Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Have you seen this recent article by David Ramey, DVM? While I like the guy (a lot), I have to disagree with his opinion on the efficacy of chiropractic adjustments. I know I feel better after an adjustment, and I know my horses feel better; I can see it on their faces. The day Sydney left, Speedy ran like a wild man during turn out. The next day, he was obviously sore in his hind-end and over his back. I rode him lightly at a walk around the neighborhood for the next few days, but I figured an adjustment might help speed things along, so I had the chiropractor out on Sunday. It took a solid hour of work before Speedy got that sleepy look on his face. The whole time the chiropractor worked, Speedy fussed and resisted and was just not getting the relief we were hoping for. My chiropractor worked his jaw, his poll, his neck, his ribs, his pelvis … and still, there was something hung up. The chiropractor finally put Speedy back in his stall so that he could use the fence as a barrier for Speedy's sidestepping hips. He got Speedy to relax just a little bit more, and suddenly I heard a satisfying pop from his neck. Instantly, Speedy's face got soft. his lips drooped, and he got very doe-eyed. The chiropractor finally found the last little spot that was bugging Speedy.
I rode him again the next day, and he still ever-so-slightly stiff. In truth, he might have been sound, but I tend to be hyper sensitive to every footfall when there has been an issue. I did add some trot work out in the field near the end of the ride, and he felt pretty good out there. I don't let myself worry about this kind of stuff, especially when he gets visibly better each day. As a precaution, I did cancel my Monday lesson; no point in overdoing it. I'll work him lightly throughout the rest of the week so that by this weekend, he should be back to fighting trim. Yah for expensive, if not proven, therapies!
14 Comments
jenj
11/18/2014 10:44:14 pm
Glad the chiropractor got the spot that was bugging Speedy!
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11/19/2014 10:01:48 am
I haven't met an equine acupuncturist yet, but I certainly would like to! I am a believer. :0)
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11/19/2014 10:03:11 am
I've been using chiropractors for almost 20 years. I am completed convinced that they help our ponies!
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11/24/2014 10:53:11 pm
I can't tell when my boys NEED it, but I try and get the chiropractor out about every 9 months or so. They always need it by then.
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Crystal
11/24/2014 02:10:09 am
All right... not one to post one recently, but I had to go back and read the article... and laugh! My new vet is also a licensed equine chiropractor. Yep! I now have the best of both worlds! And after having trouble transitioning Pete to being round and cantering, it was fantastic to have someone knowledgeable in the whole horse give him the care and adjustments he needed- he is obviously much happier now, no doubt about it!
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11/24/2014 10:54:19 pm
Having a vt who is also a chiropractor would be AWESOME!!!! You'll have to share his name … I never know when I'll need to combination. :0)
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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