Equine Insight - Equine Training and Bowen Therapy

EQUINE TRAINING

BOWEN THERAPY


Horses can let us know in a variety of ways that they may be experiencing physical problems. Small signs can include: the horse banking up the stable bedding in order to stand with their hind legs elevated, an unwillingness to be groomed or rugged up, pulling ears back when you approach with a saddle and nipping as you girth up; the horse might also walk away from you as you approach with a head collar or bridle. These smaller signs can escalate into napping, rearing, bolting and bucking. In such instances pain must be ruled out before training can begin to address such behaviour. Equine Bowen Therapy (EBT) is primarily a holistic, hands-on remedial soft tissue therapy whereby the equine body is treated as a whole, without referral to a named disease. EBT is based on the principles of The Bowen Technique pioneered by the late Thomas Ambrose Bowen, born 1916 in Geelong, Australia. The Technique offers the body an opportunity to restore its own structural and functional integrity by stimulating the whole of the central nervous system, in a gentle, subtle and non-invasive manner. EBT is suitable for all equine breeds, ages and equestrian disciplines. It can help a wide range of ailments, from acute pain to chronic conditions.
Conditions Helped All horses will benefit greatly from EBT and your horse does not need to have anything ‘wrong’ with it to benefit from a treatment. Regular treatment as part of routine healthcare can help to prevent injuries before they develop into acute or potentially chronic conditions. By freeing the shoulder, your horse will have more elevation in his stride and more power from the hindquarters. Wind, flexibility, muscle tone and limb fitness may improve in the competition horse. Many older horses that have been retired due to stiffness have returned to gentle riding following EBT. Conditions that can respond well to EBT include: • Muscle atrophy or uneven development • Skeletal imbalances i.e. pelvic rotations • Cold back and/or sore back • Muscle spasm and tension • Unlevelness, disunited gait or irregular action • Stiffness on one rein • Lack of lateral flexion, impulsion and elevation • Restrictions in one or both shoulders • Long term and intermittent lameness • Headshaking and head shy problems • Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive and urinary conditions • Congested kidneys • Sluggish lymphatic system and/or weakened immune system • Filled legs • Uncharacteristic changes in temperament or behaviour • Deterioration of performance • Difficulties with shoeing • Pain relief in support of laminitics • Recovery from illness The Technique A practitioner will use thumbs, fingers or the heel of their hand to make a series of precise, rolling type moves across key structural points of the horse’s body. The treatment allows for a series of short breaks in between moves, where the horse is left resting. This enables the brain and the body to start to reorient towards a healthier state. Please note that there are NO contra-indications to EBT or The Bowen Technique. Riders and Bowen EBT allows the horse to perform at his best for his rider. Likewise, by addressing any muscular stiffness in the rider with The Bowen Technique, the horse will appreciate a balanced weight on his back. As a rider, after treatment you may feel that your balance, posture and overall suppleness have improved with greater feel and response to your horse. The list of conditions in humans that respond well to The Bowen Technique is endless, as people are treated holistically. Some common presentations include back and neck pain, frozen shoulder and tennis elbow, acute or chronic sports injuries. Consultations and Treatment Please note: • The Bowen Technique and EBT are not intended as a substitute for medical or veterinary advice or treatment. If in doubt, please consult your doctor or veterinary surgeon. •Always consult your veterinary surgeon before arranging EBT treatment. It is illegal for anyone to treat your horse without the veterinary surgeon’s consent. A course of 3 treatments at weekly intervals is often sufficient to achieve lasting results although further treatments may be required. When booking treatment for your horse a consultation form will be emailed to you along with more in-depth information on EBT treatment. Costs As a qualified therapist of ESEBT, Anke is now able to introduce this ground-breaking therapy to South Africa. We would be delighted to receive any enquiries regarding initial interest in EBT treatment and answering further questions that you may have. Costing for treatment will be available from 2009 and determined by individual requirements and location. EBT Development and Support The European School of Equine Bowen Therapy (ESEBT) in the UK, aims to produce skilled, knowledgeable therapists who can work alongside other professionals in the equine industry. It is a requirement that all Equine Bowen Therapists are qualified human therapists so that practitioners have a complete understanding of The Bowen Technique. EBT is approved and supported by the ECBS (European College of Bowen Studies), BTER (Bowen Therapists’ European Register), BCMA (British Complementary Medicine Association), and is recognised by the BHVMA (British Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association). EBT is recognised as a form of physiotherapy, and is covered with Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Chiropractic, by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons under The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962. TOP OF PAGE