WHEN a horse is recovering from surgery, or suffers musculoskeletal injury, your veterinarian is instrumental in providing a diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include a rehabilitation programme. It is essential that that is in place, and that it is well-planned, to give your horse the best chance of recovery.
WHAT IS REHABILITATION?
THE purpose of rehabilitation is to restore some or all of the patient’s physical, sensory and mental capabilities that were lost due to its illness, injury or disease. For some patients, the goal is complete athletic recovery with full and unrestricted function.
However, for others the goal is the recovery of the ability to do as many activities of daily living as possible.
There are certain key points that are essential to note before beginning your horse’s rehabilitation:
- This process requires commitment and patience from the owner, as there are often many ups and downs that occur.
- It is essential that the rehabilitation programme design and implementation be based on sound medical evidence and also include flexibility to be adjusted, as no two cases are alike.
- It is important to include and communicate with the different professionals and paraprofessionals – such as your veterinarian, physiotherapist and farrier – in the programme in order to increase the chance of success.
- A holistic approach is vital and the plan must be continuously reassessed and adjusted depending on the response of the horse.
This story is from the October 19, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 19, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
