The importance of the neck in terms of horsemanship and riding can not be over emphasised. There are few studies on its role from a biomechanical point of view, however, due to the attachment of the nuchal ligament from the base of the skull to the spinous processes of the withers, the neck is very important in the biomechanics of the horse`s back. See the Rolkur article ( August 2010 ). Continue reading →
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a very gentle technique that is proving extremely effective at treating musculoskeletal problems in both humans and animals.
The technique targets the superficial fascia, or connective tissue that surrounds the muscular structures to facilitate releases in hypertonicity, therefore increasing the range of movement, flexibility and function. Light tension is applied across the fascia of the muscle or tendon. As the fascia softens, the muscle starts to relax, and also equally importantly, the nervous and circulatory system start to function correctly. Continue reading →
Vets are warning of cold weather colic.
Often there is a change in our horse`s routine due to the freezing conditions that we are experiencing. It is virtually impossible to exercise our horses properly, let alone turn them out for any length of time. As physical movement in the horse is limited, so too the gastro – intestinal tract slows down, increasing the risk of impaction. Coupled with the fact that they may be drinking less due to frozen water buckets etc, the risk of impaction colic is increased. Continue reading →
As the big freeze continues, we all tend to pile layers of rugs on to our horses in an effort to keep them warm. Be aware however, that an ill fitting rug can cause as much, if not more damage than an ill fitting saddle. As rugs slip back, they can cause huge pressure over the top of the spinous processes of the withers. This largely ligamentous area is one of THE MOST important areas biomechanically in the horse. Continue reading →
The effectiveness of different types of musculoskeletal therapies is beyond dispute. Many top riders, trainers and producers agree that musculoskeletal therapy is a viable treatment option, and indeed regard regular spinal checks as a matter of routine health care.
So, what happens when a horse injures or strains himself? Continue reading →
I was interested to hear about an autologous joint treatment for horses at a recent veterinary talk that I attended. This treatment was mentioned again in an article in Horse and Hound, and I thought it worthy of a mention. Continue reading →
Are we wrapping our horses in cotton wool?
It was interesting to note some of the comments made by a well respected vet recently. He reported seeing an increase in the incidence of suspensory problems in young sport horses. He believes that one of the main contributing factors is due to the fact that the limbs are not loaded correctly on artificial surfaces. If you think about it, many of our sport horses are not hacked out, and have limited turnout usually due to their value. All of their work is in an arena, which is designed to be cushioning. Due to this fact, the suspensory ligaments are actually absorbing a lot of the concussion rather than the laminae and other hoof structures. Continue reading →
Following a recent report by Dr David Marlin regarding the use of boots for sports horses, I thought it may be useful to summarise briefly one of his points regarding the heating effect of boots. Tendons are elastic structures that heat up during exercise, particularly galloping. Tendons also have a poor blood supply, which means that it is difficult to dissipate that heat. After exercise some tendons were reported to have heated up by 12 degrees, to 32 degrees centigrade. Boots can limit heat loss, therefore heating the tendon even further. In vitro studies have shown that if tendon cells are heated up to 42 degrees centigrade for even five minutes, approximately 50% of the cells will die. This causes an inflammatory response and direct tendon damage.
Obviously boots are important in providing protection for our horse`s legs.
So, what can we do in practise?
1. Limit the time that the boot is on.
2. Cool the horse`s legs after exercise by cold hosing.
3. Use a boot that allows heat loss.
For the full video report see the link from my Twitter page.
Recurrent, bilateral back soreness in the lumbo – sacral area, a decrease in performance, and resistance in having the hind limbs picked up, may be indicators of hypertonicity in the Psoas group of muscles. The psoas group of muscles lie deep within the abdominal cavity, beneath the spine, and are therefore impossible to see. However, they play a very important role in the flexing, or rounding of the spine, and are the main flexor muscles of the horse’s hind limb.
These muscles are put under enormous amounts of stress, particularly in dressage and race horses, which can result in fatigue, hypertonicity and a shortening of the muscle fibres. As these muscles also help to stabilize the pelvic area continuous fatigue, particularly in racehorses can put the pelvic structure under stress, and may potentially lead to stress fractures.
Correction lies in appropriate musculoskeletal manipulation, and pressure point work, Ridgeway (2006). Daily stretches and rotations of the hind limbs can also be very helpful in relieving tension in these deep muscles.
Ridgeway, K.J (2006) The Psoas Muscle Group as a source of Performance Problems
NAVC Proceedings 2006
Horse owners can help improve and maintain suppleness and flexibility in their horse by correct schooling and stretching exercises. Stretches performed regularly can help maintain healthy, supple musculature important for correct movement. They can also help increase the horse`s range of movement and help decrease the risk of fatigue and injury.
Top tips for stretching your horse:
1. Ensure that the horse`s muscles are warm – after exercise is ideal.
2. Build up the flexibility gradually.
3. Always perform the stretches very slowly.
4. Encourage the horse to hold the stretch for 5-10 seconds.
Try the following stretch to improve lateral flexion of the neck. The head and neck should be stretched sideways in both directions, encouraging the horse to reach towards his flank. Try to achieve the stretch without an accompanying rotation or “tilt” of the head.
