Pinnacle Equine Therapies

11/22/2024

09/04/2024

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08/08/2024

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06/20/2024

A few short weeks ago, we discussed an incident at the Nations Cup in Ireland (check out the reel for more context).

This situation sparked significant controversy about the oversight and procedures surrounding equine welfare in competitions sanctioned by the FEI.

It also once again raises the question of why saddle fit issues persist across all levels of riding, despite the availability of evidence-based information and research?

We've pondered this question repeatedly and concluded that it really boils down to three main challenges that we’re facing in the equine industry:

👉Pain reaction vs. bad behaviour:

When horses exhibit behavioural issues, there's a tendency to misinterpret signs of pain as disobedience or naughtiness. This misunderstanding leads to saddle fit issues going undetected, leading the horse’s physical discomfort and compensatory patterns to increase.

Understanding the difference between pain reactions and behavioural problems is essential for prevention.

👉Lack of Regulation:

Anyone, regardless of skill can label themselves as a saddle fitter without standardized certification or oversight. This results in a market flooded with ill-suited solutions that fail to consider the individual anatomical needs of horses and riders. Consequently, riders often invest in saddles that cause discomfort, pain, and potentially long-term physical damage to their horses.

The absence of guidelines undermines equine welfare and contributes to a culture where subpar saddle fitting is too often tolerated.

👉No Standard Education:

Surprisingly, many equine education programs neglect to include saddle fitting in their curriculum (this is even true for most vet schools!), leaving graduates ill-equipped to recognize saddle fit issues.

By raising awareness about the importance of proper saddle fit and advocating for better regulation and education, we can foster a culture where saddle fit is prioritized, equine welfare is upheld, and riders are empowered with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

Take the first step today and comment 'MAP' below! We'll send you a FREE step-by-step video to help you map your horse!

Let's work together to create a future where every ride is a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both horse and rider.

06/20/2024

06/18/2024

04/15/2024

The Impact of External Pressure on Bladder Meridian Point 13 in Horses.

Bladder Meridian Point 13 (BL13), also known as Feishu, is traditionally used in acupuncture to address respiratory and cardiovascular issues. However, it is also an important reference point to consider when assessing saddle fit.

Ill-fitting saddles exerting excessive pressure on BL13 and surrounding tissues, can lead to discomfort, pain and musculoskeletal issues in horses, including localized inflammation, muscle tension, and nerve compression, causing soreness along the back.

Chronic pressure on BL13 may contribute to conditions such as thoracic vertebral problems, muscular atrophy, and behavioral issues in horses.

Horses experiencing discomfort from pressure on BL13 may display various behavioral signs, including resistance or reluctance to be saddled, changes in posture or gait, reluctance to engage in training, and signs of pain such as flinching, ear pinning, or tail swishing. Subtle signs of discomfort, such as changes in facial expression or muscle tension, may also be observed.

Addressing saddle fit issues and alleviating pressure on BL13 is crucial for maintaining the physical and emotional well-being of horses. Proper saddle fitting, ensuring adequate clearance over BL13, and distributing pressure evenly along the back are essential.

Regular assessment of saddle fit and adjustments as needed can help mitigate the potential negative effects on BL13 and promote the horse's overall comfort and performance.

References:
Hernandez, E. A., & Allen, K. J. (2017). Saddle fit and its association with equine thoracolumbar asymmetry, thoracolumbar range of motion, and saddle slip. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 48, 1-11.
Dyson, S., & Greve, L. (2017). Subjective gait assessment of 57 sports horses in normal work: A comparison of the response to flexion tests, movement in hand, on the lunge, and ridden. Equine Veterinary Journal, 49(2), 212-217.
McGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2010). Behavioural problems with the ridden horse. In Equitation Science (pp. 237-252). John Wiley & Sons.

04/15/2024

Did you know there are three categories for myofascial dysfunction?

Myofascial dysfunctions can be categorized into 3 different types

1. Densification is a viscoelastic change within the loose connective tissue, which can be treated within few minutes with mechanical friction. Densification can also affect the loose connective tissue between the deep fascial layers. Densification does not cause histologic changes within the dense connective tissue.
Densification is formed because of overuse, misuse, or disuse of fascial tissues. It can be present also after trauma or chronic, repetitive use injuries.

2. Adhesions are characterized by changes in the loose and dense connective tissue. Adhesions can be formed after trauma or surgical procedures through the early tissue healing phases. Collagen fibers are formed and orientating in lines of tension or where tissues are reinforced. Adhesions can be reduced and overall viscosity of the tissue may be improved but dense or extensive adhesions (ie, scar tissue) is difficult to change.

3. Fibrosis is caused by histologic changes within the dense connective tissue. Fibrosis can be formed due to long-term stress or tissue inflammation. Fibrosis causes permanent changes within the connective tissue where treatment may improve the overall tissue elasticity but the fibrosis itself cannot be changed.

As you can see, different types of myofascial dysfunction respond differently to treatment.

Don't forget to tune into our upcoming webinar on May 2nd at 7:00 BTS with Tuulia Luomala for a great discussion on Myofascial Tissue Dysfunctions and Treatment.

Register online: https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/myofascial-tissue