Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Not that this will come as a shock to any of you, but I am (sadly) not rich, wealthy, or moneyed. That means that I do the very best I can for my horses, but things are usually done on an as needed basis rather than just 'cause I feel like it. And having two horses to care for means that's especially true. Chiropractic body work tends to fall in the as needed category even though I would love to make it a quarterly thing. It had been at least a year since Speedy had had any work done even though Izzy has been worked on three times this year. When Speedy was Izzy's age, he also went through a needs adjusting constantly phase. When he was five, he needed three adjustments within 6 months. For the next several years, he generally needed at least one adjustment a year and usually two. As he's gotten older, he hurts himself a lot less, and he's just stronger in his back and loins thanks to the good dressage work we're doing. Everybody needs some work now and then though, no matter how healthy your muscular-skeletal system may be. So, after the chiropractor got Izzy's parts working better, I asked him to have a look at the gray pony. Speedy tends to get hung up in his poll, so I wasn't surprised to find that he needed a little work in that area. Unlike Izzy, Speedy was fine throughout the rest of his body. His neck and ribs were in great shape as were his withers and back. He did need a little work in his pelvic region, but the chiropractor did the adjustment so easily that I missed it.
It would be great if this adjustment holds for another year, but if not, I am happy to have the chiropractor back out. As long as Izzy doesn't continue trying to kill himself, yearly visits would make my bank account quite happy.
SprinklerBandits
2/18/2016 08:05:23 am
Oh I feel you on this one. We are remodeling that lean, racing body and I feel like the bodywork lady is my bff, except I have to pay to hang out with her. I dream of the day that we can hold an adjustment for months at a time. 2/18/2016 12:14:20 pm
Just out of curiosity, what does your lady charge. CC charges me $125 per horse. Is that in the range you're paying?
Sandy
2/18/2016 08:49:49 am
I love love love Chip! Always does a great job! Ah, the equine chiropractor. I used one for my leased QH mare after serious jumping efforts. She hated men, but adored this male chiropractor (she'd openly nuzzle him, something she only did with her owner and me). My current trainer doesn't believe in them and them being able to really affect a horse's very large muscles and whatnot (she's used them every now and then though). For the recent history, I've been on that side a little bit. But, I know this mare instantly felt better, so I know it works for some horses. I am debating having one out for Penn before show season really kicks in since his world has been turned upside down in the muscle department. If it works and I notice a difference, great, I'll have him out again before Championships (I hope we get to go!). If I don't see a difference, well then I tried! I do enjoy making sure Penn gets the best care I can manage, because I really do ask a lot of him. 2/18/2016 12:18:20 pm
I think a lot of it depends on what type of body work the chiropractor does. CC does mostly stretching and massage. I KNOW my horses feel better when he's done. I've used other chiros in the past that did more manipulation which was harder to see any results from. Ah! I bet that's a big part then. I know my own chiropractor does more massage and stretching, and I feel super after. I'll have to find out who is in my area and see where their focus is. Past experience, and yours and others, has shown me that yes, the horses do feel better after! 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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