Alternative Therapies for Horses - yay or nay? Kinda long sorry

[pnap]

Right the McTimoney man is coming out on the 20th to check my horses pelvis etc on the advice of the Equine Body Worker (both alternative therapies I guess) and some people have said that chiropracty (sp) for horses is a waste of time and money and I should just ride stronger to make him work in an outline. Now I do not suggest for one moment that I am a great rider - mediocre at best - but I have tried on numerous occasions to get him to work in an outline and he just can't do it easily. I've had the instructors from the yard on him and even they say he's hard work to make him soften in your hands and stretch through his back etc.

I don't think I should have to "force" him into an outline and surely if he's able to carry himself properly then it should be easier? Or am I being a complete numpty in going through all this alternative therapy stuff cause I think it will make it easier for him?

 

[Orangehorse]

I think your friends deserve all the problems they get! Dressage is supposed to be light, with no forcing at all and to be physiotherapy for the horse by working and exercising the correct muscles so he can carry himself and the rider easily and for a long and sound life.
Oh, dressage is a competition too of course.

How can an athlete (the horse) exercise correctly and get the benefit of that exercise if there is tensness or pain. That is when horses get injuries and break down.

A McTimoney chiropractor is a very good idea. He certainly sorted my horse out that I had had vets, farrrier, new saddle, physiotherapists, etc. etc. who had helped a bit, but not much.
The chiro said when he first came "I can't do all this in one visit."
After about three sessions he stood and walked in a completely different (correct way) used his back instead of dragging him self along from the front and most important of all, did not trip over his front feet.

 

[kerilli]

you are doing the right thing, honestly.
please make sure you have had someone really good to do his teeth too though, and here's why...
i bought my mare from a good rider a couple of months ago (american eventer, produced horses to 3star etc). she couldn't really get this mare going well on the flat, a lot of tension, up and against the hand. she hacked her out in draw reins... enough said.
i have since had the mare's back and neck done by mctimoney chiro, and had her teeth done by someone very good (even though they'd been done 6 month's before, there was a huge molar at the back which had never been touched, forcing her jaw forward and sideways, enough that her incisors are worn at an angle...!)
this mare is now like a totally different horse. she works soft and round into the contact, softens at the poll at the gentlest request, is happy in her mouth and happy to relax.
if you are having to try to 'force' the horse into an outline, something is wrong. teeth, neck, back, saddle, bit, or, very last of all, perhaps the way you've been taught to ask, but i doubt it... i'd definitely explore all the other avenues first.
very best of luck.

 

[amandathepanda]

I've had horses that have been extremely lame from having their pelvis out go like a changed horse after a 2 sessions with a McTimoney. Well worth the money - if the horse is hurting he won't be able to work & carry himself. Oh, I'm a dressage rider too! I try to give my horses a regular check up now just to make sure they are comfortable and there is nothing underlying which might cause problems in the future.

 

[pnap]

Thanks guys - I'm not trying to get a Grand Prix horse or anything just something that will school nicely. I have had his teeth done 3 times in the last 6 months so they're fine, saddle checked and re-checked so hopefully once this apparent rotation issue is sorted out he'll be a lot happier in himself and easier in his movements.

 

[Cop-Pop]

The way I see it is I went to see a back person when I hurt my back and couldn't stand up straight. If someone had just forced me to be upright I think a) it would have done more damage and b) it would have hurt lots. Therefore when my horse hurt her back - she has a back person too!!