Equino Livery and Rehabilitation Centre

By Carol Johnson BHSAI AMCST MESMA

In the last few years there has been an increase in the movement from traditional medicine to alternative therapies within the equine world. Vets ,owners, trainers etc now accept the effectiveness of alternative therapies.

Horses are performance athletes and as such benefit from alternative therapies in numerous physiological and psychological ways.

Having trained and qualified in Equine Sports Massage Therapy, Sports Equipment and Mctimoney-Corley Spinal Therapy, these different therapies can be used to assist in rapidly speeding up the healing process and assisting the animal to return to its previous functional level. The techniques and treatments are similar to those used in human therapy but are specifically adapted to animals.

In Spinal Therapy (chiropractic treatment), spinal adjustments are performed to relieve pressure on nerves that are causing ill health in the horse. The theory behind this is that the body ’s ability to maintain good health relies upon the proper functioning of the nervous system and that vertebrae misalignments put pressure on the spinal cord.

The horse’s spine includes about 170 joints, each of which has only a slight ability of movement. Back pain can result if a vertebrae is under tension, or is suffering from inflammation or the pull of muscle muscles or spasm.

Sports Massage Therapy is a non-invasive general therapy used to alleviate muscle stiffness, increase circulation and remove toxins.

Treated regularly, horses undergoing soft tissue (muscle, tendon and ligaments) massage have been known to have speedier recovery rates post training, increase stride lengths and range of motion and has helped
with balance and co-ordination difficulties. Cross fibre techniques may help in reducing scar tissue and break down muscle tension.

Have you ever wondered why your horse’s temperament suddenly changes? Could it possibly be it is having an off day ,or could something more important be the cause?

These are often some of the symptoms that are noticed by the owner. Unfortunately by this time the problem has already occurred.

By using a variety of specific treatments, I am able to help many of the underlying problems that result in the horse not being able to achieve its maximum effectiveness and therefore helping it to recover as quickly as possible.

Many of the symptoms shown by my patients include lateral stiffness, hollow backs, immobile joints, head tilting, dragging a hind limb, lack of poll flexion, reluctance to canter on one lead or sometimes refusing
at fences, which is very out of character. All of these cases and many more can be helped with therapy work.

Depending on the patient, assessments are carried out to gain an overall picture of the health,conformation and way of going. Treatments are based on the results and can include, massage, manipulation to spine
and/or joints, laser therapy, pulsed magnetic equipment and ultrasound therapy. Lower limb injuries and wounds can be helped with the use of our hydrotherapy equipment.

Treatments are often carried out at the owner’s premises, however we do have facilities here at the centre to take in boarders for box rest, 24-hour care and ongoing daily treatments.

The yard itself is situated roughly seven miles east of Norwich and can be found in the peaceful village of Strumpshaw set against the picturesque backdrop of the Yare valley.

Offering a unique opportunity to be part of one of the countries few specialised centres, the yard has been re-opened to accommodate a full livery service and also provides facilities for breaking and schooling, holiday livery, rehabilitation and various therapy treatments for dogs as well as horses.

The yard boasts 26 stables, a secure tack room, office, toilet and excellent quality grazing all year round. In addition to this there is a large 20m x 40m floodlit indoor school with seating gallery, a further floodlit indoor school and a large 25m x 60m outdoor arena. A specialised wash box, solarium and veterinary unit are also being installed to assist the care and well being of the horses.

At present there are a few limited vacancies available for breaking and schooling and due to the indoor arenas, it means we can start the horses into training all year round. In addition to this, we are also able to take in horses for preparation for the show ring up to National and HOYS level and, as a qualified instructor, I am available to teach
both at the centre or at your premises.

As a horse owner and regular competitor, I understand how important it is to have a healthy happy horse. This is why at Equino Livery and Rehabilitation Centre we strive to ensure that your horse’s time with us will be comforting, relaxing and enjoyable, with therapeutic treatments available to maintain the physical demands of our equine athletes.

Equino, good for the mind, body and soul.

Equino Rehabilitation Centre
Strumpshaw Norwich
Tel: 01603 712815/07775 533559
Email: office@equino.co.uk
Website: www.equino.co.uk