western competition and Ranch Horse trainer, who trains using both English and Western techniques.

www.jimgoddardhorses.com

Horse Agility

Vanessa Bee B.Ed is founder of The Horse Agility Club. A qualified teacher with a degree in Education, she has been specializing in the safe handling of horses on the ground for nearly twenty years.  Vanessa is author of three books so far, including ‘Over, Under, Through: Obstacle Training for Horses’ published by Trafalgar Square books in 2015.  Horse Agility is a discipline and internationally competitive sport in which horse and handler, both on foot, navigate a course of obstacles while focusing on clear communication and positive horsemanship.  

www.thehorseagilityclub.com

Gastric Ulcers

Dr Renee Tucker DVM is author of ‘Where Does My Horse Hurt?’ and ‘Ulcer Report’.  She has a BSc in BioEngineering, and received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee, and devoted her veterinary practice entirely to horses.  Gaining her Certification for Animal Chiropractic and her Acupuncture certification, Dr. Tucker started her own private practice specializing exclusively in equine acupuncture and chiropractic work in 2000.  She is author of ‘Where Does My Horse Hurt?’ published by Trafalgar Square books, and of ‘Ulcer Report’ describing how to fix your horse’s ulcers forever.

www.wheredoesmyhorsehurt.com

‘Brain’

Rosie Jones-McVey B.A is an equine trainer with a BA in Social Anthropology.  She is a writer and researcher, and is currently working towards a PhD at Cambridge University studying The Theory of Mind of British Horsemanship.  Rosie is author of the incredible book ‘Globetrotting’, based on her work with horses throughout the world during her travels in 2012, and is an Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate.

www.rosiejoneshorses.co.uk

‘Pain’

Dr David Marlin is a scientist with over 25 years experience in physiology and biochemistry.  For many years he was Senior Scientist and Head of Physiology at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket.  David has worked as a consultant to the British Equestrian Teams since 1994, was a member of the World Class Performance Scientific Advisory Group , and was trainer for the British Endurance Team when they won the Silver Medal at the Endurance World Championships in France in 2000.  He is the author of over 200 scientific papers and book chapters, and of Equine Exercise Physiology (Blackwell) and of All Systems Go (a book about getting horses fit).  David is also the founder and CEO of Science Supplements.

www.davidmarlin.co.uk

‘Training’

Mary Wanless BHSI is an internationally renowned coach, author of the ‘Ride With Your Mind’ books and DVDs, and has a BSc in Physics and a BSc in Applied Sports Coaching.

www.mary-wanless.com

Veterinary

Gil Riley MRCVS has 25 years of experience as a Veterinary Surgeon, and holds the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon’s certificate in Equine Practice.  The majority of his work and interest is in the diagnosis and treatment of lameness in horses.  He was Petplan Equine Vet of the Year in 2009, has twice acted as team vet for the British Driving Team at the World Driving Championships, and regularly writes for various national equestrian magazines.

www.poolhousevets.com

Physiotherapy

Faith Fisher-Atack writes on behalf of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), a Clinical Interest Group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) that represents the interests of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy. Animals, like people, respond to physiotherapy. The purpose of physiotherapy is to restore and maintain mobility, function, independence and performance. ACPAT members are fully qualified Chartered Physiotherapists (MCSP's) who have also trained in physiotherapy and rehabilitation for animals.

www.equine.physio

Osteopathy

Tony Nevin, Osteopath, is a founder member of the Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice (SOAP).  Osteopaths treat imbalances in the body’s mobility, flexibility, circulation and general health.  Information on the SOAP homepage states “Osteopaths aim not to treat conditions, but rather to support the patient’s body so they may heal themselves.”  Tony qualified as an osteopath in 1988, and since then has worked within veterinary hospitals and clinics, providing osteopathic medicine as part of a multi disciplinary approach to animal care. He has gained a special interest in assessing and treating horses with long standing movement problems that appear unresponsive to more conventional means of treatment. In this area he has built up strong links with other manual therapists, especially physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other osteopaths.

www.horseost.co.uk 

Chiropractic

Juliet Lock, Chiropractor, treats humans and horses, and was Chiropractor for the medical team at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  Chiropractors are concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.  They use a range of techniques, with an emphasis on manipulation of the spine.  Juliet is a member of the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA), which is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of Veterinary Chiropractic, and has an MSc in Sports and Exercise Rehabilitation. 

www.thepractice-thame.co.uk

Dentistry

Chris Pearce BVSc CertEM CertES DipEVDC(Equine) MRCVS is a European Veterinary Specialist in Equine Dentistry.  He is a veterinary surgeon who owns and runs the Equine Dental Clinic, a 100% equine dental referral practice in the UK, and has been performing referrals from vets and equine dental technicians (EDTs) for over 15 years. Chris lectures worldwide on equine dentistry and treats a wide variety of equine patients including a large number of elite sports horses.

www.equinedentalclinic.co.uk

Saddlery

Mike Norton SMS QSF is past president of the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS), one of the first members awarded the qualification and title of qualified and registered saddle fitter (QSF) when introduced in 1995, and has been involved in saddle development with several manufacturers.  Sue Norton SMS QSF MFSC BHSAI is a lecturer and examiner in the SMS saddle fitting training courses and sits on the executive committee.  Both have been very much involved in the Master Saddle Fitting Consultant (MSFC) courses and their development in Holland (an international saddle fitting qualification) and as such are honorary members.  They are also proud to be saddle fitters to Paralympic Gold medallist Sophie Christiansen OBE.

www.saddledoctors.co.uk

Farriery

Haydn Price has been a practising farrier for 30 years, and is consultant farrier to the British Equestrian Federation and Team GBR.  He has a general interest in poor performance, and a specialist interest in lameness and locomotion.  Haydn developed the use of the Equinalysis Gait Analysis system, implemented by The World Class Performance, lectures internationally, and is co-author of ‘Shoeing for Performance’.

.www.wcf.org.uk

Acupuncture

Sue Devereux B.A, B.VSc, MRCVS is a veterinary surgeon, acupuncturist, member of the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association, and author of the best selling book ‘The Veterinary Care of the Horse’.  She is an instructor on the International Academy of Veterinary Chiropractic course, and has a special interest in the recognition and treatment of chronic (long term) musculoskeletal pain in horses and ponies.

www.equineacupuncture.co.uk

Healing

Margrit Coates is a world-renowned healer and author of six groundbreaking books, including one of my favourites ‘Healing for Horses’.  Her books, lectures and clinics have paved the way for animal healing to become well known, and helped bring it into respectability

www.thehorsehealer.com

 

Riding Schools and Pony Club

Gemma Ash is the Centre Manager of Stourport Riding Centre which was established by her mother, Anne Towe, 25 years ago.  She holds her BHSAI, UKCC Level 2 Generic and Riding for the Disabled Association Group Instructor (RDAGI). Stourport Riding Centre is a busy Pony Club Linked Riding School riding school, putting through around 300 children, adults and disabled riders each week on their selection of over 40 horses. Gemma competes her own horses at County Level Showing and at Prix St. George level Dressage.

www.stourportridingcentre.co.uk

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

"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.