EquiFlexx Therapy

16/11/2024

🌟💥NEW STABLE INSIGHT💥🌟

🌟Exclusive MEMBERS ONLY equestrian community…just €3.99 p/m

🧲🧲 In this webinar I look into Magnetic therapy products and break down the science and myths

DO THEY REALLY WORK? IS IT WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY? 🧲

To watch this webinar visit equiflexxtherapy.com or clink link in BIO to SUBSCRIBE ⚪️

15/11/2024

🪱 We need talk about worms more!

❌ 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗘! Sadly, it's no longer as simple as that. You may have heard the advice to do your winter worming after the first frost. While a frost will help kill off the bot flies, with warmer temperatures continuing further into the year in the UK, we can no longer rely on this old adage when targeting encysted redworm.

❄️ We've spoken to many folks who have had the first frost and are keen to go ahead with their winter wormer, but while temperatures on grazing land remain above 6C, redworm are still active and worming now will increase the risk of reinfection. We need to wait for winter (late Dec-Feb) and temperatures to stay consistently below 6C for a few days before tackling encysted redworm. This means either blood testing or treating with an appropriate wormer.

🍂🔬 We're still in autumn now, so if you haven't done a worm egg count in the last three months, or a saliva test for tapeworm in the last six months, then it's time to test! If your autumn test results show a need for treatment then it’s okay to go ahead with an appropriate wormer. You’ll then need to consider encysted redworm in winter as advised in this post.

Our award winning tests and advice help protect thousands of horses every year, so get in touch for free, expert support you can trust.

Autumn advice 👉 bit.ly/AutumnParasiteControl
More about the redworm parasite 👉 bit.ly/RedwormInfoZone

15/11/2024

Struggling in canter 🤷🏼‍♀️🤔

Young horses who are under developed and have immature musculature may experience struggling in the canter or struggle to maintain a canter, but can trot happily all day long. However, these issues are not restricted to only immature horses either. Canter requires a lot of spinal flexion & extension, this means from C1 (poll) right down to the last caudal vertebrae (tail)! If there is restriction of dysfunction anywere along this column, the horse will struggle to sit on his haunchest and propel forward.

Equally, we are very quick to point the finger at the Sacro iliac region, sometimes this is the culprit, but we need look at the bigger picture

Canter should be smooth and pleasurable to sit to. If its uncomfortable, there is a reason, I am yet to see a horse who is ‘just uncomfortable because thats the way he is’ 🤷🏼‍♀️

14/11/2024

🌟NEW🌟EXCLUSIVE🌟NEW🌟EXCLUSIVE

🌟 Introducing ‘Stable Insights’ Exclusive Online Equestrian Community! 🌟

We’re excited to introduce…….STABLE INSIGHTS

Our very own members-only equestrian community! Designed especially for dedicated horse owners and enthusiasts, this exclusive space is here to support your journey with expert advice, industry updates, and all things equine wellness. Our aim is to help you cut through all the marketing fluff so that you can make better choices for your horses wellbeing 🐴

Here’s what you can expect:
🐴 Exclusive Content - Get early access to expert articles, videos, and guides tailored for serious horse care.
📚 Expert Advice - Connect with experienced professionals & industry leaders
🤝 Supportive Community - Got a question? ASK US
💡 Interactive Learning - Participate in Q&As, webinars, and live discussions.
🤗 Why join? - No nonsense, independant, industry professional led, designed for…..’The everyday equestrian’

Join us as we create a trusted, go-to space for wellness-focused, ethical horse care.

💰Join today and get a FREE TRIAL
▶️ To join, visit our website or clink link in the bio
Equiflexxtherapy.com

12/11/2024

I have huge respect for all equine professionals but when it comes to NUTRITION, I will take advice from a QUALIFIED EQUINE NUTRITIONIST

Keep in mind some vets may be stocking a particular brand or have affiliation with the company so the motivation lies with profit 💰

After many years of researching I realised that many products have very little active ingredients. I have since learnt how to properly read an ingredients label and how to spot the fillers.

Example: Saccharomyces cerevisiae = Brewer’s yeast
This ingredient is commonly found in gastric support supplements to promote gut health

▶️ Would you like to learn how to get smart on reading labels on your feed/supplement bag?

DON'T ASSUME THAT SUPPLEMENTS VIA YOUR VET OR FARRIER ARE 👌

There are supplements sold through vets that have no evidence and/or useless amounts of active ingredients.

I called a pharma company about one once asking them to clarify the daily servings of actives and they admitted it was a product they took on when they acquired the company that originally sold it, and because it was still selling, they wouldn't stop or change it.

So please don't assume that because a feed supplement comes through a vet..or farrier, that it is superior, proven or efficacious.

See the comments to learn more

Feel free to share 🐴🍏

12/11/2024

👨🏻‍⚕️🩺Only Veterinarians can diagnose and treat your horse…

DID YOU KNOW only vets can diagnose, treat and prescribe medication. Section 19.2 of the Veterinary Surgeons act (1966) states that “Only registered members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons may practice Veterinary surgery”

“veterinary surgery” means the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, shall be taken to include:

🩺 the diagnosis of diseases in, and injuries to, animals including tests performed on animals for diagnostic purposes;

🩺 the giving of advice based upon such diagnosis;

🩺 the medical or surgical treatment of animals; and

🩺 the performance of surgical operations on animals.’

11/11/2024

💪🏻 Muscle Monday 💪🏻

Has a medial & lateral muscle belly, both arising from the causodistal aspect of the Femur (thigh bone).
Its dual-joint span allows it to contribute to both stifle flexion and hock extension.

The reciprocal apparatus plays a crucial role in synchronising the movement of the stifle and hock joints. When the stifle joint flexes, the reciprocal apparatus causes the hock joint to flex simultaneously, and when the stifle extends, the hock follows suit. This mechanism conserves energy and contributes to the efficiency of movement in horses, especially during high-speed gaits. Additionally, it aids in the stability and balance required during standing, enabling horses to “lock” their legs and rest while standing without using much muscular effort.

🤕 in cases of Gastrocnemius rupture, prognosis can be uncertain depending on severity of injury and complications to the compensatory limb

11/11/2024

Well done CL Independent Equine Nutritionist Erne Lakeland Riding Club-Fermanagh Cafre Enniskillen Campus

11/11/2024

🌊Water treadmill V swimming 🌊

10/11/2024

Wonderful illustration of incorrect head a neck position during work. The Nuchal Ligament become hyper toned and sonetimes appears to ‘bulge’. This is painful and can cause irreversible damage to the musculoskeletal system 🤕

𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒅
Everyone likes to talk about the harm caused when a horse is ridden behind the vertical... but have you ever wondered why?

One (of the many) problems with a BTV position is that encourages incorrect flexion in the neck. In a healthy horse, the head will flex up and down at the first cervical vertebrae. This bone is known as the atlas or C1.

In an effort to avoid excessive pressure caused by a harsh bit, rider or gadgets (especially draw reins) many horses will begin flexing at the 3rd vertebrae (C3). "Broken at the 3rd" creates incorrect movement throughout the body and will quickly lead to pain and damage. Once a horse begins moving in this manner, it is extremely hard for them to unlearn and they may continue this harmful posture even when at or above the vertical.

08/11/2024

It’s finally been done.
As most of you would have heard, the FEI have introduced a noseband taper measuring device for Equestrian competition from January 2025 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

However reading some of the posts and comments on social media have concerned me. Did think top level riders would be happy? No.
However those with their horses comfort as priority have nothing to worry about.
I’d have thought that ANY way we can improve welfare of our horses would be welcomed by those who love their horses.
It would seem not.

Some of the ‘concerns’ I have read are outlined below. Along with my opinion on them! (Sorry not sorry)

- “High level dressage horses are too hot and excitable to be able to safely measure”.
*If a horse can be taught 15x one time changes, surely they can be trained to stand still for 30 seconds. Perhaps if they can’t stand still, they are not in a mentally sound state for competition?

-“The noseband stabilises the bit”
*No, it doesn’t. And if it does, you’re bit isn’t correctly or properly fitted if you need a noseband to ‘stabilise’ it.

-“Keyboard warriors are ruining our sport”
* Riders who ignore welfare and the science behind it, are ruining OUR sport. It doesn’t just belong to the ones at the top.
Dressage in particular is in the spotlight, like it or not. We will loose our social licence to operate if there is no move toward improving the welfare of competition horses. That will be income and career ending for many.

-“our scores will be effected by having these checks”
* Gear check happens after the test.

-“Horses will put the tongue over the bit”
*99% of the time this happens is when a horse is in so much discomfort from the bit on the tongue, they flip it over the bit. Easy solution- use and train your horses with less constant rein pressure and train softer responses.

“The noseband would have to be so loose there’s no point having one”
*The noseband can be quite firm and still allow the gauge to pass. This gauge is actually smaller than the ISES gauge that was originally designed after studies proved the negative effects of tight nosebands!

And more thoughts
- I’m just a low level adult amateur rider, so I have no skin in the game financially.
I understand many riders do. But it CANNOT come at the expense of welfare.
- Other countries have brought this in a long time ago, so it was always on the cards, riders could have started training softer responses a long time ago to negate the need for a tight noseband.
-Don’t come at me with ‘you don’t ride at FEI level so you don’t know.’ What I DO KNOW is the wounds I see in horses mouths from tight nosebands digging into cheek tissue. REGULARLY.
- I’m certainly no master with the double bridle, but the horses I have ridden in one…. Whoa… it’s a beautiful thing. Soft, responsive, so much more finesse can be achieved. Not for control. No need for the mouth to open when trained and ridden correctly.

I wasn’t going to put my 2c in on this- but I have too many cents to keep to myself.

What are your thoughts?

07/11/2024

AUTUMN is too EARLY to target ENCYSTED REDWORM.

It is CRUCIAL to wait for WINTER to address the dangerous ENCYSTED STAGE OF SMALL REDWORMS.

Encysted redworms are non-egg-laying, meaning they cannot be detected by a FEC. They burrow into the horse's gut wall and mass emerge in the spring. Redworm infestation can be fatal for horses, making it imperative for owners to take preventive measures.

Therefore, it is recommended in the WINTER that horses are blood tested for the presence of encysted redworms or receive a proactive wormer dose.

Blood testing is only suitable for low-risk horses. For those who are not conducting the blood test, it is essential that horses receive a wormer in the winter, between December and February.

It is best to wait for cold weather with consecutive daytime temperatures below 6 degrees Celsius before administering the dose, as the activity of small redworms slows down; this reduces the risk of reinfection.

Jess Equine can advise you on the appropriate route for your horse. Only two chemicals can target encysted redworms; which wormer is most appropriate depends on your horse as an individual.

Jess Equine

06/11/2024

🟠 Iliopsoas muscle injuries🟠

The iliopsoas is vital for collected and high-performance movements, allowing horses to flex their hips, bring the hind legs forward, and stabilize the spine. It’s also crucial for the transitions between movements and to support the weight-bearing load on the hindquarters.

Preventation is better than cure 🙌🏻

To minimize the risk of an iliopsoas injury:

🟠 Ensure proper warm-up and cool-down routines.
🟠Incorporate regular core and hind-end strengthening into training.
🟠Check for saddle fit and alignment issues to prevent compensatory strain. EMPLOY QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER
🟠Condition horses gradually to improve flexibility and resilience.

03/11/2024

Very interesting!!!

Unlike us, horses can’t kick off painful shoes or adjust their posture to keep their bones aligned.

They’re at the mercy of our choices – and too many are suffering due to outdated, damaging hoof care practices.

It’s time for horse owners to step up and stop so-called ‘hoof care pros’ from causing harm to horses’ feet.

Right now, across the world, thousands of horses are enduring unnecessary pain because of ignorance, myths, and a hoof care and veterinary system that treats hoof capsules as irrelevant.

They slice, dice, wedge, and chop, thinking they’re ‘correcting’ the foot, when in reality, they’re causing more damage.

They aren’t treating laminitis or foot issues – they’re creating them.

Bones naturally articulate within the hoof capsule, and when that balance is disrupted, it’s not just cosmetic.

Misalignment happens when the hoof capsule is trimmed wrong, putting P3 into a harmful position every single time.

These so-called ‘remedial’ practices like chopping toes, wedging heels, rockering, and ‘correcting’ are not helping – they’re hurting.

The equine industry has followed these harmful practices for decades, ignoring the simple, natural constants of a horse’s anatomy.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

It’s time to question old practices and recognize that ‘hoof care’ has hit rock bottom.

Stop relying on professionals who are out of touch with natural hoof mechanics.

Horses don’t need heart-bar or rocker shoes – these are barbaric, cruel, and unnecessary.

Every horse deserves balanced, natural hoof care that respects the foot Mother Nature gave them.

It’s the 21st century – we owe it to our horses to know better and do better.

Educate yourself. Be the change.



HM

P.S. Learn how to be the change in our free rehab group, The Phoenix Way: Path 2 Hoof Health – helping more horses than any other ‘hoof care’ group on social media.

01/11/2024

Did you manage to get a stable for NOVEMBER CAVAN? 😅😅😅

🩵SPECIAL SHOW DISCOUNT!!!!🩵

❄️ NOVEMBER CAVAN ❄️

Can’t believe its that time of year again!! 😱

⚡️SUPERCHARGE your horses jumping with PEMF
⚡️⚡️ Our PEMF machine is high powered to pe*****te the deep muscles used for jumping

❄️ RECOVERY - We have DOUBLE LOOP attachments, ideal for targeting the tendons & ligaments of the lower limbs. PERFORM ➡️ PEMF ➡️ RECOVER ➡️ REPEAT

DM to book

31/10/2024

‼️‼️ NEXT CLINIC @ The Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness centre 27th Nov ‼️‼️

We had a jam packed clinic last month with lots of new faces and some regulars

🐴 Soft tissue manipulation
🐴 Myofascial release
🐴 Deep tissue
🐴 Joint mobilisation
🐴 Lymphatic drainage
🐴 Trigger point release
🧲 PEMF

📲Everyone will be set up on app and given targeted exercise & stretching plans as homework

🧂WHY NOT add a salt therapy session while you are here ? Fantastic for respiratory health or dry, itchy skin

➡️ BOOK HERE https://equiflexxtherapy.simplybook.it/v2/

30/10/2024

👻🎃 Whats that coming over the hill, is it a monster?

“No its my horse spooking in the same corner of the arena that he has seen 5000 times!!”

Pain-induced evasion refers to a horse’s tendency to alter its movement or behavior to avoid pain. This can manifest as changes in posture, gait, or even temperament, uncharacteristically spooky.

They may be trying to tell you something is not right? In theor own subtle way. These evasive behaviors are often adaptive but can lead to long-term issues if left untreated. Compensation over time can cause muscle imbalances, joint stress, and further discomfort, potentially leading to secondary injuries.

🎃 Does your horse spook excessively where they normally wouldn’t?

29/10/2024

❄️ NOVEMBER CAVAN ❄️

Can’t believe its that time of year again!! 😱

⚡️SUPERCHARGE your horses jumping with PEMF
⚡️⚡️ Our PEMF machine is high powered to pe*****te the deep muscles used for jumping

❄️ RECOVERY - We have DOUBLE LOOP attachments, ideal for targeting the tendons & ligaments of the lower limbs. PERFORM ➡️ PEMF ➡️ RECOVER ➡️ REPEAT

DM to book