Education Zone

Animal physiotherapy including Massage and Magnetic use, has become increasingly popular for the maintenance of horses in recent years, but do we really know which product is best suited to use on our horses and when?

The Horse’s Hock Joint “The horse’s hock is a complex joint, and plays a major part in the generation of power to jump and gallop, as well as to “sit” in advanced dressage movements. As such, hocks are prone to both degeneration and injury.” Natalie McGoldrick MRCVS The horses hock joint is complex, but important and as most things with horses, can pose multiple problems to our horses working lives. We look into the anatomy of the joint, as well as the common problems associated with it, how they are diagnosed and finally, how they are treated. Horse's Hock anatomy The horse’s hock joint is one of the hardest working of all the joints, and plays a critical role especially in performance horses. It is also one of the most complicated. The horse’s hock is made up of 10 bones and 4 joints supported by several ligaments. The largest joint is the tarso crural joint (TCJ), which forms the upper part of the hock and has a ball and socket mechanism. The TCJ has the greatest range of movement and is known as a high motion joint. The other 3 joints, the proximal intertarsal (PIT), distal intertarsal (DIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT), act as shock absorbers and are low motion joints. The lower joints – and particularly the DIT and TMT - are the most common sources of lameness in horses because they are under significant stress in a working horse. Common problems of horse’s hock joint Horse lameness is often caused by inflammatory changes that interfere with the normal structure and function of the horse’s hock. Problems can develop gradually so early signs may be as subtle as loss of performance. Other symptoms include: intermittent lameness with or without heat or swelling initial stiffness that improves during warm-up resistance to going downhill soreness in lower back muscles as a result of overcompensating for the hocks Potential horse hock joint problems include: capped hock thoroughpin (puffy swellings similar to windgalls seen around the fetlocks) bog spavin (not a condition as such but caused by an inflamed joint) bone spavin and most commonly, osteochondritis dessecans (OCD) and osteoarthritis (OA) i.e. arthritis of the bone. Osteochondritis dessecans (OCD) OCD and OA are progressive conditions, which mean they tend to worsen over time. They both affect the bone and cartilage causing inflammation and pain. In OCD, abnormalities of the bone and cartilage may result in small fragments breaking off and floating around inside the joint which also cause inflammation. OCD may arise due to rapid growth – it’s often seen in young horses and in foals less than a year old – or due to nutritional issues, genetics, hormonal imbalances or due to trauma relating to exercise. Osteoarthritis (OA) OA arises because the inflamed bone produces additional bone and arises in the lower hock. This process of new bone formation causes restricted movement in the joint, alongside pain and lameness. Horses undergoing high-intensity exercise or those with poor conformation, such as straight, sickle or cow hocks, are more prone to developing hock problems such as OA, though it can also arise in horses doing little work. Diagnosis of OCD and OA of the Horse’s Hock Joint Your vet can perform a number of tests to diagnose hock problems, including flexion tests and X-rays. Natalie McGoldrick MRCVS of South Coast Equine Vets says,”The horse’s hock is a complex joint, and plays a major part in the generation of power to jump and gallop, as well as to sit in advanced dressage movements. Hocks are prone to both degeneration and injury.Probably the most common hock issue is arthritis; this can present subtlety as a small drop in performance, up to signs as obvious as moderate to severe lameness. It is rare to see hock arthritis other than in the lower two hock joints. The hock is also very exposed. It is a common joint to bear the full force of a kick from another horse, or to be badly wounded if a horse kicks through fencing. I always advise for any hock wounds or swellings to be seen as a matter of urgency, especially if combined with lameness. Treatment of OA of the Hock Joint For OA in the horse’s hock joint, the usual course of action from your vet is the injection of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, directly into the hock joint (intra-articular injections). Your horse will need to have a couple of days rest afterwards and then slowly ease back into work. The benefits of these injections may range from a few weeks to a year or longer. For cases that don’t respond to the conventional steroids, hydrogels may be injected with the aim of reducing pain, conserving cartilage and improving joint mobility. For cases of OCD, treatment is usually surgical removal of the abnormal bone and cartilage though factors need to be considered such as the severity of lameness, location of OCD and age of the horse. There are also non-prescription joint supplements available which may promote healthy cartilage and are preventative rather than therapeutic. Use of alternative therapies such as massage, magnetic and heat can also help keep surrounding muscle tissue healthy, as many horses may begin to compensate elsewhere in their bodies. Read more on managing a horse with hock arthritis from a physiotherapists perspective here.  Products to help:  Magnetic Chaps Stable Chaps Massage Mitt Hotspot

Should horse boots be considered as safety equipment? You must have heard of the phrase ‘no hoof, no horse’? Well, this could ring true for a number of other things too, such as their lower legs – one of the most common areas to be damaged or suffer from injury. As riders, we protect our most vital areas (head and torso) with riding hats, body protectors and more recently air jackets. Rider protective equipment is subjected to extensive testing to meet standards and regulations. We believe that protective boots for your horse’s legs should undergo a similar testing process, which is why we send our Tri-Zone Boots to be tested by an independent laboratory, before they go near a horses’ leg. So what features should you be looking for in a pair of boots? The primary function of a boot is protection. There is little evidence to suggest that boots can provide support, although boots are commonly sought out for this use too. The problem is, you can’t tell how protective a boot is, just by simply looking at it. The only way to tell if a boot is protective enough is for it to be tested under controlled conditions, to forces that we can replicate (such as when a horse hits a fence, over reaches or strikes itself with another limb). There are some other factors to be considered too, which can potentially hinder performance or increase the risk of injury. So what other features should be looked at? Flexibility or Stiffness Rigid or inflexible boots have the potential to restrict joint movement, which in return can affect stride characteristics and performance, and possibly even compromise tendon function. Boots need to allow as much freedom of movement as possible while still providing enough protection. Weight and Ability to Hold Water The more weight added to a horse's leg, the more effort the horse will have to use to move that weight - resulting in unnecessary effort and wear and tear. It can also change the way the horse moves too. If the horse is likely to go through water, taking into consideration how much water will be held by the boot, will impact the weight on the horses' leg too. Breathability and Insulation Tendons naturally get warmer through the process of loading and unloading during exercise. The ideal boot would allow this heat to escape, instead of insulating it. It's a fairly well known concept, but also backed by research, that tendons are particularly sensitive to heat, and it can result in tendon damage and/or inflammation. Fit of the Boot The bot should of course be comfortable for the horse too - we know when we wear ill-fitting boots they can not only rub, but also cause you to change the way you move to try avoid the pressure the boot is putting on a certain area. A correct fit will also ensure debris and surface does not get underneath the boot to cause any irritation. Lastly, over-tightening of boots and/or bandages can cause restriction and rubbing too. Our Unique 3-Phase Testing Process Tri-Zone boots go through a 3-phase testing process, giving you the confidence that you are choosing the best leg protection for your horse. Materials are carefully selected to provide maximum protection but without being bulky, heavy and not make your horses legs hot and sweaty. Each individual layer in the Tri-Zone boot is researched and sourced for their advanced technical properties and tested in an independent laboratory before it goes anywhere near a horse's leg! FIND OUT MORE

Kissing Spine in horses seems to be all too common today with so many diagnosed. We caught up with Clara Kavanagh about her horse Chili, who is currently in rehabilitation following ‘the ligament snip’, as she explains his symptoms & diagnosis, her decision and the recovery!  The Early Days “I started looking for my ‘dream horse’ last summer, this was a very exciting time for me as I had only ever been able to beg, borrow and lease ponies/horses in my childhood up until I finished my degree in Equine Management. I purchased Chili in August 2018, he is a 6 year old Thoroughbred. I always thought about buying a racehorse and retraining them for a new career. Chili was last raced in June 2018 under the name Farrier Fury. I knew Chili was the right horse for me as he had such a great temperament and once I got him home he was brought on very slowly and took to his new career like a duck to water. He has always acted like an absolute gentleman wherever I brought him! The plan was to gently start him over the winter with a goal to compete in our Riding Club Dressage Spring league and do some Retraining Racehorse to Riding horse classes in the summer of 2019.” The Start of Our Setbacks “Chili unfortunately got a stone bruise in February which I thought would be our only hiccup. However this was only the beginning of our setbacks. One day I went to tack him up for a short hack and noticed he was unusually girthy, and he was very grumpy, which isn’t like him at all. I called the physio to come take a look at him. The physio was concerned that he was showing a lot of stiffness over his back and sacroiliac region, the first thing that came to mind for me was Kissing Spine.  His whole temperament had changed, it was hard for me as it was like I was losing my best friend. I was worried about Chili, so I rang our local vet. I had the vet out to give Chili a once over, the vet gave us advice to continue light work. I had people telling me that I must be imagining something was wrong or that I was silly spending money for the physio and vet to come out just because I had a gut feeling. I was starting to think, they might be right or I might be a hypochondriac the way I was worrying because even though the vet gave him a once over I knew something wasn’t right with him. I wanted to get a second opinion, so I rang Troytown Greyabbey Equine Hospital and spoke to their lameness/orthopaedic specialist and explained my concerns.  So I booked him in for an appointment the following week. Diagnosis Chili spent about two hours having a full lameness diagnostic done which consisted of a trot up, lunging, flexion tests and x-rays. On seeing the X-rays it confirmed my fears, it was Kissing Spine, he had four processes touching. The vet confirmed that the kissing spine had most likely resulted from his racing career and his back conformation. Our choice was to have surgery (Interspinous Ligament Desmotomy, aka ‘The Ligament Snip’) or to medicate via corticosteroid injections. Chili also turned out to have a bone chip on his near hind fetlock however it causes him no issues! I brought him back to the hospital for bone scintigraphy scans, this helped me decide that the surgical route would be in Chili’s best interest as he was still a young horse and he would benefit the most from the ligament snip. The specialist vet was optimistic that if the surgery and rehab was successful Chili would be more than capable of returning to a competitive career with a rehab time of 6-8 weeks. This meant there was a small glimmer of hope for us, so I booked Chili in for surgery. Chili spent 4 days at the Equine Hospital, the surgery went very well, and Chili began intensive hand walking by the nurses the day after surgery. I brought Chili home on 26th of April and have been continuing to hand walk him for 30 minutes twice daily. Chili has since had a check up at Troytown Greyabbey to remove the stitches and the vet could not be happier with his progress.  He has been an absolute pleasure to rehab so far, he really is my dream horse! My advice to any horse owners that may be going through the same challenges as Chili and I faced would be to always trust your gut, you alone know you’re horse well enough to make the right choice regarding what is best for them. If in doubt don’t be afraid to ask for help or a second opinion. I dread to think how long Chili might have continued to soldier on in pain had I not trusted my gut. I would highly recommend the Equilibrium Massage Pad to any horse owner. It is very easy to incorporate into your everyday routine warm-up/warm down and it has made a big difference to Chili! It was comforting to know that the massage pad kept him relaxed! Chili is now starting week 4, he has started long reining in walk this week and will incorporate work in a Pessoa once the incision points on his back have had more time to heal. Our Physio has also been out this week to release any tension and do some laser therapy. I have been using Massage Pad and Magnetic Rug daily since the operation and it is honestly like having my best friend back! He is much more relaxed in himself and I have Troytown Greyabbey and Equilibrium Products to thank for that! Chili has another 4 weeks at least until he can begin work back under saddle but its a big step in the right direction!”  

The Benefits of Cold Application on Horses The main purpose of cold therapies is to constrict the capillaries and reduce blood flow to the area. This is known as vasoconstriction. This can help to: – Reduce haemorrhage (blood loss, which can lead to bruising)– reduced blood flow means fewer white blood cells, which in turn helps to reduce the inflammatory response– nerve fibre conduction falls, this reduces pain perception (based on the pain gate theory)– ice with compression can help prevent fluid leakage from damaged tissue When should I use it? Cold is most suited to use for acute conditions (meaning they haven’t been there very long). Such as:– A new injury; a knock, bump or kick– New swelling in a tendon– Bites and stings– Burns– Muscle strain– After exercise to aid recovery During strenuous exercise the tendons of the horses’ legs can increase to a level where damage may occur. If the horse is wearing boots this can be especially dangerous as it is harder for the heat to escape and therefore for the legs to cool down. Using cold therapy after strenuous exercise can help prevent further temperature increase of the tendons and help aid recovery. When a muscle is worked tiny tears in the muscle fibres occur. If left untreated post exercise this can cause a delayed onset of muscle soreness that can be uncomfortable and may make your horse feel stiff and sensitive. If left untreated long term this can lead to muscle knots and trigger points. One of the best ways to prevent this is to cool the main muscle groups involved in exercise (will be dependent on what exercises you have done with your horse) and to stretch the muscles later that day and the following morning. Where can I apply it? Cold can be applied almost anywhere it is needed, as long as you can keep it in place for the required treatment time. Cold is most commonly used on the lower limb after exercise to prevent tendons heating further after they have been worked. It can also be used anywhere over the body for bites, kicks, knocks and bruises. When applying cold it is important to keep checking the temperature of the cold pack. This is because as it starts to increase in temperature it will no longer have the desired effect. The time this takes will vary, depending on what applicator is used. It is important to always have material between an ice pack and your horses’ skin to prevent ice burns. When should I NOT use it? Cold can have an adverse effect if used:– before exercise, as it can increase the risk of muscle or tendon strains– if left on too applicators can warm up and start to have the opposite effect

The use of heat is usually accepted well by horses and ponies, and we know how beneficial it can be from using it on ourselves too. There are many factors to consider when using heat for our horses, such as: Methods of delivery. How long to use it for. How to maintain a consistent temperature. But for now, we take a  look into why we would want to use it for our horses, as well as when and where to use it too. The Benefits of Heat Increased metabolic activity and nerve activity. This leads to: An increased demand for oxygen.Widening of the blood vessels (vasodilatation) which increases blood flow and therefore delivery of oxygen and nutrients.Improved metabolism of waste products, leading to better recovery.More oxygen and nutrients are available for the cells. Increased Mobility Achieved by: relaxing muscle fibresincreased pliability of connective tissue aiding flexibilitymaintaining freer joint movement with low resistance Research suggests for an effect, tissue temperature needs to increase by at least 3 to 5°C from the resting temperature (Bockstahler et al, 2004). However using something that is too hot could cause discomfort and even damage to the tissue. When should I use heat? Heat is most suited to use for chronic conditions. Such as: muscle spasm which is very common in the horses’ back – especially in the lumbar region behind where the back of the saddle sits relaxation of general muscle stiffness – perhaps from an increase in workload or general wear and tear osteoarthritis and other joint stiffness – particularly common in the hock and fetlock joints chronic tendonitis – in other words, an old tendon injury that presents as a swollen tendon. This is common in the fore limb SDFT (superficial digital flexor tendon) and DDFT (deep digital flexor tendon) in race and ex-race horses, and in jumping horses. In dressage horses this is seen more in the hind limbs. bursitis – this in an inflamed pocket of fluid with the joint. Usually seen in the knee or in the hock. Where can I apply heat? Heat can be applied almost anywhere, so long as you can keep it in place for the required time. Use heat before exercising your horse to help warm the muscles and tendons. Heat should always be used at rest and care should be taken to not overheat vulnerable tendons in the lower limb. If your horse is not in work then heat can be applied at any time of day when they are resting, either on the yard or in their stable. As a general rule, heat should be applied for around 20 minutes at a time up to 4 times a day. When should Heat NOT be used? Heat can have an adverse effect if used: in the acute stages of inflammation (the first 72 hours after injury or surgery) on an open or bleeding wound In both of the above scenarios cold should be applied to aid vasoconstriction (the narrowing of blood vessels).

Massage therapy isn’t just a luxury for humans; horses too can experience incredible benefits, including one that often surprises owners and riders — falling asleep during a session! Here’s a closer look at why massage has this effect and the physiological changes that create such deep relaxation. 1. Stress Relief Through Endorphin Release One of the most well-documented benefits of massage is its ability to reduce stress. During a massage, the horse’s body releases endorphins, often referred to as the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. These chemicals are produced by the pituitary gland and are designed to promote relaxation and suppress stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This biochemical shift not only helps the horse feel calm but also has a direct impact on their pain levels. Endorphins act as natural analgesics, meaning they reduce the perception of pain. As pain decreases, the horse naturally enters a more relaxed state — paving the way for the drowsiness or sleepiness you might observe during a massage. 2. Improved Circulation and Cardiovascular Relaxation Massage therapy encourages better blood flow and circulation throughout the horse’s body. This increase in circulation leads to more efficient oxygen delivery and waste removal in muscles, which reduces tension and promotes healing. Interestingly, endorphin release also contributes to a reduction in blood pressure, which signals the cardiovascular system to operate more efficiently. As a result, the heart doesn’t need to work as hard, leading to a lowered heart rate. You might notice your horse beginning to take longer, deeper breaths, which is a strong indicator of relaxation. The combination of reduced blood pressure, slower breathing, and a calmer heart rate creates the ideal conditions for sleep. 3. The Role of Heart Rate Monitoring A horse’s heart rate is a key parameter to measure when assessing their response to stress, relaxation, or any physical intervention. During a massage, a noticeable drop in heart rate is often observed. This is a clear sign that the horse is transitioning into a deeply relaxed state. Paired with the rhythmic, soothing movements of the massage itself, this physiological calm often culminates in the horse dozing off. Did you know, in independent testing, the Equilibrium Massage Pad showed a significant reduction in heart rate in horses wearing the pad?  Conclusion Massage is a powerful tool for equine care, offering benefits that go far beyond muscle relief. From lowering stress hormones to enhancing circulation and supporting cardiovascular health, the therapeutic effects of massage can significantly improve a horse’s physical and mental state. If your horse falls asleep during a session, it’s a clear sign they’re experiencing the ultimate relaxation — and reaping all the rewards that come with it. Adding regular massage to your horse’s care routine could be the key to keeping them happy, healthy, and stress-free.  

We look into the benefits of massage for horse riders, used alongside heat, to target the four main areas horse riders tend to commonly suffer with Hannah Donnelly, Chartered Physiotherapist BSc (Hons).

Some horses, if in discomfort or particularly sensitive, may find massage over stimulating. Using heat on its own is a great tool in these conditions as it is very non invasive, and is usually accepted well by even the most sensitive of souls. Heat should be concentrated on a small area for best effect. For other horses, its a great tool either on its own or combined with massage that reaps several benefits. Lets explore them! The Benefits of Heat. Heat can help to: Support healthy muscles and soft tissue. Warm up muscles or joints before exercise. Maintain lymphatic function. Increase metabolic and nerve activity. But what does this mean? In essence, heat can help our horses feeling good and promotes healthy muscles, so that they can perform at their best. Not only that, but it gives some of that necessary R&R time that we all need. Which Horses can Benefit from Heat? In short - any horse! But here's a few specifics: -             Older horses. -             Horses that are slow to warm up. -             Young horses who are learning new things. -             Horses undergoing retraining and recruiting new muscles. -             Those returning to work after a period of rest. -             Horses working hard and/or competing.     -             For any horse or pony to enjoy!  How to Deliver EFFECTIVE Heat for Your Horse. Providing heat is one thing, but providing reliable, repeatable and safe heat that is effective is another! To have an effect it is thought the tissue temperature needs to increase by at least 3 to 5°C from the resting temperature (Bockstahler et al, 2004). Our solution to this is a handy, battery operated product. The Massage Mitt Hotspot has been tested and is achieving an average of 8.7°C increase to skin temperature whilst still remaining well within the safe limits. Comparing it to other alternatives currently used for horses, we look at the various challenges associated with these and how the Hotspot can help. Comparing traditional heat methods to the Massage Pad Heatsense and Massage Mitt Hotspot  Negatives of Hot Water Bottle/Wheat Bag Positives of Massage Pad Heatsense & Massage Mitt Hotspot Unpredictable temperatures. Set to a specific target temperature with a cut off to prevent overheating. Starts very hot – can be a shock to the skin. Starts at ambient temperature and gradually increases to pre-determined maximum temperature. Starts to cool down quickly. Set to maintain correct temperature. A lot of heat lost to the atmosphere. Insulated to help reduce heat loss. Need access to hot water/microwave. Battery operated to deliver numerous sessions. Covers need to be washed – not straightforward with a wheat bag. Easy to wipe clean - and you could even use the Hotspot on yourself!    Heated products in the Equilibrium Massage Range The Massage Mitt Hotspot Offering comforting heat and massage options, the Hotspot soothes and relaxes your horses hardworking muscles.  The choice is yours – pick from heat and 2 different types of massage. Tailor the massage with 3 different strengths. Fits into your daily routine with a 10-minute programme. There’s no muscle you can’t reach. Battery operated to take it with you wherever you go. Shop Massage Mitt Hotspot Here The Massage Pad Heatsense Combining reliable, tested, and intelligent heat with proven massage, the Heatsense is a great addition to your horse's daily routine to maintain good back health. Choose from heat, massage or both at the same time. Reliable, tested therapeutic heat output with sensors to the heart turn off/on depending on your horse’s temperature. Heat targeted to the most common areas of weakness. 6 Massage motors evenly distributed across the pad. Battery operated to take it with you wherever you go. Shop Massage Pad Heatsense Here

Jemma got in touch with us on Instagram with some photos of her horse Monty before he used the Massage Pad, compared to after. We were astonished by the immediate clear difference in how he looked so much more comfortable, we asked her to tell us a little bit more about him and their journey! Introducing Jemma & Monty Hey, my names Jemma. I’m 30 and I’m from (the sometimes) sunny Cornwall, I work as a HCA in the NHS and I’ve owned & ridden horses from a young age on and off, but have found my love for it again the last couple years after an awful riding accident left both me & my horse Monty with shattered confidence & no trust in each other at all, & so started the long & bumpy journey to getting back into the saddle & restoring our confidence again. Monty is a 17hh, 13yr old ID x TB & I’ve had the pleasure of owning him for 8 years now, despite it being pretty bumpy at times, he’s a horse with so much love to give, he has an incredibly huge character & many quirks too, he’s actually quite well known as the “Horse who sits like a dog” and actually made it into national newspapers being compared to Eeyore the donkey for the way he “sits” & takes in everything around him ? Since using the Massage Pad on Monty I have seen such huge improvements in his overall wellbeing and I just wanted to share with you those improvements, it’s the best thing I’ve honestly ever invested in and it’s now a strong part in our daily routine. Monty is so sensitive, cold backed and has also had the tendency to stand underneath himself which has caused many problems and issues with his back, however since using the Massage Pad and incorporating stretches into his routine, the difference has been incredible. His back is so much more comfortable in all aspects, he’s nowhere near as sensitive, he isn’t uncomfortable when tacking up, he doesn’t arch his back or appear uncomfortable when it comes to me getting on him to ride, he warms up so much better and his overall general wellbeing has significantly improved. I honestly can’t thank you guys enough, I just wanted to share a before and after photo around a year apart since we’ve started using the Massage Pad and I think you’ll agree that the change and difference is incredible. Onwards and Upwards Because of the many issues we faced with our accident & riding confidence in each other, Monty is still very much a blank canvas, but in the last year or so since we’ve really got back into our riding, he’s showing that he has lovely movement & 3 nice paces, once he puts his mind to it. So, for now we are continuing to work on our flatwork & schooling & building him up over the winter period with hopes next year of dabbling in a little bit of dressage or showing, he’s a big & powerful horse who can really strut his stuff when he wants to, so who know... watch this space? Do you have a story you would like to share with us? Get in touch using the link below.