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Eurodressage
Interview
Horses for Courses: Anna Johnson Reflects on
Physiotherapy for Horse and Human - Page 4
 There
are a few cases that Anna recollects with great satisfaction.
A horse referred from Cambridge University frequently
tripped. Electro-miacardialgram and nerve conduction
tests confirmed there was an impingement of a cervical
(neck) nerve. Anna treated the horse under sedation
with a technique devised for humans in America, known
as "SNAGS" (sustained neuro-apophyseal glides).
"It involved taking neck into range of movement
by lifting up the vertebra to lift impingement on the
nerve". "It was a heavy horse, but we had
amazing results with an objective measurement of the
EMG test afterwards. The horse returned to full function,"
Anna beamed.
Another case involved a horse from Newbury that hit
a tree galloping. It had a nerve injury at the brachioplexus,
where nerves meet to form spaghetti junction for the
forearm. The impaired nerve caused reduced muscle tone
and atrophy, commonly known as a "sweeney".
It was a very difficult rehabilitation, but it was decided
not to euthanise the horse. She used a neruo-muscular
stimulator while the horse rested in his box. Luckily
the owner persevered with daily treatments and the horse
returned to full function after six months. Now it is
back jumping.
The daily observation and treatment of horses gives
Anna enormous feedback. "I often wish I was a horse
trainer. I love watching people ride horses. I am a
great observer of movement and I like to watch horses
being ridden to see what happens under saddle as well
as how the rider performs. The rider can be one-sided
and it is no wonder the horse is then presented with
one-sided problem. Sometimes I encourage or educate
the rider to seek training or schooling advice,"
she adds.
Working with both horses and humans often involves
treating all the family members and at some point horse
and rider form one. According to Anna, "My practice
is helped by treating both humans and animals. A woman
rang yesterday in a panic wanting treatment and it was
through her horse that I gained her respect. Another
client I treat had a terrible car accident and recently
I've done all her horses". Despite the interlocked
relationship between horse and human, however, bear
in mind "who but a horse would choose to roll in
the muddiest part of a field, except possibly a rugby
player".
Text by Kyle
Jones
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Johnson
What
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