Team work
Equine Body Work can highlight issues related to a poorly fitting saddle, conformation irregularity such as foot imbalance, leg irregularity or pelvic imbalance.
·Muscular pain can be the result of some bone displacement, or bones can be displaced by muscular tension and shortening.
Sports massage can help by relaxing and lengthening the muscles back into their normal position, allowing the bones to reposition themselves correctly.
Myofascial release can have deeper and quicker effects on bone displacements as it reaches deeper into the soft tissues and the releases can allow the bones to reset by themselves, either during the first session, over some time after the session, or over several sessions.
If the bone displacement is too severe for sports massage or myofascial release alone to fully solve the issue, referring the horse to an equine chiropractor or equine osteopath may be an option.
·Imbalanced foot conformation may contribute to certain muscular issues. In such cases seeking advice and maybe corrective work from a farrier may be part of the solution.
·Saddle fitting may be at the origin of muscular stress, I will recommend that it is checked by a saddle fitter. Horses can change shape faster than expected and the saddle may need checking earlier than was planned.
Karen Lewis - Qualified Saddler & Harness Maker (Member of The Society of Master Saddler)
Contact: Hartfield, East Sussex, 01892 770044/07966 376704