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Equine Chiropractic
* Prior to any treatment, Veterinary approval is required.
Equine chiropractic explained
Equine chiropractic care is a recognised treatment for injuries; as well as a method to maintain and improve both performance and well-being of horses.
Great demand is put on horses musculoskeletal systems by having to maintain the weight of a rider. The placement of a rider creates a ‘shearing force’ through the spine. In order to balance itself and cope with the additional weight of saddle and rider, the horse has to learn to use its muscles in a certain way to oppose these forces.
Biomechanical dysfunctions can arise due to variables such as:
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Previous injuries/illness
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Age related conditions
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Dental issues
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Foot imbalances
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Long periods of stabling
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Poorly fitting tack
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Carrying an unbalanced rider
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Conformation anomalies
These can potentially lead to muscle or joint discomfort, therefore hindering their ability to cope with the physical demands of carrying a rider, as well as impacting their quality of life.
Chiropractic treatment can be part of the care for your horse to help its musculo-skeletal system deal with these demands.
When should you seek help for your horse?
Symptoms which may respond to treatment include:
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Poor/ unexplained deterioration in performance
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Defensive behaviours such as: Pulling faces/aggression when saddling/rugging/grooming etc
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Reluctance to go forward/ sideways/ up/ down hills
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Reluctance to stretch/relax/hold good posture
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Avoidance behaviour; bucking/rearing/napping
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Knocking poles
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The appearance of head tilt/head shaking
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Uneven muscle development or soreness of back muscles
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Inability to track up/engage hindquarters; loss of impulsion
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Heavy in one rein compared to the other
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Cold backed when being ridden
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Tail swishing/holding the tail to one side
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