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BODYWORK
    
Tess
Tess sustained some
severe trauma to her pelvis end of April 2007, that also affected
the spinal column, particularly the lumbar area, possibly
causing neurological problems to the hind end, as she had a very
hard time controlling her hind legs and balancing herself.
She reminded me of someone with a severe case of
scoliosis, as I have seen in humans.
I have since worked on her twice - each session a week
apart. Considerable improvements could already be seen after the
first session on 6/4/2007 - her spine straightened out and she
started to stand more squarely. The owner continued to work on her
in the meantime, doing simple and gentle walking exercises to loosen
up the pelvic area more, along with belly lifts and pelvic
extensions, to increase joint space and flexibility
When I heard from the owner, that the
mare had been seen trotting since the first session, my hopes went
up for us to possibly trim her feet as well, which were very
overdue. The long front toes caused her to trip frequently, the last
thing we needed in her condition. I asked the owner to contact my trimmer to be
there after I had finished the second session on 6/8 and try to get
at least the front feet done.
Instead, she was able to trim ALL FOUR
FEET!! Note how relaxed the mare is standing during the procedure
(see photos here).
The trimmer mentioned that she was very soft all the way around. The
mare never tensed up or showed signs of balance problems. She never
gave us even one worried look. This mare had trouble walking and
could not stand on 3 feet any length of time before the first
bodywork session.
The mare also clearly walked straighter
after the second session. Prior to the bodywork she
would walk like she was leg yielding to the left with the haunches in. The
video footage below shows the improvement after the two sessions.
Here are some of the before and after pictures - this mare
feels much better now and we are hopeful that she may actually
make a full recovery.
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AFTER |
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Note the slanting of the hind legs
and
reluctance to bear weight on
right hind, although she
was able
to walk on it. |
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Horse is now standing more squarely and
loads right
hind more willingly |
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Note the pelvic curve to the left |
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Much straighter pelvis |
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Note the rotation in the thoracic spine
and curve to the left in the pelvis |
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Again, straighter spinal column |
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Video before (click on
picture)
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Video after 2nd session
(click on picture)
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