I’ve been continuing to use the Activo-Med combi sports rug on both my horses – for very different reasons.

Blue is an ex-racehorse who tends to take a long time warming up – all of his best work tends to come towards the end of a session, so by using this as a pre-warm up measure it means his muscles are better prepared for work from the moment I get on.

For Ruby, she is a very hot, tense horse and the rug helps her to relax and gently prepare her muscles for work, as well as eliminating her cold backed symptoms which she used to display. These issues however, are a secondary symptom of a sacroiliac issue that Ruby was diagnosed with – this is why we originally started using the rug on her.

Sorcha of Equilibrium Veterinary Physiotherapy first alerted me to the idea of using pulsed electromagnetic therapy and massage and to help rehabilitate Ruby after her treatment and phased return to work. She had seen some fantastic results when conducting her own research in this area. Here’s how she described the impact of such measures;

‘In all cases of sacroiliac dysfunction an intensive rehabilitation program is of utmost importance. The main objective of this period is to develop better muscle support of the SI region. Pulsed Magnetic Therapy is a powerful tool that can penetrate through muscle and bone, into the SI joint. It uses electrical energy to direct a series of magnetic pulses through injured tissue whereby each magnetic pulse induces a tiny electrical signal that stimulates cellular repair, while also alleviating pain and inflammation.

‘In addition, massage has been proven to increase circulation to the muscle area and also to release endorphins encouraging the “feel good” factor.  Both of these modalities used in conjunction (as combined within the Activo-Med combi pro sport rug that Nicki has been using) will promote a pain-free horse, which uses its musculature efficiently to develop a healthy musculoskeletal system.’

The prognosis of a horse with sacroiliac issues will vary depending on the severity of the issue, age, and many other variables, but from my experience I’ve found it to be an invaluable tool in Ruby’s rehabilitation that has enabled her to work correctly. I would highly recommend the Activo-med, as endorsed by professional trainers, riders, physio’s and amateur riders alike.

The surprise benefit for me has been the positive effect upon performance in other horses by providing ongoing maintenance and management of any issues. Blue has enjoyed a number of treatments to help keep him feeling good – not to mention as a means of relaxing and regenerating the muscles after his recent one day event. The Activo-Med has been one of those products that begins as a ‘nice to have’ and has become a ‘how did I live without this’ product. The rugs are available for hire, so if you’d like to try before you buy, this is a perfect way of doing it.

About Equilibrium Veterinary Physiotherapy & FMBs Therapy Systems

Sorcha is a qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist, registered with IRVAP (The Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists) and IAVRPT (International Association for Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy). Sorcha is fully insured (approved by all the major Veterinary Insurance Companies) to work with your vet to:

* Relieve/prevent pain caused by surgery, medical conditions or movement dysfunction * Enhance muscle strength / condition * Improve or restore joint Range of Movement (ROM) * Aid recovery from neurological problems
* Promote wound healing * Assist healing of tendon and ligament injury * Improve behaviour/ridden problems eg. bucking/rearing/taking up wrong canter lead/refusing fences/falling in on circles/stiffness/one-sidedness/unable to collect/refusing to work in an outline etc. For further information please call 07872 568493 or email sorcha@equilibriumvetphysio.co.uk.

FMBs Therapy Systems offer advanced therapy equipment to enhance suppleness, fitness and rehabilitation for horses, riders and their dogs. To find out more about their range of products, or to see which top riders are already using them, please visit the website or find them on Facebook and Twitter for latest news, competitions and offers.

On Valentines day this year, I started what I hope will prove a happy, and long term relationship with a tall dark and handsome chap; an ex-racehorse named Pha Mai Blue! He arrived at our yard, and casually ambled off the lorry and straight into his stable without so much as a hesitation.

Since then, I’m yet to find anything to phase or upset this kind natured, gentle horse. He’s hacked alone, in company, in traffic, across open fields all in a snaffle, he’s xc schooled enthusiastically popping 3’3” fences from the open course, jumped through water, attended a SJ clinic, and is led and handled by my 72 year old Dad.

Last weekend, we ventured out for our 1st training show. We started cautiously by entering the clear round and the 2’9” – more for experience rather than to be competitive at this stage.  Previously he’d been travelled in a lorry, so we didn’t know he would react to a trailer; of course, he wandered straight in without hesitation and travelled quietly throughout without even getting warm.

Upon arrival he tied up by the trailer, and just watched the world going by whilst we tacked him up. Warming up he seemed oblivious to the other horses and just went about his business, before winning a ribbon for his clear round, and jumping a super double clear in his class. He also completely ignored the kamikaze pigeon who flew into the mirrors in the arena right next to us as we prepared to jump!          

At just 7 years old, he’s still relatively inexperienced, but takes everything in his stride. I’m sure there will be things we come across that he’s not sure of, or times where he gets a bit excited, but his behaviour has been impeccable so far and his attitude second to none. He is just 1 of many TB’s and ex-racers who are entirely undeserving of the ‘stressy, hot’ label that plenty of people are keen to give them. Oh, and he’s also being fed staypower mix – no cool mix for my boy!

I completely understand that people have different tastes and might prefer say a coloured cob to a TB, or a Warmblood, or a native breed – that’s just personal preference, but I know that some people would automatically discount a TB based upon the stereotype which is sad. Definitely worth pointing out that a stereotype is only a generalisation though, not a rule, and very often not a true representation at all. Since his arrival, Blue has proven himself as a safe, sensible and chilled out gentleman, and is a fine example of a happy transition from racehorse to riding horse. You would have to go a long way to find a horse with a better nature – TB, sport horse, cob or otherwise!  Horses are individuals just like us, and their personality, training and a whole host of other factors defines them, NOT a label.   

< PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN SENT THEIR TICKETS >

Badminton Horse Trials - the pinnacle of the British Eventing calendar, and an iconic stage for the world's top horses and riders to perform at the highest level. 

After the disappointment of 2012's event being cancelled, tickets for 2013's event are even more in demand - and you could be there to witness the live action, up close and personal for free! I'm giving away 2 admission tickets, and a car pass to 1 lucky winner for the cross country day on Sunday 5th May.

So how can you be in it to win it? Just follow these simple steps:

1. 'Like' the Headstrong Equestrian Facebook Page 
2. 'Like' the Kilminster's Equestrian and Pet Supplies Page
3. Answer this simple question: What is the name of the FMBs Therapy Systems rug I've been using to help Ruby with her rehabilitation? (See my other blogs for the answer!) Send your answer via the 'Contact us' page, along with your name, address and a contact number. Good luck!

Your details will be used to contact you if you have won, and will not be passed on to any 3rd parties. There is no cash alternative, in the event of cancellation an alternative prize will be sourced by Headstrong Equestrian. You are responsible for making your own way to the event. 1 winner will be drawn at random at the official launch event of Kilminster's Equestrian and Pet Supplies on 27th April, and will be notified immediately afterwards. Tickets will be sent 1st class recorded delivery.

After Ruby’s fantastic performance having had a pre warm-up treatment with the Activo-Med Combi sport rug from FMB's Therapy Systems, I’ve since adopted this tactic as standard where possible. Previously we’d just been giving her a relaxing treatment per day which she loved, but obviously this had made such a difference to her ridden work that I want to keep it as part of her working routine.

I spoke to Sarah Curtis, ITEC qualified equine & human massage therapist covering Hampshire/Wiltshire areas about why the rug might have made such a difference to Ruby when used as a pre warm-up measure. Here’s what she had to say;

“The importance of having an effective warm up and cool down procedure is often overlooked, however both are a necessity in enabling the horse to use his muscles to maximum efficiency for both optimal performance and injury prevention.


“By raising the tissue temperature and enhancing circulation the muscles will be suitably prepared for the start of exercise; muscle tone will be elastic allowing a greater range of movement and also help prevent acute injuries. Assisting the body to return to its original state by aiding the removal of waste products such as lactic acid will also prevent muscular pain and stiffness.”

Like many professionals, Sarah promotes careful ongoing management of the muscles as a means of treating any minor tears, tweaks or areas of tightness before they develop into something more problematic; prevention is always better than cure. By using the Activo-Med rug between treatments, I can ensure that Ruby has any minor issues addressed daily so they don’t cause problems at a later date. I was surprised to learn how long it can take for injuries to actually show up. Sarah explains; “It can take 90 days for a small muscle injury to become apparent by which time it can become more serious or cause a different problem.”

The PEMF (pulsed electro-magnetic field therapy) is a great addition, as this technology helps with the regeneration and stimulation of cells to make them work more efficiently, hence why they are so beneficial for rehabilitation and treating injuries, as well as an aid to help enhance performance.

I've also used the rug on my ex-racehorse after he had a McTimoney chiropractic treatment last week; I recently bought him to go eventing with, but wanted to get him a ‘pre-season MOT’ before we started doing too much. His pelvis had been substantially wonky and so was causing imbalance and difficulty in cantering on the right rein; sometimes he found it quite impossible to pick up the correct canter lead. The day after his manipulation, he was pretty grumpy and sore as you’d expect after such adjustments. Our chiro had recommended we use the Activo-Med rug on him too, and after 20 minutes, he was a much happier chap and his usual soppy self again. Clearly he felt better for it; this really is such a useful and versatile bit of kit!

I’m now continuing to treat them both with the Activo-Med, and will be using the rug for warm up and cool down with Blue prior to and after exercise. He tends to be quite stiff and take quite a while to loosen up and start really performing, so I think having seen what a difference it made to Ruby, it could give us a real head start with him. Early indications from first use – very good! Will hopefully have some more updates on that soon.

About Sarah Curtis & FMBs Therapy - 
Sarah Curtis is a qualified ITEC equine and human sports massage therapist based on the Hampshire/Wiltshire borders, with a BSC Hons in Equine Science. Having produced her own event horse to Intermediate level, and she has an excellent understanding of the effects of competition and training upon the horse. Her services are available at selected BE events this season to help horses achieve optimum performance, and can work very well to complement the Activo-Med. For further information or to book an appointment please visit www.facebook.com/SarahCurtisEquineMassage or call 07810 222196.

FMBs Therapy Systems offer advanced therapy equipment to enhance suppleness, fitness and rehabilitation for horses, riders and their dogs. To find out more about their range of products, or to see which top riders are already using them, please visit the website or find them on Facebook and Twitter for latest news, competitions and offers.

It’s not often I see my trainer lost for words, but last week was an exception.

Following Ruby’s treatment for her sacroiliac injury, she’s been on a very slow rehab plan since Christmas. The last time Sharon (Kilminster Equestrian) saw us was about a month ago. We had been doing some good work out hacking (nothing special just long and low), but there wasn’t a great deal of difference to comment on in the lesson; quite disappointing to be honest given the work I'd been putting in. The vet concurred, and there was still significant muscle atrophy. Since then, Ruby had a week off with a cough, before picking up where we left off with lots of hacking in walk and trot – the difference being this time she’s also had daily treatments with the Activo-Med, incorporating Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy (PEMF) and cyclonic massage therapy.

I know the improvement I have felt, but wanted an expert opinion so asked Sharon to come and give us another lesson. I gave Ruby a pre-warm up treatment of 20 minutes (PEMF and massage) before putting the saddle on. First improvement; no dipping away, or swinging the quarters away from the saddle. The next point; mounting. Again, no swinging away, she just stood really still and didn’t shoot off as I mounted like she normally does. Definite progress. And then to the lesson. Here are Sharon’s reflections;

“Following Ruby’s recent treatments and rest, seeing her again for the first time was refreshing and the difference noticeable. Usually Ruby is tight, tense and unable to work over her back, giving the impression of the legs moving but the body held to protect, thus making it hard to work her into the bridle and over her back.

“It was a joy to see her arrive at the gate of the arena waiting patiently and soft. This in itself is a massive leap forward, as the obvious anticipation of the work ahead was not being felt in a negative way.

“Ruby had a treatment prior to being ridden, which is a good way to help her muscles warm up without the pressure of a saddle and rider aboard, allowing her to begin work in a softer way.

“Nicki has been following ‘doctors orders’ and strict exercise routine for ruby and it showed! Ruby was accepting of the saddle, rider, bridle and most importantly the leg, whereas usually the slightest change in position and use of leg meant a giraffe like stance, crooked sideways shuffle.

“I would like to see ruby brought ‘cold’ up to the arena to pinpoint what a difference the Activo-Med makes, but in my mind, I see a much more relaxed horse ready for work. Ruby will have a long journey ahead to become truly connected, soft and working from behind, but the starting signs are very promising.”

From my perspective, Ruby felt unrecognisable; I was grinning pretty much the whole session and enjoyed seeing a bemused, and pleasantly surprised Sharon! We started by doing some flexing work, and by the end of the session were trotting on both reins with an equal contact, and maintaining her speed, balance and straightness in a way that we have never achieved before. Not exactly Piaffe and passage but for a young horse recovering from injury this was entirely new territory. In short these are the improvements we have recorded;

·         Loss of tension – much more relaxed throughout her body, neck and jaw. Felt softer and much more supple in her work

·         Straightness – able to work in straight lines and on a circle evenly which was impossible before

·         Light in the hand – previously very heavy in the hand, especially on one rein

·         Better engagement of the hindquarters  – tracking up, lengthened stride and generally much better range of movement with the hinds which was previously very limited. Excellent leg yield achieved!

·         More responsive to aids – instant reactions in both upwards and downwards transitions. Ruby often completely ignored half halts before and just became more tense

·         Balanced trot – she was able to maintain a balanced and regular trot which was impossible before, where she would dive onto her nose and rush away to avoid using her hind end

I could go on, but I think you get the picture. I was hoping for an improvement but even I was surprised by the difference. The Activo-Med has allowed Ruby to work without the tension, which enables her to start using herself properly and engaging the correct set of muscles. For a horse in Ruby’s position that is vital. Not only that, but when we get Ruby to the stage where she can start doing some intro tests, I will definitely be taking the rug for a pre-warm up treatment; that is the ultimate secret weapon to gain a few extra marks; less tension, better movement and a fantastic attitude! What more could you want?!

FMBs Therapy Systems offer advanced therapy equipment to enhance suppleness, fitness and rehabilitation for horses, riders and their dogs. To find out more about their range of products, or to see which top riders are already using them, please visit the website or find them on Facebook and Twitter for latest news, competitions and offers.

Sharon Kilminster is a BHS registered instructor, BD trainer and judge based in Hampshire. For further information, or to book some training please visit the website or find Kilminster Equestrian on Facebook and Twitter.

Case study: Ruby, 15.1 5 year old mare by Utopian Opposition. Hoping to produce her to event.

Problem: Cold backed symptoms – often very tight and tense across the back under saddle area despite having saddle fitted to her. Very 1 sided when ridden, difficulty in picking up correct canter lead on one rein, tendency to rush, unable to fully engage hind end. Dipping away from rugs especially over quarters. Some muscle atrophy and emerging hind limb lameness.

Diagnosis: After examinations and scans, Ruby was diagnosed with a sacroiliac problem. She has been treated with steroid injections and prescribed slow and phased return to work.

Rehabilitation: Start with lots of long reining in walk only, no circles or trotting. Later progress to ridden work in walk, long and low, and gradually start to incorporate trot after a few weeks walking. Long term, approximately 6 months until back up to full work load including canter and poles. 

The tightness over her back we think is as a result of not having worked properly before due to her injury, so now the joint has been medicated it’s important we ensure she works correctly from the start to avoid this and help strengthen her back.  This is tricky as she anticipates that something will be painful so will be trying to re-educate.

Massage and electromagnetic therapy: I’ve been looking for a product to help keep on top of the tight back and sensitive quarters which are almost a secondary symptom; some people have suggested massage pads/rugs and others swear by magnetic rugs. When I was at Hickstead this year reporting for Horsemart, I interviewed Tamzin from FMBs Therapy systems who spoke about their products which incorporate both cyclonic massage and pulsed electro-magnetic therapy. This sounded as though it could be ideal for Ruby.

For the past week we have been trialling the Activo-Med combi sport rug. What I like about this is the combination of treatments it offers, as well as the area it covers; the whole topline is covered from just up the neck beyond the withers, right the way down to the tail. This is great for Ruby as it addresses both her back under the saddle area, as well as over her quarters and the area covering her injury – the sacrum itself and the gluteals.

We’ve started her off with some daily massage treatments and magnetic therapy, and Ruby has loved it! She is happy to stand tied up and wear the rug, and has displayed signs of being very relaxed – licking and chewing, nice floppy ears etc.

Early results: Unfortunately she’s had to have a week off due to a cough, but we should be back up and running tomorrow so I can gauge any difference in her movement/ability to work correctly. One thing we have noticed straight away however, is how she reacts to rugging. Being hypersensitive over her back meant that when we removed rugs she would often dip way drastically, going on tip toes on her hinds and rushing forward. Early indications are really pleasing;  she’s not done this at all since we started using the Activo-Med, even with the massage rug itself which is slightly heavier than her normal stable rug. 

Treatment programmes we use are generally 20-30 minutes, so if I put it on her straight away when we first bring her in, she can wear the rug whilst I’m preparing hay, feeds etc. We’re hoping that with the regular massage we can keep on top of any tightness in the muscles so it doesn’t build up and cause a problem – prevention is always better than cure, especially with a sensitive horse like Ruby with her rehabilitation. Stay tuned to see if the Activo-Med helps Ruby re-starting her ridden work.

FMBs Therapy Systems offer advanced therapy equipment to enhance suppleness, fitness and rehabilitation for horses, riders and their dogs. To find out more about their range of products, or to see which top riders are already using them, please visit the website or find them on Facebook and Twitter for latest news, competitions and offers.

On Sunday 17th I attended BETA at the NEC with Kilminster Equestrian, keen to source new products and ranges for her ever
 expanding shop. As a seasoned shopaholic and 1 woman super consumer, I felt I was well placed to advise!

We weren’t disappointed with the range on display, and there were a few standout products, both ones we already use and some new ones too.

Silverfeet is relatively new to the market. It’s a hoofbalm developed by a farrier – always a good start – incorporating some excellent research. It’s designed to be used in place of your usual hoof oil product to protect and maintain good hoof health, but also incorporates silver ions that are proven to control bacteria that can lead to thrush and hoof odour. My current product is a balm type product, and when it’s cold it becomes virtually unusable.  Silverfeet have been tested in extreme temperatures to ensure it’s still usable whether hot or cold, so that’s a real big tick from me. I will definitely be trialling this one.

I’m a current user of Equine America products, including ‘magnitude’ and previously used ‘Airways’ but was shocked at how vast their range really is! Of particular interest given Ruby’s behaviour lately(!) was ‘No more moods.’ It’s a liquid supplement for hormonal mares and temperamental stallions alike, and is based on using liquid chaste berry – which I am told is
what was traditionally given to the monks to help alleviate their urges! Well, if it’s good enough for the monks, it’s worth giving a go on the floozy! Really friendly and informative reps, I was impressed. Sharon placed an order with them for some Derma gel, which quite frankly looks like a miracle product to keep wounds infection free, as well as promoting healing and hair growth to minimise scarring. The ‘before’ and‘after’ picture evidence, apart from making me nearly pass out, was incredible.  
 
Other highlights included meeting Laura from Dragonfly Saddlery – someone I’ve chatted with regularly on Twitter, a fellow charity comms worker and lover of ex-racers! Always good to put a face to a name. Not only that but we also enjoyed a talk from Olympic double gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin – who was impossibly tall, slim and glamorous, but equally down to earth and candid with it. Apart from her ridiculously effortless riding talents, I’ve always admired her attitude and complete resolve to be true to herself and her outspoken personality. This was on show as she spoke about how out of date Charles Owen were with their designs, and how she bullied them into updating their hats for today’s audience. Well it has worked – I’d quite like one myself thanks!

I was pleased to see Equiami, a product I already use and Sharon stocks too. I’m a big fan of this lunging aid, which encourages true engagement of the hind end and was developed by Dr Hilary Bentley when rehabilitating her own horse. I was pleased to see I have in fact been using it correctly (always a bonus), and I was very tempted by their lunge cavessons which were super light, and feature special bit attachments. 

Gallop products had a great range of products at reasonable prices, from super cheap chaps to economy bridles, and mega bright matching brushing and over reach boots that I think kids would love! At the other end of the market, Horze products were super stylish and different, as were HKM. 

We stopped by Supastuds too, who had a cool little magnetic wrist band to hold your studs whilst fitting them, rather than having them all over the floor and getting lost. And I thought the chap was just wearing a bright pink wrist band as a fashion statement! Horslyx had a great stand, and I’m a massive fan of their products which are delicious according to Rubes. Their mini lyx have a multitude of uses, from stretching exercises, to distractions when clipping or mounting a sensitive horse. I’m also
using the respiratory lick at the moment too for madam who has a cough. 
 
Sharon is looking to cater for a range of animal owners as well as equestrian, so she made a very good contact from Skinners
who can supply some top quality dog food. Most of us horsey types have pooches, after all!

I could start on all the blingy clothing and super smart saddlery I drooled over too but I think we might be here all day if I get started! Suffice to say it was Horsey Heaven, and what a good job I was there in a professional buying capacity or it could have proved an expensive outing! Watch this space for more additions to the Kilminster Equestrian shop, which is already catering for lots of your equestrian needs.

Recently (and sort of over the past 20 years or so in fact) I’ve spent a lot of time looking at adverts of horses for sale. It’s no secret that there are some less than honest sellers out there, and those who like to roll the turd in glitter, so to speak. Here I take a tongue in cheek look as what those buzz words and phrases REALLY mean.

Do you have some favourites? Add your comments and translations below!  

Off the leg > like a bat out of hell

Doesn’t hot up > You’ll need a rocket up its backside to get it out of walk

Loves its work > Loopy after a day without exercise

Needs confident, competent rider > Complete nutjob

Suitable for all the family > total donkey

Masses of potential > No experience whatsoever

Will make super eventer > Done nothing but trying to justify the price tag

Never touches a pole > Won’t go near them

Needs bringing on > Green as grass

Great lead rein pony > will kill your child off the lead rein

Sold from the field > I’m not getting on it

Forward going with brakes > hurtles flat out to a fence and stops dead in front of it

Would do a nice test > If it didn't spend half its time on its back legs waving at the judge

Travels well > If you can get it in the trailer

Great to hack in company > You won’t get it out of the yard alone

Active hind leg > Wicked buck

Athletic > Does handstands

Loss of rider forces sale > rider currently in traction

Bags of talent > If only he wanted to use it

A real gentleman > Lets you take the fence first

Priced to sell, worth much more > I’ll give it away if I have to

Potential to go on in any sphere > Jack of all trades, master of none

Looking for a quieter life > It’s buggered and over the hill

Anyone’s ride > Anyone but me

POA > Probably Overpriced Actually

Bombproof > One foot in the grave

A real character > Little shit

Can put in the odd buck > Think Phoebe Buckley, take me to the rodeo. Neck strap advised.

Can be quirky > Should be shot

Enjoys jumping > Hates dressage

Loose jumps 1m20 with ease > Frequently jumps out over the 5 bar gate

Lovely nature > But useless at most things

Make great happy hacker > Useless at everything else

Low mileage > Done bugger all

Sort very hard to find > You’d be bloody unlucky to find 2 like this

Always clear xc > Cricket score in the SJ

Consistent dressage > Consistently poor

Needs more work on the flat > Think giraffe

Left to mature > Total lunatic

And finally...Great project for experienced, knowledgeable rider > Monty Roberts would struggle with this one. Life insurance advisable.

Following ongoing back complaints and phsyio, and a realisation that many other horse riders suffer the same problems, I asked my brother Andrew Strong why this was such an issue for us equestrians, and how we can address the problem. Andrew has a degree in Sport Science, extensive experience as a fitness instructor and gymnastics coach, and most recently has worked as a physiologist and biomechanics technician. Here he shares his advice;

“It’s really common for horse riders to suffer some sort of back pain when riding; this can be because of weakness of the riders’ core, poor posture, or a number of other issues. However something we know to be true is that many riders also suffer with shortened hamstrings from the position and use of their leg when in the saddle.”

Andrew continues; “The most important thing is balance of opposing muscles both in terms of strength and flexibility. For example, if the quadriceps are weak and flexible yet the hamstrings are strong and tight you’re very likely to experience some form of discomfort at some time, in this case likely in the lower back.

“There are various strength tests you can do to check this such as using a dynamometer to measure maximum force output from the isolated muscles. In terms of flexibility, you can check the range of motion of specific muscle groups too by performing simple tests. It is very common that hamstrings are found to be tight or ‘short’. There are many stretches that could be helpful but a selected few examples to improve flexibility are shown below:

“Massage can also be a good way to loosen up stiff muscles. Foam rollers have become increasingly popular over recent years and are often recommended by masseurs and physiotherapists to be used by clients/patients to self-manage in between treatments.

“Core stability is vital and the use of exercise balls as well as Pilates should be recommended. Above all, if low back pain is experienced it is highly recommended to have an individual screening by a qualified professional who can recommend specific exercises depending on the proposed areas causing the issue.”

Personally, I definitely suffer with both lower back pain and painfully tight hamstrings – and in fact at Pilates nearly all of the riders had very tight hamstrings. Certainly I can see how lots of half halting could enhance the problem, and that shortening of the hamstring may affect a dressage rider less than a showjumper, say, due to the cut of the saddle and the positioning of the leg and length of stirrups. I’ve had a few sessions involving riding without stirrups to help lengthen the leg and release some of the tension through the hips and hamstrings to help with this. (Although I probably wouldn’t attempt with Ruby!)

Pilates has made a huge difference to my riding, and since it encourages you to engage your core muscles, (I often think to myself about pulling my belly button back to my spine when schooling and using my breath better) it has helped to give me a strong core rather than relying too much on my limbs instead. Previously because I’d lacked strength in my core, and the ability to properly engage those muscles, I would tend to become overly concave at the lower spine, or rounded in the shoulder. My trainer has also noticed an improvement in my asymmetry – before I had a big tendency to collapse at the left hip but I’ve become more balanced in the saddle.

If you do one thing in 2013, I would definitely advise trying Pilates and doing some stretching exercises – not only do the experts recommend it, but I can also vouch for the difference it makes in practice, both for your own well being and the results you get from your horse.    

Background

As many of you will know, for some time we’ve had issues with
Ruby being 1 sided, and despite doing our best to address this with schooling,
bespoke custom made saddles, physio, osteopaths, massage and vets advice, it’s remained an ongoing problem. 

The vet, having re-examined Ruby, and ridden her for herself to
see just how 1-sided she was (she described her as virtually unrideable), then
referred for bone scans after a preliminary assessment and x-ray had ruled out kissing spines. In the mean time I’ve continued to work Ruby following vets advice, and really the progress she has made has been brilliant! Softer more consistent work in walk and trot, and even her canter work and jumping has really come on leaps and bounds! Sharon, my trainer saw her for the first time in a while and also noticed an improvement in her way of going, and her
attitude actually – she’s been much less up tight. At this point, I began to believe that in fact she could just be a late developer, and that her 1-sidedness could just be a lack of balance and strength that we could build on; progress has been made so that has given me great hope.

Bone scans

After a VERY long day waiting for the bone scans, I finally heard from the vet; my stomach dropped when she said the scans had picked up several hotspots. These included the sacroiliac, the off-side hock, and the near fore pedal bone. Gulp. All very scary things to mention. After the radiation had worn off, the vet wanted Ruby brought back to the practice for further investigation and treatment. She felt there was some muscle atrophy now present on the left, and some lameness on the near fore that hadn’t been present before. Although the x-ray did show some changes to the pedal bone, there were no fracture lines or anything nasty, and there were no navicular changes (phew) – the vet is happy that it shouldn’t pose a problem.

The hock has been x-rayed too, and whilst the vet is seeking a second opinion as it does show something, the vet describes it as ‘nothing that rings alarm bells’. More than likely this is a result of the over compensating from her asymmetric pelvis and sacroiliac pain, which the vet has pinpointed as the primary cause. In order to treat this, they have administered a rather large
steroid injection which all went fine. 

What now?

The prognosis? Well, I’ve been advised to turn her away for a few weeks over Christmas to give everything time to settle down. Beyond that, it’s a month or so of working from the ground including my old favourite long reining (collective groan), and ridden walking work before progressing onto trot work. The idea is that now she is medicated, we start over again, aiming to build
topline and muscle evenly - lots of long and low work. Hopefully she will be able to sit on her hocks more now and engage her hind end which has been a struggle previously, due to the discomfort she has carried.

The vet has warned that realistically it may be 6 months before we can jump again, and 3-6 months before she will back to a
similar level of work. I’m hugely relieved that the prognosis is good, as long as the treatment does what we hope it will; there are many worse outcomes that we could have had, and hopefully this is only a delay rather than anything more.
 On the other hand, being totally honest, I feel completely gutted that we’ve come so far and, not for the 1st time, are having to start over. Ruby is still young at 5, and has plenty of time to get out competing, but I have to resign myself to the fact
that it won’t be for a little while yet. Having just started to focus on jumping and seen Ruby excel, I was feeling very positive about 2013 and starting her competitive career in the very near future. My burning desire for her, and for me, is to get out eventing and this is ultimately still the goal. I’ve seen so much potential in her, despite carrying all these issues, her attitude is great and she just takes everything in her stride, and I consider myself very lucky to have a little 1 in a million horse with a massive heart! Regrettably, we’re now back to rehabilitation – but with any luck, now we have a firm handle on the issue, this will be the last time we have to do this. The process is frustrating, but the outcome will be worth it. Maybe we’ll get our chance one
day? All good things come to those who wait, apparently.