Case #1
Peace N Promise, aka Peace, is a
nine year old Thoroughbred mare owned by Dancing Oaks Farm in Little
Compton, RI. She had been plagued with forging for approximately 4 to 5
years. A former barn manager where the mare was once boarded commented
that she tore shoes off every time she was turned out. An exaggeration,
I’m sure.
Peace was first visited by us in
late April, 09. At that time, it was noticed that she was forging, and
that her scapula was quite loose, with little muscle development deeper
into the scapula (sub-scapularis). She also was narrow across chest area
and during gait analysis, was found to be working from her elbow at the
walk/trot instead of shoulders. The owner stated that the farrier was
coming the next day to trim her rear feet in the hopes of rectifying the
forging issue.
At this time, we performed Peace’s
first wellness, evaluation and exploratory massage, with the next
massage scheduled for two weeks later.
On that next visit, it was noted
that the horse was still forging. I asked the owner to longe her again
and observed that at both the walk and trot, she was still moving
entirely from the elbow with the scapula and humerus virtually locked
up. When walking, she forged with every step.
Work was started on her beginning
with the neck, biceps/pecs, deep into the anterior scapula groove as
well as the rear of the scapula, in and above the elbow groove area.
Extensors and flexors of the leg, Lat. Dorsi, withers, SP-9, and both
spinatus muscles were also worked. Methods used were Sports massage,
Myofascial release, and deeper tissue work along with the use of
acupressure along the Bladder Meridian and Reiki.
The final step included the use of
stretches to both forelegs, both forward and rearward, with 3 to 4
second holds at the end of each stretch sequence.
When Peace walked out of her stall,
she was not forging and till now, four and one half months later, is
still not forging. She has been progressing slowly with her chest
broadening with every visit as well as her stride becoming more
lengthened.
Maintenance work is performed on her
each month with noticeable improvement to her muscle volume, tone, and
general disposition.
Submitted by Doris & Ron
Equissage NE / NY
