4 minute read
Riding
Horse trials overcome the hurdles
THIS year’s Nunney International Horse Trials took place behind closed doors but has been declared a success despite the challenges faced by organisers.
With no paying spectators and no trade stands, the atmosphere at the three-day event felt very different as hundreds of riders and horses battled it out for top honours.
Three days of competition culminated in the international classes with the CCIS3* being won by Gloucestershire-based Helen Bates riding Carpe Diem V. Vicky Tuffs, from Monmouthshire, and Jasper, were winners of the CCI-S2*. Vicky also won the 5-year-old section with CFH Dakar Hill.
Joint organiser Bridget Parker said: “We’re very happy that’s its been a successful weekend. All the competitors were happy with the course and Helen West, our course designer, did a brilliant job. The rain meant the going was excellent. Well done to all the team here at Nunney and we very much hope to welcome back competitors and trade stands next year.”
Lucy Wheeler on Ringwood Kenco in the showjumping arena
Italian rider Alberto Giugni on Galwaybay Talent on the crosscountry course
A steward takes to the water to repair a fence Paolo Torlonio, another Italian competitor tackles the water obstacles on Mistral Mish Mash
Helen Bates and Carpe Diem V won the CCI-S3*
What is Veterinary Chiropractic?
Registered chiropractor Bronwen Henley – who runs Bristol Chiropractic Clinic –explains her work with horses.
ANIMAL or veterinary chiropractic is a hands-on treatment that helps to improve joint function and movement and restore normal motion.
Animal chiropractors can be either qualified human chiropractors or vets who go on to complete a postgraduate diploma in veterinary chiropractic. This enables them to treat any animal with chiropractic therapy, but most usually horses and dogs.
When a joint and its supporting structures aren't moving normally, this can cause abnormal motion, pain and dysfunction for your animal. A full history of your horse’s health and current activity or behaviour changes is taken, followed by a hands-on assessment to find areas of restriction and tenderness. These are then released using gentle specific manipulations and stretches to restore normal movement and relieve pain.
Animal caregivers are very astute at noticing changes in behaviour – more grumpy, appetite changes, changes in movement, lameness – all these signs could indicate a problem chiropractic treatment could help with.
Your first step should be to consult your vet to ensure there is no underlying disease or emergency. If they decide the symptoms are due to a benign musculoskeletal issue, then you could discuss referral to a chiropractor for assessment and treatment.
Many caregivers choose chiropractic care to support sports performance and ability. Much like a human athlete, they will benefit from regular care to ensure they are functioning to their best ability. Treatment improves performance, whilst reducing the risk of injury by ensuring they are carrying out their sporting activities without restriction from tight or sore muscles and joints.
As your horse ages, many owners notice signs of arthritis, such as joint pain, swelling, stiffness and reluctance to move. Chiropractic care can improve joint movement, reducing pain and stiffness for improved quality of life.
We all get aches and pains and so do our horses. Keeping them a healthy weight, ensuring they get plenty of sleep, always have a clean supply of water and getting any concerns checked with your vet are essential. Adding in regular physical therapy also irons out any niggles before they escalate into a more chronic concern and is as beneficial to animals as it is to us. Your horse will thank you for it!
Bronwen Move the Mind founder Nicole Gillard and her wonder horse Harvey with Heather Langridge (left), the club’s outgoing president, and next year’s treasurer Sue Hopkins
Club’s donation to equine therapy project
MOVEthe Mind, a hands-on equestrian and farming project which helps young people on the autistic spectrum, has received a £500 boost from the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel Club. MtM, based near Kilmersdon, is trying to raise £5,000 towards the cost of installing electricity on the site. Founder Nicole Gillard launched the not-for-profit group four years ago to offer animal therapies to youngsters and their families. Most of her work is based around horses, but the project also uses farmyard animals and dogs. It currently helps around 40 young people.
More donations and volunteers are welcome. Details: www.movethemind.net or find them on Facebook
The Animal Chiropractor
CALL: 0117 2141153
l Experienced and qualified animal and human chiropractor l Covering Bristol and surrounding areas l Horses – home visits/Dogs –treated in Warmley l Therapies include joint and muscle manipulation, low-level (type 2A) laser therapy and infrared/red light therapy l Treating musculoskeletal complaints and for activity and sports performance enhancement l Registered with: GCC, BCA, RAMP and IAAT
What owners say:
"Thank You So Much"
“Feedback from riding Jack, he was not hanging on to his right side at all, and although he was still super quick, he was relaxed through his head and for the first time ever, he did a really relaxed walk on a long rein . . . he has never done that!! So 10/10 for his treatment, it’s a starting point and I can start getting him balanced. Thank you so much xx (Lucie Peters)
