Crispin. Welsh Sec D Gelding Age 20yrs
Crispin was initially seen in mid November 2011
The mid back muscles had wasted under a poorly fitting saddle.
There was also a marked sway (hollow back) in his posture.
The mid back muscles had wasted under a poorly fitting saddle.
There was also a marked sway (hollow back) in his posture.
Looking closely you can see that the mid back muscles from the shelf of ribs to the spine have wasted.
You can see the imprint of the saddle and how the spine appears raised due to the lack of supporting muscle.
I could feel a lack of tone and weakness through the back.
There was also some discomfort through the mid back with muscle spasm which responded very well to one treatment on this initial visit.
You can see the imprint of the saddle and how the spine appears raised due to the lack of supporting muscle.
I could feel a lack of tone and weakness through the back.
There was also some discomfort through the mid back with muscle spasm which responded very well to one treatment on this initial visit.
Using a yard stick we were able to get more of an idea of the depth of the Sway back.
Useful for Sue, the owner, to be able to appreciate the problem.
Pictures were taken on this first visit to use for comparison later.
Core muscle exercises were explained and a plan for daily exercises put in place.
Useful for Sue, the owner, to be able to appreciate the problem.
Pictures were taken on this first visit to use for comparison later.
Core muscle exercises were explained and a plan for daily exercises put in place.
These pictures were taken on the second visit at the end of January 2012.
Sue was an excellent and dedicated owner, she religously carried out the daily core muscle exercises.
Sue used carrots to coax Crispin into low lateral (sideways) stretches which enabled him to lift and engage his abdominal muscles which in turn activated his back muscles.
If you look closely you can see a heave line where his stomach muscles are working.
Sue was an excellent and dedicated owner, she religously carried out the daily core muscle exercises.
Sue used carrots to coax Crispin into low lateral (sideways) stretches which enabled him to lift and engage his abdominal muscles which in turn activated his back muscles.
If you look closely you can see a heave line where his stomach muscles are working.
As the horse progressed with the core muscle exercises he started to regenerate the long back muscle and this offered more support to the back and his posture visibly improved.
These exercises are performed traditionally with carrots but can also be carried out using the molassed horse licks.
Below is a short video showing a carrot stretch, ideally the stretch should be held for a little longer.
These exercises are performed traditionally with carrots but can also be carried out using the molassed horse licks.
Below is a short video showing a carrot stretch, ideally the stretch should be held for a little longer.
During this time Crispin had an expert saddler to visit who confirmed my suspicions that the saddle was ill fitting.
The saddle was not repairable so Crispin had the luxury of a new saddle.
Sue felt an immediate change in the way Crispin moved with a comfortable saddle.
This picture was taken on my 3rd visit in mid february 2012.
The improvement was remarkable given the age of the horse.
Sue was thrilled with the difference in her horse and continues to do core muscle exercises as she has seen and felt the difference.
An assessment of his back showed no discomfort and improved muscle bulk and tone.
The improvement was remarkable given the age of the horse.
Sue was thrilled with the difference in her horse and continues to do core muscle exercises as she has seen and felt the difference.
An assessment of his back showed no discomfort and improved muscle bulk and tone.
Before and After
There is visible muscle regeneration between the shelf of ribs and the spine.
The sway had improved and Crispins posture was that of a normal horse with improved abdominal use.
There is visible muscle regeneration between the shelf of ribs and the spine.
The sway had improved and Crispins posture was that of a normal horse with improved abdominal use.
Before and After
Crispin is now in full work and enjoys hunting regularly.
He will have a bodywork follow up every 6 months to ensure the back remains in optimum health.
Crispin is now in full work and enjoys hunting regularly.
He will have a bodywork follow up every 6 months to ensure the back remains in optimum health.
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COMMENTS FROM THE OWNER SUE
Ruth initially came out to see my 15h Welsh cob mare due to stiffness in her back leg and had been treating her,along with my vet, for a touch of arthritis. I also asked her to look at my 14.2h welsh cob gelding (Crispin) who’s back I thought was a bit dippy!! Well, I was shocked to realise that it was muscle wastage due to an ill-fitting saddle I had been riding in for about 3yrs having had two different saddlers tell me the saddle was a little bit long but this was ok!!! Further to Ruth’s treatment on my gelding and instructions for carrot exercises, which I did daily for about 8 weeks, the improvement is amazing!!! Not only is his back looking a lot better and the muscle tone returned, the recommendation of a fabulous saddler by Ruth has fitted an excellent saddle for not only my gelding but for my back too, considering we both need to last a whole days hunting from time to time. Ruth continues to work with both my welsh cobs and the mare is also improving with the advice to use super flex daily. Thank you Ruth!!! You’re amazing!! Sue M, Romsey |