Horses

J&J's GeeGees

Rehabilitation

We offer an equine rehabilitation livery service for owners who do not have either the time, facilities or expertise to give their horse the best possible chance of permanent recovery from problems and injuries.

Physical therapy for horses is a rapidly evolving field. Over the past ten years there has been much research published on the use of physical therapy on horses.

Treatments used for drug-free rehabilitation include hot and cold therapy, exercise, massage, lasers, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and magnetic fields. 

Muscle Stimulation

Equissage

 We are a small hands on yard which enables us to give your horse maximum care. From racehorses and competition horses to family ponies, our aim is to provide the highest standard of professional care in a quiet and tranquil environment.

Variable fitness programmes can be tailored to suit personal requirements to regain fitness or to prepare for the seasons events. We have miles of off road riding that includes special areas selected for fitness and stamina building and a 60 x 40m ménage.

By combining the skills of chartered physiotherapist, Christine Hopley, with expertise in handling and schooling, both from the ground and under saddle, we can cater for:

  • Treatment and rehabilitation following injury

  • Reduction of pain 

  • Restoration of range of motion

  • Restoration of strength 

  • Prevention of injury 

  • Schooling and behavioural problems

  • Post surgical rehabilitation

  • Tendon injuries

Pulsed Electromagnetic

Taping

 Equine sport therapists must work in close co-operation with the vet. A comprehensive veterinary evaluation should precede the use of any therapeutic machine or procedure. The successful outcome of physical therapy is dependent on the accuracy of the diagnosis. Input from the rider and trainer is also of great value.

We have close links with other professionals such as a master saddler, nutritionist and farrier who all visit us regularly and have input into many treatment regimes.
Programmes of treatments are usually developed and carried out under the supervision of our own specialist vets and physiotherapist; however, we are always happy to liaise with the clients own vets/physio.

Appointments:
Horses can be seen at our yard on Thursdays and Fridays from 8.00am to 5.00pm. 
Alternatively, with a minimum of 5-6 horses, visits can be made to yards.
The number of treatments required varies between horses. Each patient is assessed and set a programme to reflect the individuals needs, work levels and competition demands.
Prices: Initial assessment £60. Follow up treatment £50
For an appointment with Christine please call or email Jules at the yard.

About Christine Hopley MCSP ACPAT Cat A. 
Chartered human and animal physiotherapist.

Working with horse and rider
Christine Hopley, a chartered human and animal physiotherapist, brings 20 years experience, with an emphasis in musculo-skeletal injuries, to the specialist field of equine rehabilitation.

Christine works in close liaison with rehabilitation expert Sarah ‘Jules’ Clapham, as well as equine veterinarians, dentists and farriers.
Whether your horse is a 'happy hacker' or an 'elite athlete', an assessment by our physiotherapist and the development of a treatment plan involving all members of the team will ensure an early return to fitness and performance.

Working with horse and rider

 Animal physiotherapists assess and treat conditions that are musculo-skeletal or neurological in origin. A chartered human and animal physiotherapist will have undertaken an intensive 4 year training to become a human physiotherapist, followed by a 2 year period of work in the human field before undertaking a further 2 years education in the treatment of animals.
The initial physiotherapist assessment of the equine patient can take up to 1.5 hours. Observation of the horse’s standing posture and movement patterns in all 3 paces will be assessed; asymmetry, restrictions of gait and pain reactions will be noted. Often this assessment will also be undertaken under saddle. Following this, the range of motion of the neck, back, fore limbs and hind limbs are assessed looking for joint and muscle restrictions, muscle tension and again pain reaction. An in-depth palpation of the horse’s musculature will be carried out assessing areas of tension and muscle spasm.

Working with horse and rider

Working with horse and rider

 Based on this assessment, problem areas will be identified and a specific treatment programme and exercise regime devised to best suit you and your horse’s needs.
As all riders are aware, the correct fit of the saddle is paramount to the health of the horses back.  If there are any concerns about the fit of the saddle, this will be discussed with the owner and an assessment by a master saddler will be recommended.

Treatments Available:

Working with horse and rider
  • Joint Manipulation under anaesthetic
  • Joint Manipulation without sedation
  • Joint Mobilisation
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Deep tissue massage
  • Specific stretches
  • Neuro-trophic muscle stimulation
  • Ultra sound
  • Interferential
  • Electro magnetic energy using wraps and blankets
  • Prescriptive rehabilitation exercises

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