Any fittening programme that your horse embarks on is essentially asking his musculoskeletal system to adapt to cope with the demands of work, whether this is hacking or 3 day eventing. Probably the most challenging part of any fittening programme is safeguarding your horse’s soundness, but with careful planning and gradual changes in workload you can reduce the risk of injury. Spring is an excellent time for your horse to have a thorough MOT to ensure that he is in great shape and able to cope with the activities that you have planned for him.
Teeth and saddle fit should be checked and the hooves levelled and shod by your farrier if required. It is also a good idea for your horse to have his back and musculoskeletal system checked by a qualified practitioner. A McTimoney practitioner is trained at University at Masters degree level to assess your horse’s musculoskeletal system, which includes the spine, neck and pelvis and treat any areas of discomfort as necessary. A practitioner will always ask for your vet’s consent before coming out to see your horse as this is a requirement of the Veterinary Act of 1966 (this applies to any professional whom you wish to see your horse, for example an osteopath or physiotherapist). A case history will then be taken of your horse as well as a comprehensive assessment of his conformation, posture and muscle symmetry both at rest and moving on a straight line and circles. The spine, neck and pelvis will then be assessed for areas of reduced function or misalignment and associated muscle spasm, and problem areas treated with rapid, gentle adjustments. Further soft tissue mobilisation, sports massage and stretching may also be used and useful exercises given by your McTimoney practitioner to help you get the most out of your fittening programme.
Most horses thoroughly enjoy the gentle McTimoney treatment and their riders can usually feel a great improvement in their suppleness, straightness and movement after the first treatment. It is recommended that a horse in regular work is assessed and treated by a McTimoney practitioner every four to six months to keep him working at his best, and to rapidly pick up any minor changes to the musculoskeletal system before they impact on the horse’s performance and well-being.
Thanks to Sarah Games for this informative article.
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