Back lady coming next week and im worried im on a slippery slope to beign ripped off?

[darkhorse123]

Long story so please bear with me and give me your honest opinions

I have a 9 yr old cob who has always been a bit of a bugar and hard work - spooky, napping etc and needs a very firm hand.

Im a novice owner (had him 3 yrs) and wiht lessons and help from brilliant friends/fellow liveries at old yard we managed brillaintly - took a long time to get him hacking etc but we did it.

Then 6 weeks ago i moved counties and put him on private land. I hated it so moved him after 5 days onto a diy livery yard.

He has been very unsettled - spooking, napping - even coming out of his field gate - leading in and out past other horses hes been terrible.

I got a local instructor in and after our short lesson she jumped on him and mentioned he was unbalanced in canter

She suggested i get a black aldy out which i have arranged - but Im worried because deep down I know its not a back problem, or i think its not which is why im asking your opinions.

He ahs a treeless saddle which i know lots of peopel hate but it suits him - he changes shape monthly and a standard saddle would just not be suitable.

Im worried I wont understand what this lady is talking about and she will suggest uneccessary epensive new saddles or back treatments.

Dotn get me wrong - if i genuineley believed this was a problem i wouldnt hesitate but my gut feeling is it isnt his back.

If it was his back why does he nap and spook in hand? His head is literally high when beign led, eyes dartign side to side far into the distance looking for trouble.

Id rather spend money on a good trainer then waste it on not needed saddles etc

Sorry for the ramble but id really appreciate some unbiassed expert advice and opinions

 

[darkhorse123]

plus im also not riding him now because the instructor has worried me i could be hurting him - if its not his back this is making his behaviour worse - he needs ot be ridden !
Im just so stuck - back lady is coming later in the week

 

[dressagelove]

I had a 'gut' feeling it wasn't my horses back either, and I have 18 years of experience with horses, it was, and he was in a lot of pain, he was just so good natured, he wouldn't show it.

What harm will it do to have the back lady out? I am slightly confused as you admit to being a novice owner, but then say you 'know' deep down that it isn't his back?! Well it well could be.

As for the back lady suggesting new and expensive tack is unlikely, but you don't have to do anything you don't want to do, there are loads of options. Just seems like you aren't willing to give it a go to me, seems a bit odd :S

Go with the back lady, if nothing comes of it, at least you have peace of mind in that department.

 

[darkhorse123]

I am going with it - i just wanted peoples opinions and experiences before she comes
Thank you - thats the sort of information i wanted and it is helpful

 

[Bikerchickone]

I think the most important thing here is to make sure you get a trustworthy, honest specialist. Find one through word of mouth and you should be fine. My lady is fantastic and doesn't charge*you if she doesn't need to treat your horse.

The plus side here too is that at least you'll know for sure that you aren't doing anything to hurt him if it isn't his back. If it is his back most good specialists will be able to help him and shouldn't cost the earth. My boy has a stiff hip which he's seen for a couple of times a year. I was nervous just like you the first time but even though he was pretty bad it only took her two treatments to get him sorted and now he has his biannual tweaking when I feel he needs it.

Good luck and I hope you get it sorted. x

 

[Slightlyconfused]

^^^^^ this

 

[darkhorse123]

I think the most important thing here is to make sure you get a trustworthy, honest specialist. Find one through word of mouth and you should be fine. My lady is fantastic and doesn't charge*you if she doesn't need to treat your horse.

The plus side here too is that at least you'll know for sure that you aren't doing anything to hurt him if it isn't his back. If it is his back most good specialists will be able to help him and shouldn't cost the earth. My boy has a stiff hip which he's seen for a couple of times a year. I was nervous just like you the first time but even though he was pretty bad it only took her two treatments to get him sorted and now he has his biannual tweaking when I feel he needs it.

Good luck and I hope you get it sorted. x

ty so so much i was worried about posting because i thought people might think im being miserly but im not.
If my boy needs something he gets it but i do not want to be "taken in" by anything.
I might be a novice but ive seen and read about a few people start on some bizarre treatments or fads and been completely fazed by them - i just dont want to be one of those.
Ty

 

[Irishbabygirl]

Get the back lady out to rule out his back then you know you can crack on and work him. My instructor said the same, thought my boy wasn't right, so vet, physio, sports massage therapist and saddler later - all clear! But its nice to know all I need to do is crack on with his schooling

 

[Bikerchickone]

No worries, completely understand as I felt the same way! Speak to some other people who have used this lady you've got coming and hopefully they'll put your mind at rest. She shouldn't mind giving references if you ask either.

 

[Kaylum]

The problem is the back peron isn't the saddler fiitter, the saddle fitter isn't the saddler. I have yet to find one person who understands all 3 lol

 

[Jesstickle]

When you say 'back lady' what exactly do you mean? Physio, chiro, osteo? Because frankly I think they're all a con apart from the physio and I'd be worried I was wasting my money too.

Have they asked for your vets consent? They ought to have if they're any kind of professional at all!

I don't want to sound the sceptic but I am sceptical so I can't help it.

 

[darkhorse123]

The problem is the back peron isn't the saddler fiitter, the saddle fitter isn't the saddler. I have yet to find one person who understands all 3 lol

lol see why i feel ive started on a very slippery slope?
But I am having her and as somoene else said now that thught has been planted in my mind i do need to know its not that - biker chick it is people from my new yard who have used her and reccomended her

Ah ty everyone i feel better now

 

[darkhorse123]

When you say 'back lady' what exactly do you mean? Physio, chiro, osteo? Because frankly I think they're all a con apart from the physio and I'd be worried I was wasting my money too.

Have they asked for your vets consent? They ought to have if they're any kind of professional at all!

I don't want to sound the sceptic but I am sceptical so I can't help it.

No she is a qualified physio (i googled her and she was a human physio first) - and she did ask for my vets name and telephone number when i booked her - and thank god im not the only one! Im afraid at grand old age of 46 im now a natural cynic

I feel horrible now for doubting her but i just needed to be sure and knew id get honest opinions here

 

[Herts05]

If you are worried about the back person you have been recommended then do some background checking. Are they registered? Did they ask to contact your vet before their visit in order to get permission to do any treatment if it is required? All reputable, registered Osteopaths will ask to do this.
The person should see your horse move in a straight line in both walk and trot (and on a circle if necessary) before doing any treatment.
They should also take a full history (it may be an idea to write down key points before the visit so you remember to cover off all the points).
It goes without saying that the good ones will take time to explain their findings and any proposed treatment - no matter how long it takes.
I would worry if they start to make suggestions about saddles, most of them are not saddlers and in the same way they would not appreciate a saddler treating a horse's back they should not advise on areas where they aren't qualified.
Remember you are the customer, so if you aren't sure about something, thank them nicely and move on!
I hope this helps.

 

[darkhorse123]

If you are worried about the back person you have been recommended then do some background checking. Are they registered? Did they ask to contact your vet before their visit in order to get permission to do any treatment if it is required? All reputable, registered Osteopaths will ask to do this.
The person should see your horse move in a straight line in both walk and trot (and on a circle if necessary) before doing any treatment.
They should also take a full history (it may be an idea to write down key points before the visit so you remember to cover off all the points).
It goes without saying that the good ones will take time to explain their findings and any proposed treatment - no matter how long it takes.
I would worry if they start to make suggestions about saddles, most of them are not saddlers and in the same way they would not appreciate a saddler treating a horse's back they should not advise on areas where they aren't qualified.
Remember you are the customer, so if you aren't sure about something, thank them nicely and move on!
I hope this helps.

ty so much! This is just the sort of information i needed as i have no idea what to expect or look for and would have been going in blind - ty

 

[Herts05]

You are welcome

You may also find this helpful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhP_aUVxwzg

 

[Jesstickle]

No she is a qualified physio (i googled her and she was a human physio first) - and she did ask for my vets name and telephone number when i booked her - and thank god im not the only one! Im afraid at grand old age of 46 im now a natural cynic

I feel horrible now for doubting her but i just needed to be sure and knew id get honest opinions here

I have found physios to be pretty sensible tbh. Last time BH was looked I got told he was fine. She seemed kind of incredulous I had called given that I wasn't really experiencing any serious issues, just a slight asymmetry of his pelvis. We had a good giggle about how a pelvis could be 'out' and all was well.

I think your own natural cynicism will prevent you being taken for a ride!

ETS: She was out for other people's horses or I wouldn't have bothered. All though in fairness she did a stonkingly brilliant job getting Nitty's hock ready for surgery using therapeutic ultrasound so there are genuine reasons to call them from time to time! (that was recommended by my surgical vet)

 

[Flame_]

When you say 'back lady' what exactly do you mean? Physio, chiro, osteo? Because frankly I think they're all a con apart from the physio and I'd be worried I was wasting my money too.

Have they asked for your vets consent? They ought to have if they're any kind of professional at all!

I don't want to sound the sceptic but I am sceptical so I can't help it.

This.

I don't believe leisure horses usually need muscle treatments unless there's an underlying problem which requires a vet. I'd keep your money.

 

[darkhorse123]

You are welcome

You may also find this helpful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhP_aUVxwzg

that video is amazing - ive never seen a physio work on a horse before so was expecting all sorts of silly things - ty im now really looking forward to her coming!

 

[darkhorse123]

This.

I don't believe leisure horses usually need muscle treatments unless there's an underlying problem which requires a vet. I'd keep your money.

but if she did spot an underlying problem that requires a vet - one that i havent noticed?

 

[AmyMay]

Your horse is being spooky etc because he's moved and is unsettled. If he feels unlevel get the vet, not a back person.

 

[Luci07]

Vet first, physio after and no good physio will look at your horse till after the vet has. I do have the physio out on a six monthly check but with my vet knowing. One horse is elderly one is very young.

Equine physios have to do the human training first. I did look into it but at my advanced age, was not prepared for the years of training!

 

[darkhorse123]

Your horse is being spooky etc because he's moved and is unsettled. If he feels unlevel get the vet, not a back person.

See now im getting confused again - i know im a novice but ive had him 3 years and know him - i think this too deep down!

As a novice i cannot tell if he is unlevel - but i do know past instructors have always said he is unsettled in canter and its a schooling issue

This is why im asking - i need an instructor i can trust - ive only had one lesson with this instructor, Im in a new area, new yard with no close horsey friends to help me - in your opinion would you look for another instructor?

 

[AmyMay]

Not sure why you'd want to look for another instructor, all this one has done has told you the horse is unlevel - and is not the first one to have done so.

Time to get it investigated by your vet.

 

[Paris1]

Lucie07 they are about to change that I believe, so you don't have to do human first.

Op, Is there no knowledgable YO you can trot up for and see what they think? What credentials/references did you get for the instructor?

you say you are too novice to know if your horse is unlevel but you have a feeling that its not a back problem. I would defer to a more knowledgabke person in this case. Get a vet to give him a once over and discuss a physio. A physio can't do anything without a vets permission anyway.

Good luck.

 

[Jesstickle]

Not sure why you'd want to look for another instructor, all this one has done has told you the horse is unlevel - and is not the first one to have done so.

Time to get it investigated by your vet.

Horse is unbalanced rather than unlevel I think? I wouldn't be calling the vet to a horse that was unbalanced in canter. I wouldn't be calling the physio either of course but that is just me.

 

[darkhorse123]

Horse is unbalanced rather than unlevel I think? I wouldn't be calling the vet to a horse that was unbalanced in canter. I wouldn't be calling the physio either of course but that is just me.

sorry - yes unbalanced

 

[darkhorse123]

Lucie07 they are about to change that I believe, so you don't have to do human first.

Op, Is there no knowledgable YO you can trot up for and see what they think? What credentials/references did you get for the instructor?

you say you are too novice to know if your horse is unlevel but you have a feeling that its not a back problem. I would defer to a more knowledgabke person in this case. Get a vet to give him a once over and discuss a physio. A physio can't do anything without a vets permission anyway.

Good luck.

i will ask at my yard tomorrow but tbh ive not been tehre long so im unsure of who is more knowledgeable than others - and insturctor was reccomended by yardmates, i didnt ask for credentials or references - i know, stupid

 

[MrsMozart]

When I had Tigs, it was my then back person (McTimony) that said get the vet out again: I was calling her out every couple of weeks and she said that we needed to try again with the vet.

 

[Booboos]

What is the difference between unbalanced and unlevel?

If you suspect your horse's behaviour is down to a physical problem get the vet out for a general MOT. If the vet pinpoints a muscular problem then a physio could do wonders for your horse. Without a diagnosis from a vet however you really won't know if you have a problem or what area it might be in.