Overriding Dorsal Spinous Processes (ORDSP), commonly known as Kissing Spine, tends to occur where the saddle sits. ORDSP can occur in any breed of horse, although it is more common in Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and other performance horses that are 5-10 years old. The Spine: Five types of vertebrae exist in a horse’s spine: cervical, … Continue reading Kissing Spine
Spectra Therapy: A Review
Spectra Therapy LASER products have been a great addition to my daily therapeutic routine. I have been able to use the LASERwrap tendon boots and sheet as a part of the rehabilitation process for my retired gelding, as well as for preventative treatments on other performance horses. The Science: Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) … Continue reading Spectra Therapy: A Review
Navicular Syndrome
Navicular Syndrome can affect any horse; however most cases tend to occur in heavy horses with upright pasterns and small hooves. The poor conformation of these horses means that the heel is taking on too much weight and the force isn’t dispersed throughout the entire hoof as it should be. In fact, anything that … Continue reading Navicular Syndrome
YOU Can Help Stop the Spread: COVID-19
Every single person needs to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19, including those of us in the Equine industry. Coronavirus spreads from person to person very quickly and can also live on surfaces for at least 72 hours. We like to think that by being outside at the barn in the … Continue reading YOU Can Help Stop the Spread: COVID-19
Cushing’s Disease Explained
Cushing’s Disease, or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) is an endocrine disease that creates hormonal imbalances. PPID can occur in horses of all ages but is more likely to occur in those over 20 years old. This disease is closely related to Parkinson’s Disease and has several of the same symptoms, including lethargy and poor … Continue reading Cushing’s Disease Explained
You Can’t Do It All
Written for USDF by Area II Rider: Mara Santiz As riders, we are often so concerned with our horses’ wellbeing that we simply forget to take care of ourselves. We ensure our horses have top notch care; they are visited by vets, farriers, chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists on a monthly basis. Meanwhile, you haven’t … Continue reading You Can’t Do It All
Choosing Your Next Dressage Horse
When choosing your next dressage partner, there are several factors to consider. Whether the horse is a weanling or already under saddle, it is important to look at his movement, conformation, and temperament. Both the walk and the canter are far more important than the trot. As Charlotte Dujardin says, “the trot can be manufactured … Continue reading Choosing Your Next Dressage Horse
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, or the therapeutic use of cold, is a powerful technique that riders use for several reasons. Most riders think to use cryotherapy on their horses for new injuries, but don’t necessarily consider the therapy for old injuries or for faster athletic recovery. New injuries: When a horse is injured, whether it be a muscle … Continue reading Cryotherapy
Effects of Shock on the Horse
Although not often thought of, every time a horse takes a step a shock wave runs up his leg and through his body. By definition, shock is the effect on an object caused by the energy delivered to it by a force (typically an impact force) over a short period of time. The effect of … Continue reading Effects of Shock on the Horse
Competitive Rider Fitness
***This post is NOT an attempt to bash riders about their weight, it is only to suggest the importance of fitness in the competitive sport*** I believe most of us that compete aspire to be fit riders, however that is much easier said than done. It’s only been in the past year that I have … Continue reading Competitive Rider Fitness
Dressage Discussions 