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Sometimes, horses will have a low grade, tolerable level of pain which suddenly increases with an incorrect saddle, bad girth choice, injury or training injury makes it worse. This accounts for the apparent overnight appearance of girth pain in some horses. Syndromic horses also have a displaced shoulder blade on one side, leading to further saddle and physical problems, not to mention an upright hoof on the affected side. Typically, these horses display pain reactions and muscular stress around the withers, the lower neck, triceps and pectorals as well as the girth area behind the elbow and scapula. Across the Pacific, American Veterinary Chiropractor, Lauren Derock, points to incorrect posture, ie, lack of carriage when ridden, as a source of girth problems, as well as many other issues. An inverted posture, with a hollow back and 'upside-down' neck, results in pressure on the upper thoracic vertebrae, also leading to pain around the upper chest, girth area, and base of neck. These horses usually have more extensive back problems too. In this case, you are looking at a training problem, with a need for bodywork too. Dr Derock also indicates that hoofcare is a contributory factor to these problems. Certainly, any horse with hoof imbalances and, particularly, heel pain, will adopt an altered posture through the forelimbs and shoulders. This leads to additional stress throughout the entire shoulder and neck muscle group, with muscles already in painful spasm being further pressured by a tight girth. Not yet mentioned are internal issues. Horses with gastric ulcers due to over-acidity are unlikely to enjoy being girthed.
You can also consider hindgut acidosis - the large colon extends well forward beneath the stomach into the girth area - as a possible cause. Nutrition can also be an issue - vet and author Renee Tucker reports clinical cases where lysine and zinc shortage led to girth pain. Clearly, many of these issues cross over and interrelate to the point where 'chicken and egg' situations are common. Some horses will have one or several of the mentioned issues occurring at the same time. Ultimately, everything you do to make your horse more comfortable is going to benefit both of you, so it's worth taking some time to consider what's causing the reactions.
By Jane Clothier - Balanced Horse
Jane Clothier practises bodywork on horses and saddle fitting. Based in the Northern Rivers, she works from Coffs Harbour to the Gold Coast. She also runs a workshop, Saddle Fitting Essentials for Horse Owners' and gives saddle fitting talks to clubs.
Phone: 0447 672 523
www.balancedhorse.com.au
“Holiday with your Horse at” Three Waters in the High Country For more details or to make a booking please contact your host Steve Langley.
Offering accommodation “for you and your horse”! Cabins, yards & water available. Horses also available for hire.
A Genuine “Aussie Bush Experience” Phone: (02) 6732 4863 Mobile: 0417 452 649 www.threewatersholidays.com.au
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