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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

A Chiropractic Visit

11/19/2014

14 Comments

 
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.
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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.
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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. 
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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!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
11/19/2014 10:01:03 am

Hopefully he got all of them. :0)

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Kelly link
11/18/2014 11:42:29 pm

I fully believe in chiro for my mare - also had acupuncture added the last visit. When you can see the relaxation happen before your eyes, it is hard not to be a believer.

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Bakersfield Dressage link
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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Lauren link
11/19/2014 12:07:05 am

Bet he is feeling much better now!

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Bakersfield Dressage link
11/19/2014 10:02:19 am

I hope so. :0) He hasn't said much about it!

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Tracy link
11/19/2014 02:10:53 am

I noticed a difference in Miles when I got him adjusted, and my previous horse LOVED the chiropractor.

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Bakersfield Dressage link
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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emma link
11/19/2014 05:55:29 am

isabel loves her chiro, and i think it's a nice way to help them feel good - even if its long term efficacy isn't proven.

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Bakersfield Dressage link
11/19/2014 10:03:32 am

Exactly!

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Karley link
11/19/2014 01:14:44 pm

Henry LOVES the chiropractor and I can feel when he nees it and I can tell after too! Love when my pony feels great!

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Bakersfield Dressage link
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!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
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 Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
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  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home