Kissing spine rehabilitation plan

[Spencer]

Can anyone with a kissing spine horse tell me what their rehab plan was?
I will be getting a physiotherapist out but I'd like to compare plans first.

 

[Primitive Pony]

Will very much depend what treatment horse has had for KS and how bad the problem was or is....? - eg after op v different to injections, vet should advise too? - mine was mainly Pessoa work suggested by vet, have worked with physio for more detailed input and she doesn't recommend Pessoa.

Lots of slow hacking and hills rather than schooling, and pole work in hand and walking backwards a few strides, plus belly lifts, and of course saddler...

If you're on Facebook, join the group horses with kissing spinecand you'll find tons of reading and rehab plans there.

 

[Kelpie]

As above, it really depends on the extent of the damage/ whether and if so what surgery was done, etc....

.... with my KS girl, so far we are managing her with physio and lots of work designed to help her. In particular, I do a lot of in-hand French Classical schooling exercises, combined with pole work, to help her build correct muscle. Like peh's physio, I have a significant dislike of pessoa's....

 

[BethH]

Learn to long rein properly - it a life saver, was the only thing my KS horse would tolerate and it is great fun when you get the knack of it. I'm 8yrs post op and if I am ever worried about my horse, it's straight back on the long reins so I can see how he is moving and get him going again. We are a dab hand at prelim dressage tests on the long lines now and no need to faff when changing rein so they can keep moving fluidly, it's a great way of building correct muscle and proper movement without a rider getting in the way until you are ready.

 

[Spencer]

Learn to long rein properly - it a life saver, was the only thing my KS horse would tolerate and it is great fun when you get the knack of it. I'm 8yrs post op and if I am ever worried about my horse, it's straight back on the long reins so I can see how he is moving and get him going again. We are a dab hand at prelim dressage tests on the long lines now and no need to faff when changing rein so they can keep moving fluidly, it's a great way of building correct muscle and proper movement without a rider getting in the way until you are ready.

I am able to long rein, having been taught by someone who uses it professionally and I am lucky enough to have access to a large school.

What plan do you follow for long reining? I get a bit dry after a few circuits round and changes of rein.......

 

[Spencer]

Will very much depend what treatment horse has had for KS and how bad the problem was or is....? - eg after op v different to injections, vet should advise too? - mine was mainly Pessoa work suggested by vet, have worked with physio for more detailed input and she doesn't recommend Pessoa.

Lots of slow hacking and hills rather than schooling, and pole work in hand and walking backwards a few strides, plus belly lifts, and of course saddler...

If you're on Facebook, join the group horses with kissing spinecand you'll find tons of reading and rehab plans there.

Thank you. Horse has minor damage on Xray but is obviously sore on palpation. He has been injected this week.
I did join the FB group but found it very unhelpful. They just kept repeating to get a physio over and over again rather than sharing information!