Zoe Yates Equine Physiotherapist

24/04/2023

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁 - 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀

Muscles control every aspect of movement - both internal and external. They form the largest tissue mass in the horse's body.

There are various types of muscles performing a wide variety of tasks all working in a similar way. Electrical impulses instruct the fibres to contract and shorten, then relax and lengthen.

There are 3 types of muscle:
𝟭. 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 - This is an involuntary muscle which functions automatically. It surrounds and is found in all internal tissues and organs. Smooth muscle responds to stimuli from the autonomic nervous system. It is responsible for pushing food through the digestive system and for the physical control of the bladder and bowel. It is also found in the vascualr and reproductive systems.

𝟮. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗰 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 - A highly specialised, strong, thick muscle that is fatigue resistant. Beating around 100,000 times a day throughout the horse's lifetime. This muscle co-ordinates the propulsion of blood in and out of the heart.

𝟯. 𝗦𝗸𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 - There are over 700 different skeletal muscles in the horse. The brain sends a signal to the muscles via nerves which then convert chemical energy into movement.
The function of skeletal muscle is to:
🐎 Support the skeleton and create movement
🐎 Maintain joint stability and posture
🐎 Control range of movement
🐎 Protect the skeleton and internal organs from trauma
🐎 Contribute to thermoregulation by shivering

15/04/2023

29/03/2023

**Veterinary consent and Physiotherapy for your horse**

It is a legal requirement that any therapist treating your horse for an active injury or health problem has consent from your vet to do so.

However, I do not need veterinary consent to provide treatments to maintain health and wellbeing and to improve performance in a healthy horse.

This is something to keep in mind when booking appointments, we will discuss any problems prior to booking and a consent form can be provided if required.

29/03/2023

**What can physiotherapy help with?**

This is a really common question we get asked and the answer may surprise you.

Physiotherapy can help your horse with a number of problems including:

•Acute and chronic injuries

•Back pain/cold backed horses

•Behavioural issues related to pain

•Reduced performance or changes in performance

•Muscle imbalance and muscle strengthening

•Joint conditions

•Secondary complications related to lameness

•Rehabilitation post-surgery

However it is also important when your horse is healthy as it can:

•Maintain high levels of performance

•Improve flexibility and mobility

•Enhance recovery during training or after competition

•Prevent musculoskeletal injury

29/03/2023

29/03/2023

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays research meme features dry patches beneath the saddle after exercise. More work is needed to understand the cause of the dry patches. Saddle pressures are a primary cause, however we have seen dry patches appear in saddles that are correctly fitted and have a uniformed pressure distribution. There are other factors which may cause dry patches such as previous trauma or skin damage. Over arching outcome, if you have dry patches beneath the saddle, it is important to discuss them with your saddle fitter and equine team.

For more information www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

29/03/2023

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays research meme relates to knee block size. Some riders prefer a large knee block in order to provide extra support, however we need to be mindful that in “supporting” the rider, the knee block may restrict the movements of the rider, which may affect the rider-horse interaction and consequently affect equine locomotion. Important to consider the fit of the saddle for the rider as well as the horse and be cautious of restrictive knee blocks 🤓

For more information www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

29/03/2023

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays research meme relates to the use of bonnets, also known as fly veils or hoods. Important to consider the fit of the bonnets to ensure they are not too small and compressing/restricting the ears. Ensure that there is no braiding or thick edges running beneath the headpiece as this will cause localised pressures. Materials used are an important consideration, along with checking that the additional layer beneath the headpiece has not altered bridle fit. Like with everything, check that the bonnet is correctly fitted 🤓

For more information www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/