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

04/05/2024

Keeping your equine friend healthy at horse shows starts with biosecurity! The Equine Disease Communication Center and US Equestrian have teamed up to create FREE biosecurity how-to videos for horse owners.
Watch to learn:

• Pre-competition prep: Learn essential steps to take before you even leave home.
• Staying safe during the show: Discover practices to protect your horse while competing.
• Post-competition care: Ensure a smooth transition back home.

Plus, get tips on developing an isolation plan!

Click the link to access the videos and safeguard your equine partner: https://equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Biosecurity-How-To-Videos

04/05/2024

A saddle can't.

"A saddle can't make you a better rider!"
"A saddle can't make your horse better!"
"A saddle can't create soundness!"
"A saddle can't make a horse less spooky!"
"A saddle can't prevent lameness!"
"A saddle can't fix bad behavior!"

Skill, training, and discipline are huge parts of success in any sport, as much as equipment. Don't believe me? Try playing hockey with dull skates.
How about surfing with a broken board?
Or racing a car with one flat tire.
Ballroom dancing with shoes that are too tight.
Archery with a bent arrow.
Running with flip-flops (thongs for the Australians).
Skill, training, and discipline are major components, but if your equipment is not suitable, you will always always always always always (getting the point?) always have a disadvantage. And by you, I mean both your and your horse.
"A saddle can't make you a better rider." - In the same way that properly sharpened skates can allow you to function at 100%, as does a saddle fitted to you and your needs. It absolutely can help you to become a more balanced, quieter rider.
"A saddle can't make your horse better." - Try walking around with your feet bound the same way during the 10th century in China and see how well you're able to move about, and how long you can go. A saddle can do 1 of 2 things, but never both. It can provide freedom of movement and freedom from pain, or it can hinder movement and cause pain. A pain-free horse will ALWAYS move better and BE better (physically, psychologically, soundness-wise) than a horse in pain/discomfort.
"A saddle can't create soundness" - Soundness is more than just abscesses and limping, soundness is also the symmetry in the diagonal gaits and also left to right. Soundness is in the muscle fatigue from improper utilization, and also in posture which can either expedite or prevent deterioration of the joints, bones, and other internal structures.
"A saddle can't make a horse less spooky." - Constant, unyielding pain or discomfort causes the horse to remain in flight mode, which means a never-ending spike in cortisol (stress hormone), which makes for a spookier horse who also has difficulty learning and concentrating. A sound, comfortable body makes a quiet, less spooky horse more receptive to training.
"A saddle can't prevent lameness" - If you are walking around in a peculiar posture to compensate for pain, you increase the risk of two things. Firstly, you increase the risk of creating secondary injuries and tension from having to compensate for the wonky posture. Secondly, you increase the risk of direct trauma via tripping/slipping/stepping wrong as you move in a manner you're not accustomed to. To be physically comfortable and not stuck in fight/flight mode, the horse is able to both pay more attention to where they step, but also move correctly (softly, in balance, with even and symmetrical gaits).
"A saddle can't fix bad behavior" - Humans love to anthropomorphize horses by saying they love this, enjoy that, hate this, dislike that person or a certain activity. Truth is, horses, like everything else, dislike pain and stress. Bad behavior is almost always due to physical or psychological stress or trauma. Take away that stress or pain, and you have yourself a quieter, happier horse. A poorly fitted saddle, to a horse, equals pain. Add to that the rider spurring, whipping, yanking, yelling, and bullying the horse to do what the animal cannot physically do without being in pain. That is a recipe for disaster.
When we hear these objections for finding a suitable saddle or getting a saddle fitted, we know already that the person doesn't understand just how incredibly important the saddle is for both horse and rider and the incredible amount of damage an incorrect one can cause.