I am getting spoiled … and so is one of my four-legged clients. You see, he is lucky enough to be owned by a terrific couple and his primary human is a chiropractor. A chiropractor whose professional practice is dedicated to human clients, but who is interested in learning to work on horses. And, of course, his own horse benefits from being practice patient.
For me, as the person helping them learn to rehab the horse after serious hoof issues, it’s wonderful. A few weeks ago when we were working with the horse at liberty, I noticed his back wasn’t swinging well and my eye kept being drawn an area at the base of his withers that should have been lifting, but wasn’t. I just drew the owner/chiropractor’s attention to the area and asked him to check it out.
“Now?”
“Sure. Why not? You know what you’re doing.”
“You want me to adjust him?”
“Yep.”
About 18 seconds later the horse was going around the circle with his back lifted, neck arched and knees stepping high. Gorgeous! But more important, way less concussion on those front feet that have been a chronic challenge.
Today the horse came out of his stall looking quite footsore, and even his handy protective boots didn’t give him quite enough relief. I started exploring his body and found a tight spot in the loin on the “lame” side. Then I got recruited to be the intermediate in muscle-testing and the owner found a needed adjustment at the hip and that recurring one at the base of the wither. The horse went from about 40 percent sound to about 80 percent and we were able to do some ground exercises with him to continue the process of reminding him to get off his forehand and shift his weight back.
Nice to have options that make the horse feel better and help him learn instead of just having to say “he’s lame, put him away and hope he gets better.” Everybody got to learn something useful today – both the two-leggeds and the four-.
Now if I could just have the luxury of a chiropractor with me every time a horse needs a little help. I would be so spoiled … and the horses would be so sound and happy!
so go get certified as a chiro! (she says only slightly tongue in cheek).
So I could have yet one more skill it’s illegal for me to practice in AZ and most other states and truly become a hardened criminal?! (Tongue, cheek, yeah!)
Ugh… I hate that “put him away until it gets better.” The barn I ride at up here has a real dim-wit for a manager (if you can call her that). I’m riding her 22 y.o. thoroughbred a few times a week and she seems to think that the less attention his aches and sprains receive, the better. Plus she likes to leave him out at pasture in the summer and ‘forget’ to add his supplements to his grain, which is really great for a lumbering old thoroughbred… obviously no joint, age, hoof, or digestive issues there!
Denial is one way to “manage” an older horse, but I’m pretty sure it’s not particularly effective. Lucky the horse has you to give him some exercise and care!