Treating horses
Assessment
Before treating horses, a full assessment of the horse is carried out to understand the complete picture of the horse's health, balance, and factors affecting it.
Key factors checked :-
- conformation
- hoof balance
- saddle fit
- lifestyle, diet and exercise
- known history, previous problems and injuries
- general health and condition
- muscle development, balance and symmetry
- date of last dental check and worming
- identify areas of crookedness or misalignment
- straightness and movement in walk and trot
- veterinary diagnosis and treatment (where relevant)
- rider straightness
These checks are necessary to ensure the horse’s problems are adequately understood, and that any underlying causes are being addressed in addition to healing existing imbalances or problems.
Equine Bowen Therapy treats the whole horse.
The Treatment
Once assessment is complete, the treatment can commence. The horse is best treated in a familiar area. If the horse is normally stabled, then treating in the stable is ideal.
During the treatment horses often indicate some sort of release eg. yawning, scratching or rolling. Horses tend to be more responsive and spontaneous than humans !
The amount of treatment given during a session can vary. Typically less will be given in the first session but it is tailored to the needs of the individual.
How many treatments?
For new clients (horses) who have not previously been treated with Bowen, 3 treatments about a week apart is the normal guideline. It is possible that 2 may be sufficient but it's a bit like peeling away the layers of an onion. The more long term and complex the problem, the longer it is likely to take to fully resolve.
Follow-up sessions will be recommended as appropriate.
Ongoing Maintenance
For competition horses, whose ongoing performance is important, it is useful to treat them soon after competition. This minimises the recovery time, makes sure any minor issues are picked up before they become major issues, and maximises the training time before the next competition.
For other horses, top up sessions at approximately 3 months would be appropriate depending on work load.
Aftercare
It is important that the horse has free access to water as it is normal for the horse to drink more water after treatment.
Stabled horses should be taken for a walk after treatment to assist circulation.
Horses should not be groomed after treatment.
It may be necessary to have time off work for a few days after treatment. This is assessed on an individual basis.
No other forms of manipulation should be given 2 weeks either side of Bowen treatment. This includes massage, chiropractic and acupuncture.