'Anne' the ACPAT Vetenary Physio - Start of body work programme

'Anne' came today to assess 'Mr F's body fitness. She is an ACPAT registered Veterinary Physiotherapist and was mentioned to me by 'Jackie' who attended a speech held by her in the local Vet's practise. (mentioned in previous post). 'Anne' requested to have the Vet's consent prior to starting a physio programme. 'Suzie' (our vet) very helpfully supplied 'Anne' with all information about 'Mr F's condition / injury.

As I mentioned in the previous post; I would have preferred Neil to come and treat 'Mr F' but he is just too far away to fit in a single trip in a hurry.

However, I was very pleasantly surprised by 'Anne', she is a calm and caring lady and she listens to what the horse has to say while she treats it. I also appreciated her ability of explaining things in an easy to understand manner.

First off 'Anne' had to get an idea of 'Mr F' mobility. We went into the indoor school and after some warming up circle walking, we did some pole work in large circles.

I have never worked with a physio before so I was keen on learning which exercises will be good for us and how I can help 'Mr F' to tune his muscles in the needed places. 

What I aim to achieve with the physio treatment is to help 'Mr F' getting his body into shape so that he carries himself better. Which in turn should offer him more comfort as he grows older.

'Anne' was impressed by 'Mr F's ability to do the pole work without hitting them. 'Mr F' and I have done pole work for some months but not very often.

She said that if I was wanting to ride him again, we would have to very much work on his back muscles. He's always had a rather strong sway back, more so of course after the injury and following months of recovery in which he did very little exercise.

I have been given instructions for carrot stretches, limb exercises and pole work. 'Anne' said walking uphill would also be good for 'Mr F' (just what I thought in the previous year when he and 'Polly' went into the top fields).

Next appointment is arranged in a few weeks, giving me enough time to begin doing my part of 'Mr F's body rebuilding programme. And this time I have enough information to more or less know what I am doing (or supposed to do).