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Re: [RC] head shaking - Susan Garlinghouse, DVMHello! I have a similar problem with my mare, who often tries to yawn but can't fully open her jaw. So far, to research it, I've had her teeth floated and chiropractic work. Her atlas and jaw are out of line, which is causing blockage all the way back to her back diagonal hip. This has caused her problems with turning on the fore. Next step massage! She is greatly improving, though still a mystery! I would investigate using some experts, it's very informative! I agree with Heidi that poor dentition is top of the list. The stiffness and pain that comes from bad teeth can really cause alot of stiffness through the jaw, poll, neck and topline from bracing against the discomfort. It's not magical, but there's a nice sort of diagnostic point used in acupuncture and myofaschial release that will tell you alot about whether you horse is experiencing stiffness and pain when you ask him/her to give to the bit. Reach up behind the ears just an inch or so back and an inch or so lateral to the line of the mane. You'll feel a little soft divot where a lot of ligaments cross. Press down gently on this divot with steady pressure, as much as your horse will tolerate without actively avoiding the pressure. Keep the pressure on and you'll feel the spot start to "give" around 30 seconds or so. Press a little harder as the spot continues to soften. Gradually release the spot after about a minute and go around to do the same thing on the other side of the neck. This move softens a lot of the tightness through the poll and is also a good indicator of the amount of tension in the area. There are several other points throughout the jaw, poll and neck that are also very useful, but not very easily described as to their location. If the above spot seems painful and reactive, then I'd take it as a good indication to get someone out to help with some bodywork---either equine massgae, acupuncture, chiropractor, whatever, once you've had the initial dental work seen to. Susan Garlinghouse, DVM =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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