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At the outset I should probably mention that our suggestions are based
on experience, not formal training or education. So please view our
comments as riders helping riders, not professional advice.
Soreness along the dorsal line just in front of, and behind, the point
of the hip usually indicates problems with the gluteus maximus and
longissimus muscles.
These are the primary drivers for forward motion and jumping so they are
probably stressed more than any other muscles in the horse. We often
see soreness here in our endurance and eventing horses in heavy
training.
You MUST intervene as these muscles will not repair themselves. Left
alone they will only shorten and become less pliable. This is because
the muscle fibers are adhering to each other and are probably in some
level of spasm.
First, insure your personal safety. If you can, find someone to hold
Sareei while you work on the muscles. Next, always have an escape plan
and leave yourself a clear path out of harms way. Finally, try not to
stand in front or behind during therapy sessions, and don't forget horse
cowkick. Safety planning is important for obvious reasons. But less
obvious is that you must be able to relax in order to get the horse to
relax. If you are afraid, Sareei WILL be tense.
Now, to the specifc muscle work. We always start by spending a few
calming seconds at the horses head. If we can get a chewing reaction,
then all the better. Slowly move your hands along the back to the areas
of concern. Let your hands rest there quietly and try to feel whats
going on. Is there heat, a knot, spasm. etc.? Once your horse is
comfortable to your touch (this may take a few days), apply light,
direct pressure to the sore spots and watch/feel for a reaction. If
your horse gets upset or exceptionly tense, BACK-OFF. He has to learn
to trust you and relax. If he is tense, then the muscle work is almost
worthless.
Once you can apply light, direct pressure for 5 to 10 minute (yes, you
will get tired), then follow-up with cross-fiber message along the
entire muscle group. You will either have to get someone to show you
where or buy an anatomy book.
Applying non-caustic topical products which create heat to the sore
areas and then blanketing or hot-packing before the message definitely
will help. Whew! That was a long sentence but the point is warm muscles
are more pliable and, therefore, the message is more effective.
Finally, after the therapy session, get the horse moving. For severe
problems, go to hand walking or lunge work. For moderate pain, walk,
trot and canter on the flat. If it's routine soreness, we go back to
work on the mountain and them more message after the workout.
In summary, slight muscle soreness is not necessarily bad. It is
probably an indication that the muscle is adapting to work. Moderate to
severe muscle soreness, on the otherhand, needs immediate attention or
your conditioning program may come to halt at X.
Hope this helps you and Sareei.
Ramey and Cynthia Peticolas-Stroud
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