Chiropractor/ Oesteopath or just back man????

[fairytale_fairytale]

Hi There,

I have recently broken my horse to find he is terribly stiff through his neck on his right rein. Also when he tenses up he seems to arch his kneck slightly.
I think i need to get him checked out to check he hasnt put anything out of place or have any knots anywhere.

I may be being stupid but which of the above would I need?????

Thanks

 

[MCTM]

What does your vet recommend? You will need to get their consent before anybody treats your horse anyway. Personally I have always found my equine physio has resolved any issues but I know others prefer to use osteopaths or chiropractors.

 

[fairytale_fairytale]

Thanks for your reply.

I was unaware that I would need to get my vets consent.

I used to get my other horse checked by 'the back man' every six months when he was in medium work and never got consent from the vet.
I have never has this horse checked as he has only just started being worked and that is the only reason I noticed his stiffness.

 

[Natch]

Yes, ask your vet to recommend someone, and legally that someone does need your vet's permission to treat the horse. "The back man" may be someone completely unqualified and actually dangerous, so please check out what qualifications they hold, and if they are a member of a trade body. Those should give you some reassurances about how good the practitioner is - and a reputable practitioner will insist you get vet's permission first.

Chriopractors work with the spine - Osteopaths with bones/joints, and physios with muscles - but of course they all interlink anyway.

 

[fairytale_fairytale]

Thanks very much for your help, I shall give my vet a call today.

 

[Suziq77]

I use an osteopath for my horse and she also treats me as well - I find it very useful as she watches me ride sometimes and can see how we're setting each other off, e.g. I have a messed up right shoulder, my horse hangs more on the right rein.

All osteopaths who are qualified to treat horses should first have qualified to treat humans.

Since starting to use the osteopath at the beginning of this year I'm in much less pain and feel much straighter in the saddle than I did just having repeat physio. Depends on the underlying issues of the person / horse I expect....