do you check your horses back ??

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hannah28

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hi, i have had my horse for 10 months now, a new livery has just come to the yard and insisted to us how important it is to have your horses back checked every year and she wants us to all get it done with her horse, what do you guys think ? do you have yours done ?
 
yes! Oh mare is very sensitive in her back and is prone to tight muscles there which massively affect her way of going. I have my (much sturdyer and tougher!) mare checked every 6 months to keep her going nicely and comfortably. I would never have thought it a necessary thing had I not seen the enormous difference it makes to oh mare - without keeping her back in good shape and before our back lady got working on her she was pretty much off work and she was v v down in herself.
I would have your horse done now, it will give you a good idea of how she is now and get any problems sorted. If all is fine then you might find that you hardly need her checking. As a new horse I think it's worth getting everything checked out!
 
I tend to look for small changes,like if my saddle has slipped to one side or dropped more at the front and back,how much work he is doing,etc,etc!!!
I will look for signs of discomfort,and if not happy will get my vet to check.....but nope I don't get a back person out once a year,I just make sure that my saddle is checked by a saddler,and that all my rugs fit well!
Hope that helps!
 
If your going to have it checked, do so on your terms. :)....otherwise sometimes they people get a bit too like this with other things....vets,farriers etc

Yes it's a good idea to have them checked, after all a horse can't tell you if there is something wrong but they usually let you know if one way or another...having said that, some just put up with discomfort, so that reason alone is a good reason to have them checked either every 6 months, yearly or when you suspect there might be a problem.

Don't be pushed however into using the person your new livery uses or to have it done when they say just becauase they are having them up to do theirs, however it can work out well for you in one way if you want your horse looking at because you could share the call out cost, so it worth thinking about.
 
I get my horses back checked at the start of each season - as I never used to before and missed his back becoming tight resulting in jumping issues. Saddle is checked about every 4 months atm as horse keeps changing shape. Once shape has settled saddle will be checked once a year along with back - better to make sure and get it all checked out by a pro than risk it I say and if you all get a block booking it will be cheaper for everyone :)
 
I would go with recommendations - is there anyone on your yard whose opinion you trust who uses a back person? Our lady does mctimony and bowen. Works v well for our mares, helps them keep supple - esp the fussy one who is very tense through her back (saddle etc all checked, schooling targeted towards suppleness to - it's just the way she is made as she is v compact). You could also find a physio? Though I would imagine that a physio would be better to treat actual problems rather than a check over and loosen up any issues. Do you think your horse might have a prob? If there is a particular problem then I would try a physio, your vets should be able to recommend one.
 
yes, whenever i buy a new horse i always have their back checked. I then have their back rechecked whenever i feel a change (rather than on a set timescale like once a year). i also have their saddles checked once a year (or more often if they seem to change shape or seem uncomfortable)

i would agree that it's in her interest to get everyone to check their horse's backs at the same time as it will make call out cheaper. I definitely think it's worth checking your horse but i would make sure you are happy with the person she is suggesting calling out
 
My horses backs are checked every time they're ridden, but then again I've got qualifications in Equine Bowen Therapy, so it's easy for me to do so - and to give them a treatment if I feel they need it.

However, I would still recommend that everyone have their horses back (or at the very least, the saddle) checked at least six monthly, just as a matter of routine/maintenance/whatever you want to call it. It's a small price to pay for your peace of mind and your horse's wellbeing.

I must agree with what Kenzo said though, and that is, don't be pressured into doing it on someone else's terms. Do a bit of digging, get feedback and comments - and choose the person who YOU feel happiest with.
 
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Yes often, my connie is very short coupled and gets uncomfrotable easily so i keep a close eye on his back, my welsh d is the opposite so i do the same for him as i don't think he would even make a fuss if something was wrong.
 
yes i would def get mine checked once a year as routine, more often if there were any signs that something wasnt right :)
 
I am a trained Equine Body Worker and I check my horses back every day. It is amazing how much difference there can be. Some days I wonder what they have been upto in the field! Anyway it was hard work but well worth it as I save myself a fortune now and also run day courses to show people how to feel for problems and how to check their horses backs before they get on. :)
 
Yes, he gets his back checked as part of his annual MOT - but I also give him a massage every week down his back and saddle area which will hopefully alert me to any issues :)
 
My horse is regularly checked (every 6 months if nec and in early days had a couple of treatments 4 months apart) and treated if necessary by a Mctimoney practitioner. On buying a new horse I'll always have full MOT done (ie teeth, back) before I would start much work. That way I know the horse is pysically capable of what I am going to be asking him to do! Do you have a riding instructor whose advice you could ask on who to use? Much as there are some very good people out there, there are also plenty of cowboys!
 
Yup, I had my new horse's back checked about two months after i got him, and it had turned out that his pelvis, back and i think neck maybe (although cant quite remember now!) had all dropped to the right! the lady did loads of work on him, and i feel so much better knowing he's comfortable! i've got two fitted saddles, and will be having his back checked at about the 6 month mark, or at the very least once a year! xx
 
Yes I also get back checked when I feel its needed - every 6 months is abit too prescriptive as you never know if they need it before. Then, in between I keep an eye on way of going etc and stretch legs, back and neck before/after a ride. Having backman out this avo actually as my boy not well since going lame on hind.

Agree with not submitting to 'helpful' livery until you've done your research!
 
yes i get i check all mine without fail everyfew weeks (im training equine physio) but the benefits are massive and you wouldnt believe how much of a difference it can make.

Although i wouldnt neccessarily use the person that the new yard member wants to use.
where abouts are you based?
do you know the name of the person they are planning on bringing in?

i will try find details of someone reliable and good at there job for you.
 
Yes every 3 months as she has issues also get the other to checked once a year.
See what her back person is like first dont just book in ask around who people say are good and also worth asking your vet as well if you plan to use one.
 
I have my mares back checked one a year or more often if I feel she needs it. It is difficult deciding who to have as I have had an equine physio say she is fine and a McTimmony chiro saying she needed adjustments. We all want what is best for our horses but who do you trust with them?
 
the reason a physio will could say different to a chiro is because they treat different things so the horse could have been correct from a physio's point of view but not from a chiro's point of view and visa versa hence why i am eventually doing both qualifications alot of work is reffered from one to another.

Both treatments have many benefits.
 
Absolutely! In fact I have his back & saddle checked every 6 months.

There's nothing worse than a badly fitting saddle and/or a sore back so it's worth it for a bit of peace of mind and always helpful to know about any problems early. :D
 
My girl is done monthly - when I got her she had lots of back and related problems and being seen monthly is really helping her out and has made huge improvements to her. I believe that prevention is better than cure and think in the long run will work out cheaper

But looking forward to starting my training soon so can save some costs plus will be able to check her back daily
 
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