Health & Fitness
H
orse riding and equestrian sports
such as dressage or eventing are
very popular sports in Milton
Keynes. I have had the privilege to
work with a number of local horse and pony
riders including some who compete regularly
and at international level. I have learnt that
many horse
riders are slow to
seek help after
injuries and
often develop
untreated or
chronic injuries.
There is often an
existing pelvic
misalignment
that the horse
rider may be
unaware of until
pain occurs. I
often say to
horse riders that
they are caring
people as they
will get the
horse, rather
than themselves, checked, but it is essential that
both the horse and rider are checked as a team.
Chiropractic and horses
by Jonathan Grendelmeier
I have often been encouraged to learn how
Common complaints of horse riders:
to treat horses but I have chosen to focus
l Sacro-iliac joint pain: decreased mobility or
on the rider and always recommend having
unstable ligaments will cause an imbalance.
the horse checked by a chiropractor or by an
l Facet-joint pain: with pelvic misalignment
osteopath at the same time.
there can be resulting facet joint pain
The following questions are important:
often experienced as deep bone aching
that can refer to the knee.
l When riding is there any pain between
the shoulder blades or neck or shoulder? l Triggerpoint pain: from surrounding muscles.
l Has the riding instructor commented that
I treat with a gentle chiropractic technique
when sitting square in the saddle that the called Sacro-occipital technique. The goal of
rider has one shoulder higher than the other this technique is to achieve pelvic balance as
or one pelvic bone elevated on one side? well as balance of other muscles, such as the
diaphragm or psoas muscle. I use acupuncture
l Is there any lower back pain during or
as well as deep massage to help with any sore
after riding and does the rider have
and tight muscles and give exercises.
problems sitting deep in the saddle?
Following the treatment the horse rider will
A misaligned horse can cause a misaligned
rider and vice versa. It is important to see if the often comment that the
pelvic levelling has helped top tips
horse and the rider are suited to each other?
even out the stirrups and
l Make sure you
Does the horse have a smooth rhythmic gait?
that they can turn more
and your horse
Is its head held high or is it bobbing? What
easily, or that the riding
are evaluated and
does the gait look like in trot and canter?
treated regularly
instructor has commented
If the horse is feeling tight through the reins
and not just when
on their better posture. q
it could be due to a slip in the paddock
you are in pain.
affecting the horse’s pelvis and muscles
For more information
l
The saddle should
rather than a tooth problem.
call Jonathan on 01908
be checked for fit
690544 or email:
Horse riders benefit from core exercises and
every 4-6 months.
having their riding style and posture analysed. [email protected]