Physio and saddle fitter
Often associated with rehabilitation, a regular visit from your physio (even when your horse is sound) will keep him at his best. How regularly the physio visits depends on your horse’s workload, but even a happy hacker will benefit from a visit twice each year. “A good relationship with your horse’s physiotherapist is essential,” explains Anna Johnson, charted physiotherapist and former physiotherapist to the British Equestrian Team. “My appointments can last for an hour and I can find out a lot. A client once suggested symptoms that implied the horse had a neurological problem. I then shared this information with their vet.” By law, all physiotherapists that are veterinary qualified or registered with the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) must receive veterinary permission before treating your horse. An ongoing relationship between the physio and the vet is essential. “I like to talk to physios before they see a horse so I can outline any potential problems,” says equine vet Sam Cutts. “Physios might then be able to pick up something unusual.” “For horses that have had surgery, it’s essential to follow a specific plan set by a vet,” adds Anna. “This ensures that their rehabilitation is as effective as possible.” It’s not just vets that physios work with. If there’s a problem they can’t put their finger on, they’ll call on your saddle fitter, farrier or even dentist. “I’m keen to exchange ideas with other para-professionals. For example, if I think the saddle may be a problem, I’ll call the saddle fitter and explain what I’ve seen,” says Anna. “Horses change shape all the time so it’s important for me to work with others for the good of the horse.”
The team your saddle fitter is likely to work with
A saddle check twice a year will identify changes in your horse’s shape and help to keep him comfortable. “The saddle is a major factor for your horse’s comfort and performance,” says master saddle fitter Mel Lewis. “Communication between your saddle fitter and other para-professionals is absolutely fundamental.” Your instructor’s input can be helpful too. “Trainers know the weaknesses of both the horse and rider,” says Mel. “They can spot how the saddle is affecting the horse’s freedom of movement and the rider’s position and aids. “I also work with chiropractors and physios. Any hindrance caused by skeletal or muscle issues isn’t always caused by the saddle, so working together to get to the root of a problem is essential.”