The Alternative Horse

For your horse to be at his best, he needs the correct handling, comfortable well-fitting tack, food and water and the right workload. However the things mentioned on this page will also help improve his comfort, condition, and willingness to work with you.

* As well as getting your vet to check your horse for you, the following therapies may help:

Equine Bowen Therapy is a gentle, non-intrusive hands on therapy which stimulates the body's inner ability to heal itself to be activated. This reorganisation of the musculature of the body can bring increased energy levels and pain relief.

Equine Chiropractry, the most common of which is McTimony, uses manipulation of the spine to deal with the neurological dysfunction of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots caused by subluxations of the vertebral column.

Equine Massage is the therapeutic application of professional sports massage techniques applied to the horse.

Homeopathy works by stimulating the body's own powers of healing. The final outcome depends on the prescriber's skills and the response by the animal. It has been known to help cure sarcoids.

Acupuncture for horses is know as an ancient "Art of Healing". It can only legally be administered by a veterinary surgeon.

Equine Hydrotherapy has been recognised as an aid to the treatment and prevention of leg problems in horses.

Equine Osteopathy is based on a system of healing by the manipulation of bones (especially the spine) and muscles.

Tellington Touch Equine Awareness Method (TTEAM) is a teaching method for horses that incorporates body work (TTOUCH), ground exercises and riding exercises to help improve co-ordination, balance, and athletic ability whilst deepening further communication and understanding between the horse and its owner/carer.

* Good footcare is important - you've all heard the expression "No Foot No Horse"!!

If your horse is shod, ensure he's being correctly shod by a registered farrier and being provided with the right amount of support. Make sure he's shoeing the hoof, not fitting the hoof to the shoe!

If your horse is barefoot, the foot needs to be balanced and trimmed to cope with the workload. A good farrier can do the job but if you are doubtful of their abilities to trim a working barefoot hoof, consider drafting in a barefoot trimmer.

* What you feed your horse will affect how he feels. Fresh drinking water should always be available.

You should feed your horse in accordance to the Golden Rules Of Feeding.

Here is a list of most of the feed companies operating. Most have helplines that you can ring for advice.

Make sure your horse is getting the right minerals and vitamins.

* Your horse's teeth are very important and need checking regularly, especially if you suspect there is a problem. Your vet can do this, but most people prefer to get a qualified Equine Dental Technician to do the job. However if your horse requires sedation, you will need the vet on hand as EDTs cannot administer sedatives.

If you can think of anything else for me to put on this page, please contact me using the form on the Contact Me page :)