EQUINE OSTEOPATHIC THERAPY
ABOUT GERARD & OSTEOPATHIC THERAPY
Equine Osteopathy is a non-invasive, drug free, manual therapy and I am manual therapist using a multitude of osteopathic techniques. These techniques detect, treat and prevent health problems through moving, stretching and massaging joints and muscles to improve blood flow and regulate nerve supply. Working closely with owners, farriers, dentists and saddlers I evaluate the horse as a whole rather than simply concentrating on a single point of pain or injury. Using a holistic approach with structural and sacral cranial osteopathic techniques I am able to re-establish the body’s equilibrium, relieving tension and decreasing the possibility of further injury. This aids recovery, helps to resolve behavioural issues and enhances performance.
Since graduating from the European school of Osteopathy I have been working in this field for over a decade and am delighted with the results that I have achieved with owners and their horses. Before performing any treatments we need to recognise both you and your horse’s needs. We’ll complete a history of your horse including previous injuries, treatments, medications and the activities you do together. During this time we will also discuss any expectations or concerns you might hold for the forthcoming treatment so that we know we’re doing right by you and your horse.
Once this is all done I will then check your horse’s behaviour and movement (walking, trotting and turning) this is generally done “in hand” although in some cases seeing the horse being lunged or ridden is necessary. Once this has been completed I can then perform an osteopathic examination focusing on the spine, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons to discover any issues. Should an issue be identified we can then discuss the appropriate treatment to begin the healing process. Over the years I have developed a very good working relationship with Vets in the geographical areas I practice in and I am always happy to speak to your vet prior and post to treatment. So you can rest assured I offer a holistic treatment which supports veterinary attention if and when required.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
I have worked with the development of Equines through breeding & osteopathy for over 30 years. This includes working for some of the world’s leading breeders, including spending several years at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Maktoum’s Darley Stud in Newmarket.
I have also worked for Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms (The breeder of the legendary Frankel) and Kirsten Rausing’s Lanwades Stud, producing yearlings for Europe’s premier yearling sales.
REGIONS COVERED AND TREATMENT FEE
In 2005 I set up my practice in Woodborough, Nottinghamshire and since then I have thoroughly enjoyed helping horses and ponies, both at competition level and family pets, from young stock through to veterans.
The standard charge for a treatment is £60.00. Generally within a 30 mile radius of Nottingham there is no additional cost or call-out fee. I am also able to travel to agreed locations throughout the Midlands and if there are 3 horses or more to treat, there will be no call-out fee.
