The McTimoney approach is a highly effective and holistic treatment using chiropractic techniques to stimulate the change necessary in your horse’s spine and locomotory system and remove discomfort. There is an optimal range of movement between each vertebra in the spine. When joint movement is reduced or one-sided, this produces palpable changes in the spinal column as the body tries to counter the effects of the underperforming joint. McTimoney Animal Practitioners identify these areas and use gentle chiropractic techniques to realign the structure and bring the body back into balance.
This is the only treatment which seeks to rebalance the skeletal frame of your horse to achieve symmetry and equal functioning of the left and right sides. Many horses are one sided and schooling exercises are targeted towards improving flexibility but if your horse’s skeletal frame is not straight it is impossible for him to move equally on both sides.
The McTimoney approach aims to help resolve performance issues which cannot be resolved through veterinary intervention. Injuries or trauma can produce compensatory movement and postural problems, resulting in changes in spinal flexibility. Long-standing compensations from poorly fitting tack or incorrect foot balance are also common reasons for discomfort and symptoms of poor performance.
Reduced flexibility is evidenced by stiffness in movement or difficulty in performing movements which were previously easy to do. You might notice increased weight in one rein, striking off on the wrong canter lead or stopping in front of fences. Some horses will buck, others will simply not go forwards and feel stuffy to ride. Any change in your horse’s behaviour should be investigated, by your vet and your McTimoney Animal Practitioner.
Treatment takes around an hour and your McTimoney Animal Practitioner will take a full history of your horse and where appropriate will ask to see your horse move. They may also ask you to ride or lunge your horse. The practitioner will then palpate your horse, explain their findings and how the treatment will work so you are aware of what they will be doing and this is also an opportunity to discuss what has caused the issues. The treatment uses quick, gentle adjustments on the key locations your practitioner has identified as requiring treatment, and then aftercare advice will be given.
All members of the McTimoney Animal Association are qualified after training with the premier institution of its kind, the McTimoney College in Abingdon, having studied up to three years at postgraduate level attaining an MSc or Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Manipulation.
McTimoney Animal Practitioners are registered with the McTimoney Animal Association.
For more information on your local practitioner go to www.mctimoney-animal.org.uk.
