For rehabilitation of the sport horses, we rely on a close collaboration with veterinarian Bert Seys. It is possible for other veterinarians to also use our facilities. In agreement with the rehabilitation expert and possibly Stal Gremelslo’s rider, a plan is designed for the patient. This rehabilitation plan can include laser and other therapies within our offer, based on the diagnosis of the veterinarian in question. The horse can be optimally examined, both on soft and hard soil. The treatment areas are fully equipped for efficient and comfortable examination.
As mentioned under “Training”, the build-up training of the recovering horses is done by Penny. When the patients get the green light from the veterinarians to start training gently, she carefully puts them to work.
One big advantage is that the horses are checked weekly by the veterinarians during this build-up phase. In consultation with the rider and veterinarian the work schedule of the horse for the following week is discussed: training can be built up further, cut back, or the horse might need further treatment according to the injury or problem.
We notice that horses that have been suffering an injury for a long time and perhaps also performed with it prior to arriving with us, very often acquire a postural compensation position to be able to keep competing. The horses struggle to move straight and do not work through the body. In turn, this can lead to secondary injuries or problems. These horses are straightened by Penny and are taught to use their bodies correctly again. Thanks to the collaboration with the veterinarians, also the minor aches or discomforts that the horses experience during this phase can be detected and treated.
Another important advantage is that patients initiating gentle training can still be supported through laser and/or cryotherapy. The use of these therapies in the build-up phase is also discussed weekly by the team.
If indicated for tendon patients, the EqueStride is used in the initial phase of the training course. This is an adjustable therapeutic system that gives support to the flexor tendon and suspensory ligament. It can be regulated to determine exactly how much support the horse will get from the brace. This allows for the load on the recovering tendon to be controlled 100%.
With the Equiband, training of the core muscles can be started early in rehab, even in the hand-walking phase. The system consists of a saddle cloth with two elastic resistant bands. As a result, the Equiband ensures optimal contraction of the core muscles, proprioception and the dynamic stability of the spine are controlled and coordinated. The Equiband activates the deep back muscles, the abdominal muscles, the lower neck muscles and the psoas muscles. Regular training with the system ensures strong core muscles, which reduces the risk of neck and back problems.
In our experience, we notice that riding with the Equiband reminds and helps the horse to work more straight and to use the body in a correct and healthy manner again.
The horses can be helped further through our collaboration with a renowned physiotherapist.
In some cases laser therapy is backed up by taping. Patients with problems in the topline are often assisted by taping the neck or back in the initial training phase.
This method has enabled a large number of horses to reach their initial level, even Olympic participation.
Naturally, discretion is guaranteed.
