‘She was asymmetric in muscle development and bilaterally lame’
Vet Helen Mancey of Three Counties Equine Hospital first saw Matilda in October 2020. Here, she summarises the mare’s journey from a medical perspective
“I first examined Matilda in late October, at which time she presented mildly asymmetric in her muscle development over her hindquarters with the right being less developed, and she was bilaterally lame behind.
“Scintigraphic examination of the back, pelvis and hindlimbs identified uptake in the sacroiliac joints (SIJ; right more than left), and ultrasound identified osteoarthritis of the SIJ and thickening of the ventral sacroiliac ligaments. The SIJS were medicated.
“Matilda was given a poor prognosis for return to athletic function as primary SIJ injuries typically don’t respond well to management. Arthritic changes were also advanced, lowering the prognosis further.
“Ground work was reintroduced with an emphasis on long-reining, ground poles, backing up and carrot stretches to encourage muscle development alongside physiotherapy.
A marked improvement
“I re-examined Matilda approximately six weeks following medication of her SIJS and was delighted to see a marked improvement in her musculature. The top line remained underdeveloped but had noticeably changed. She was sound in walk and trot, so her exercise programme was modified to include utilisation of the water treadmill and increasing trot work to engage the core, transitions, ground poles and more backing.
“Eight weeks later Matilda was presented for re-examination. The top line had increased enormously and there was excellent engagement and propulsion from the hind quarters. There was no evidence of lameness and the back and sacroiliac region were comfortable to palpate. We decided now was the time to get a rider on board and ridden work was introduced gradually alongside the ground work.
“Matilda continues to do well and is now in full ridden work. She remains well developed and comfortable. The success of Matilda’s rehabilitation is due to the hours spent doing ground work and repetitive exercises to encourage her to use herself properly, engage her hindquarters and strengthen and develop her musculature.”
“Matilda had a poor prognosis for return to athletic function as primary sacroiliac joint injuries typically don’t respond well to management”
duration of ridden schooling sessions in the arena. I also gradually increase the length of our hacks, going off road to ride over different terrain and incorporate hill work.
Once lockdown lifts at the end of March, we started boxing to hack up onto the local Malvern Hills. Not only is the hillwork excellent for strength, but the views are amazing, and it’s what I’ve dreamed of doing since the day Matilda arrived.
Stronger every week
I call out Nigel on 18 May to check Matilda’s saddle, as she has changed shape again. He reflocks the saddle and says that I no longer need the correctional shim pad as her back is stronger with greater muscle coverage.
Matilda continues to do well and is looking fitter and stronger every week.
I will continue to incorporate the groundwork with the ridden work.
She will eventually need her sacroiliac joints medicating again — possibly soon — to keep her comfortable, and then I can work towards lightly jumping her, if she’s happy.
The future
My plan is to keep Matilda sound and strong, and just to enjoy her. I have no big competition ambitions, but would be happy to do some low-level dressage and possibly jumping, alongside exploring the local countryside and going on some fun rides.
There were never any guarantees that she would come right, so I take every day as a bonus. She is the sweetest horse and whatever the future holds, I have thoroughly enjoyed our journey.