HorsesIndicationsPerformance injuries, conformation, unbalanced riders, horses have many reasons to develop misalignments. The most common symptom associated with spinal subluxation is pain, which can manifest compensatory changes in posture and gait. These changes then cause stress and imbalance in other areas of the musculo-skeletal system. |
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Chiropractic Treatment
Horses receive great benefit from preventive chiropractic treatments as they are natural athletes. The chiropractic ‘fine-tuning’ helps them perform at their best.
Horses regularly exhibit behaviors and problems as a result of head, neck and spinal imbalance. The following actions of a horse are common indications of a spine in tension:
- uneven and shortening of strides, tripping over
- refusing to jump, jumping fast or flat over fences
- to hang or to skew over jumps, hollowing, refusal to bend or work on the bit
- uncharacteristic changes in performance, behavior or temperament, i.e., napping
- scuffing of the toes or heels of the shoes
- poll problems such as head or bridle shyness, or difficulty in clipping around the head.
- muscle imbalance, spasms or atrophy
- head in the air while jumping, head cocked to one side
- had a fall,bang,trauma or accident; event or sports injuries
- jaw (TMJ) and sinus problems, difficulty chewing
- inability to strike off on the correct canter lead
- showing a reluctance to be saddled or mounted; sensitive to touch
- extra resistant at schooling exercises or on one rein
- sinks his back when mounted & uncomfortable about moving off
- loss of stamina, bad attitude and behavioral problems
Head to Toe - Partners in Total health
Foot Balance
Foot balance can be a real bug-a-boo. Finding a good farrier is as crucial as finding a good equine dentist. The old adage of ‘no foot, no horse’ is too true. Improper foot balance can cause musculoskeletal pain resulting in unnatural leg action, repetitive strain, muscle imbalance in the shoulder and neck, and back pain. Farriers I work with suggest that a large percentage of horses’ feet are incorrectly balanced front to back or side to side. For this very reason, part of the assessment of your horse includes foot balance.
Equine Dentistry Teeth are essential for horses to properly chew and digest their food, but did you know that without a balanced mouth, it is very difficult to adjust the first vertebrae (poll) of the neck? Learn More about the necessity of a good equine dentist
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The Evaluation and Adjustment Process
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Horses are Athletes
Horse are athletes, called upon to have high performance skills. Thus, a balanced mouth, and the inherent unwinding of the cranial bones, spine and the nervous system are the key to happy functioning horses with the freedom of enhanced function and performance, benefiting:
- Agility
- Balance
- Strength and power
- Speed and timing
- Endurance
The main premise of the Performance Edge is to optimize chiropractic care so that the equine athlete can operate at the highest possible level.
For the performance athletes such as the horse and the rider, it is important that both individuals function at their highest capability so that there is no interference with the performance of the other.
A Sampling of WinnersNational Hunt (Steeple Chase)
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Keeping Athletes in top shape "Much of my success with horses is due to Dr. Joni." -- Steven Smith, one of Ireland's top international event riders
Dr Vachon works in conjunction with your veterinarian on all animal patients. Chiropractic care does not take the place of veterinary care. If your horse has suffered a serious trauma or is obviously and acutely lame, then you are advised to call out your vet.
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FlatPastoral Pursuits , Trainer: Hughie Morrison
Mecca’s Mate, Trainer: David Barker
Sierra Vista, Trainer: David Barker
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