The Treatments Explained What does a treatment involve? All Annemarie's equine therapy treatments include hands-on manipulation of the horse or pony - no machines or gadgets are used. Annemarie can quickly assess whether the horse has issues with its teeth, bridle, saddle, or feet and advise you on what aspects to discuss with your dentist, saddler or farrier. Annemarie can work closely with your vet and in some cases, refer the horse to a chiropractor or osteopath, if appropriate.
After the treatment you will be given a full consultation sheet detailing Annemarie's observations and the areas that have received treatment. You will also get an aftercare sheet advising of any concerns as well as the action plan for rest, exercise/schooling, further treatment required and dietary adjustments, if necessary.
The treatment of animals in the UK is controlled by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
The synopsis of treatments outlined below is not exhaustive as the treatments are quite often tailor made to suit the needs of each horse and rider.
Before the treatment Please obtain approval from your vet for the treatment to be undertaken. Please do not exercise your horse for 30 minutes prior to treatment Please ensure your horse is dry and as mud-free as possible Please do not feed your horse hard feed one hour prior to treatment. After the treatment Your horse will feel cold and will need to be rugged Your horse will be tired and ideally stabled for two hours after treatment. This will also stop him going out and damaging muscles that have been realigned and loosened Please do not feed hard feed for two hours after treatment but hay is fine The treatment manipulates the circulatory and lymphatic system, so your horse will feel thirstier than usual, plenty of water must be available. Full therapy An initial consultation can last up to two hours (don't let this put you off) and includes the following:
Assessment of the horse's conformation Observation of the horse moving Discussion with the owner/rider of previous history and presenting problems Hands-on therapy covering the entire horse. Different types of massage strokes are performed and passive stretches used on legs, tail and neck. Saddle and Bridle fitting checked. Remedial therapy This treatment includes the full body therapy but additionally concentrates on specific areas requiring remedial therapy. For example, a horse on box rest due to foreleg tendon damage will have passive stretches and mobilisation work undertaken to maintain muscle, tendon and ligament elasticity, maintain shoulder mobility and freedom and increase circulation to that leg.
A horse that is recovering from colic surgery will have a treatment designed to stimulate circulation of the digestive system for both the internal muscular system and nutrient uptake, stimulation of the lymphatic system to ensure maximum efficiency of toxin removal and relaxation of the intercostal and related muscles.
Pre and post-competition treatments Pre-competition massage Massage and physio stretches are used both prior to and after strenuous competition such as racing, eventing, endurance, show jumping, dressage and hunting. Before a competition massage may help lethargic horses by stimulating the circulatory system and increasing the blood flow and flow of oxygen to the brain and muscles aiding alertness and responsiveness. Passive stretches ensure tendons, muscles and ligaments are warm, elastic and supple thus assisting in the prevention of damage in addition to increasing the range of movement of the horse. Conversely, a highly strung, nervous horse will benefit from a massage that concentrates on the nervous system by relaxing his mental state and stimulating endorphin release to aid calmness. Endorphins also act as a natural pain killer. The benefits of pre-competition massage may:
Promote elasticity of tissue fibre Releases natural endorphins Range of movement increased - longer strides thus more power Increase flexibiliy Neuro pathways stimulated - gives better body awareness Improve circulation of blood and lymph Decrease anxiety and nervousness Increase white cell formation Enhance athletic performance Reduce blood pressure Maximise supply of nutrients and oxygen Promote deeper and easier breathing Aid mental focus A pre-competition treatment lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Post-competition massage Post-competition massages are undertaken when the horse has cooled down and helps reduce any muscle spasms and metabolic build-up. They focus on muscle, tendon and ligament manipulation and aids relaxation and mental calmness in the horse. The treatment includes hands-on manipulation, initially checking the body for injury, tightness or spasms. The soft tissues are manipulated to stimulate blood and lymph supply to aid the removal of toxins and aid repair to damaged tissues and muscles. Endorphins are released to aid relaxation and also act as a natural painkiller, stress points/spasms are released to enable muscles fibres to relax, encourage suppleness and repair if necessary, and aid is given to the dispersion of oedema (excess fluid in legs or joints). A post-competition massage may benefit;
Reducing heart rate and blood pressure Helping relaxation and calmness Relaxing muscles Identifying stress or injury Increasing the elimination of lactic acid (toxins) Promoting quicker healing of injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments Reducing the formation of scar tissue and adhesions in muscle fibre Reducing muscle spasms Promoting deeper breathing Reducing stiffness Reducing pain and swelling. A post competition treatment lasts approximately 30-40 minutes.
Relaxing massage This therapy is generally used on older horses, horses that have behavioral issues and are highly strung or those that just deserve to be spoilt! The treatment includes a full body therapy using calming and relaxing strokes which manipulate the nervous system and release natural endorphins. Passive stretches are used to release tension and tightness and to promote relaxation.