Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
![]() ... And a little bit of bending and flexing. After Speedy gave some loud complaints while saddling this past week or so, I figured a chiropractic adjustment was needed. CC, the chiropractor I tried out last summer, was called back in for another visit. I really like this guy (send me a message if you're local and want his number). First of all, he was early, which is always a good thing for me. On top of that, he's very gentle with the horses and takes his time. It's obvious he's gentle as both boys cozied up to him in no time. I've used three or four other chiropractors over the years, but CC seems to be one of the best that I've tried. Rather than use what we think of as traditional methods, yanking, cracking, etc., he does a lot of relaxation stuff before he does an adjustment. He explained that a horse's skeletal system is a lot like a suspension bridge; everything is just hanging from a central cable. If you can get the muscles and other soft tissue to relax, gravity and a little flexing should put everything back where it belongs. Both boys needed adjustments from head to tail: their polls, neck, scapula, RIBS, hips, and sacral vertebrae. Sydney even had some sesamoid bone thing that needed tweaked. As he worked, there was lots of twitching, cringing, and wrinkling of lips, but by the time he was finished, both boys were oblivious to his pushing and prodding. They clearly felt better once he was finished; the doe-eyes, lick lipping, and equine smooches were dead giveaways. I really liked the fact that CC didn't appear to be clock watching. He kept working until every sore spot was resolved. He also showed me some different types of stretches that I can do easily. I hope I don't need to call him back anytime soon, but when I know the boys are feeling a bit out of sorts, you can bet I'll have him back out. Everyone at work was fascinated by the fact that I use a chiropractor for my horses. None of my colleagues were surprised, however, as they know my boys also see the dentist regularly. They were very curious about the cost though and weren't afraid to ask as they know I am willing to share that kind of information. For those who are interested, this particular chiropractor charges $125 per horse, but if the horse doesn't need an adjustment, there's no charge. I felt that the price was quite fair and that I got my money's worth.
lytha
5/16/2013 12:11:23 am
"when you remove the fur" *lol*
Karen
5/16/2013 10:54:36 pm
We don't have a lot of "specialists" in our area either. I agree with needing to see someone work. Fortunately, this chiropractor was referred to me last year by someone whom I really trust so I felt confident calling him up.
Ashley Graham
5/16/2013 01:47:03 am
Do you think he'll come all the way up to Portland? ;)
Karen
5/16/2013 10:56:04 pm
Probably not. :0) Do you guys have anyone good in your area? Portland's a pretty busy city. I would think you'd have access to lots of qualified people.
Ashley Graham
5/20/2013 12:44:40 pm
We have Jeff Moore of www.equinerehab.com/
Karen
5/21/2013 11:55:29 am
Sometimes that happens ... I tend to go with my gut! Comments are closed.
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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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