Keep your horse pain-free and performing his best! Introducing 27 simple body checkups you can do on your horse—Where Does My Horse Hurt? is a do-it-yourself method for determining when and where your horse hurts. With this easy-to-follow book, conveniently spiral-bound so you can lay it open on your tack trunk and follow the instructions as you work on your horse, you will: • Become familiar with your horse's normal range of movement so you can prevent minor issues from becoming major. • Stay in tune with areas of temporary or chronic discomfort so you can offer relief as needed. • Solve "mystery" or "phantom" lamenesses that come and go seemingly without reason. • Save thousands of dollars by avoiding expensive diagnostics that rarely get you answers. • Learn how to discuss potential problem areas with farriers, veterinarians, and bodyworkers. • Keep your horse actively and happily "in work" for more months of the year, and more years of his life.

When your horse suddenly develops a performance problem or a bad attitude and neither seem to be remedied by new training techniques or medical care, you often face months—even years—of frustration and career limitation. Dr. Joyce Harman, veterinarian and respected saddle-fitting expert, states that 75 percent of horses with such issues are simply reacting to pain caused by ill-fitting saddles. And, as she explains in this thorough and highly illustrated book, poor saddle fit can be corrected with patience and know-how.

Back pain and diseases of the spine and pelvis are significant problems in all types of performance horses, potentially causing poor performance, lost training days and wastage. As a result, back pain represents a considerable economic and welfare issue for the equine performance industries. Evaluation of back problems in performance horses is an important part of physiotherapy and veterinary practice. Yet back pain syndromes are insidious and difficult to diagnose due to the variability of presenting signs ranging from overt lameness or pain on palpation of the back to subtle gait alterations or even behavioural changes. Complicating matters further, multiple problems often coexist, particularly lameness and back pain Research to date has been led by the veterinary profession with a focus on pathoanatomical problems underlying back pain. However, advances in human back pain have been led by physiotherapy research. Physiotherapy research has focussed on the neuromotor control model and the associated dysfunction, especially of the epaxial or deep back muscles that occurs as a result of back pain from different forms of pathology. Therefore, our overall aim was to increase the knowledge of back pain in horses by using this novel approach. Specifically; how pathology of the back itself or other parts of the musculoskeletal system is reflected in the epaxial muscles and to determine the relationship between atrophy or dysfunction of these muscles and pain and/or poor athletic performance.

An invaluable reference dedicated to the equine back, providing comprehensive coverage by international specialists. Equine Back Pathology: Diagnosis and Treatment is the first book to explore conditions and problems of the horses back and pelvis, which are often difficult to diagnose and treat. The importance of the horse's back to their function and athletic ability cannot be underestimated. There has been considerable progress in recent years in understanding back problems in the horse, and this book brings together the most recent research. The book is divided into sections covering: * the normal anatomy and kinematics of the horse's back * the approach to investigating suspected back pathology * diagnosis and treatment of specific conditions * back pathology in specific sporting disciplines * complementary therapy and rehabilitation This book is a vital tool for those engaged in improving the diagnosis and management of all horses with back problems.

A unique reference dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of problems of the equine neck and back Building on the strength of the first edition, Equine Neck and Back Pathology: Diagnosis and Treatment, Second Edition explores conditions and problems of the horse’s back and pelvis, and has been expanded to include coverage of the neck as well. This book is a vital tool for all those engaged in improving the diagnosis and management of horses with neck or back problems. The only book devoted to the conditions and problems of the equine neck, back and pelvis, it provides comprehensive coverage by international specialists on how to diagnose and treat problems in these areas. This updated and revised edition covers normal anatomy and kinematics, neck and back pathology, diagnosis and treatment of specific conditions, and complementary therapy and rehabilitation. Equine Neck and Back Pathology: Diagnosis and Treatment, Second Edition is a valuable working resource for equine practitioners, specialists in equine surgery, veterinary nurses and allied professionals involved in treating horses. It is also an excellent supplementary text for veterinary students with a keen interest in horses.

Over 90 percent of the US population seeks help for back pain at one point or another during the course of their life. If you're a horseperson, back pain is of particular concern as it not only robs you of the joys of riding—it threatens your livelihood, as well. From grooming and tacking up, to performing a flawless reining pattern or jumping a clean round, to stacking hay bales or pushing a wheelbarrow, everything we do on and around horses demands a supple, strong, healthy back. Now, in his unique, easygoing style, Dr. Jim Warson—a neurosurgeon who also happens to be a lifelong horseman—provides all the practical information you need to understand the diagnosis and treatment of back pain—whether caused by equestrian pursuits, outside activities, illness, or heredity. More importantly, he shows readers how to prevent back problems before they have a chance to unseat you. This book includes: • "Normal" back biology and function • Congenital conditions, trauma, arthritis, and infection • Understanding symptoms and pinpointing problem areas • Tack's impact on the physics of riding • How your horse's conformation can affect your body • Traditional and alternative treatments and therapies • Techniques for saddling and mounting without stress • Recommendations for pregnant riders. In addition, Dr. Warson provides a section specifically geared toward improving rider flexibility and strength. You'll find step-by-step instructions and photo series for 10 stretches and 8 exercises for a healthy, stress-free back, allowing you to not only enjoy your riding but all your day-to-day activities, whatever they may be.

A unique guide to understanding the horse s back: how it works, what can go wrong and why, how to recognize problems and how to prevent them - an essential handbook for all owners and riders. Topics covered include: the basic anatomy of the horse's back; sources and causes of problems; recognizing pain in the horse; professional diagnoses and therapies; orthodox and complementary treatments; rehabilitation and recovery; remedial exercise and training; shoeing; saddle fitting and finally back-friendly riding and management.