As interesting cases develop, with animals presenting different symptoms and problems, a range of examples will be given here.  Particular areas where misalignments were found may be highlighted in these examples, however the whole of the animal is always assessed and treated.

Holly – is a 12 year old show jumping pony, Sue, her owner, first contacted me in February 2008 after a visit from the vet. Holly had begun bucking after fences and uncharacteristically swishing her tail. She also presented with a mild, intermittent hind limb lameness. When I first saw Holly she was due to compete at a SJ championship the following weekend. She was obviously in some discomfort and visibly dipped her back even upon gentle palpation.

On initial assessment I found she was particularly sore in the lumbar and sacroiliac region. She had a number of misalignments in her neck, with significant misalignments seen in the lumbar spine and pelvis. Following McTimoney manipulation and massage Holly immediately appeared more comfortable and happy for me to palpate her back. Holly was completely rested for several days as she had received a considerable amount of treatment. She was then lightly hacked for 3 days. Schooling work was gradually built up over the next week before the show jumping championship, that she went on to win!

Following the competition I checked Holly again. I found a significant improvement in the musculature around her lumbar spine, and in the alignment of her spine and pelvis. Her owner reported the bucking had completely stopped and there had been no sign of stiffness or lameness in the hindquarters. I have continued to address the muscular problems which have improved greatly. Holly is now on a maintenance programme and is checked every 3-4 months when competing or when her owner/rider feels there is a problem. The rider has continued to work on Holly’s flat work helping to improve her musculature and way of going.

 Mahri

performance dropped dramatically,worried we contacted Rachel for Holly to have a check up, after explaining Holly’s problems Rachel treated her and gave Chloe an exercise programme to follow, which she did to the book. Both Holly and Chloe are now back out there as a winning team. We have Holly checked every 3-4 months purely because of how hard she is worked and Holly deserves to be kept in top condition and pain free, I have recommended Rachel to so many people and their opinion of her is as high as mine. Rachel, I feel has now become a friend. Sue Gwilliam