Identifying problems of the horse

Probably every rider knows when something is wrong with the own horse. But how can you find out whether the horse and/or the rider just has a bad day or whether the horse has a bigger health problem?

Answering these questions is part of Gaby Schmid-Gleissner's daily work. As the daughter of a veterinarian, the Bavarian was already concerned with the health of horses in her childhood. 

With the purchase of her own horse, which from the beginning showed lameness that could not be treated by classical veterinarians, the interest in complementary medicine grew. This was followed by training as a physiotherapist, osteopath and various further training courses in a wide range of fields, which enabled her to acquire extensive knowledge of various forms of therapy. 

Mit dem Kauf eines eigenen Pferdes, welches von Anfang an Lahmheiten zeigte, die von klassischen Tierärzten nicht behandelt werden konnten, wuchs das Interesse an der Komplementärmedizin. Es folgten Ausbildungen zur Physiotherapeutin, Osteopathin und diverse Fortbildungen in den unterschiedlichsten Bereichen, wodurch sie sich ein umfangreiches Wissen über verschiedene Therapieformen aneignen konnte.

"I have a holistic view of horses and combine various different methods in one treatment."

Frequently occurring health problems for horses

Gaby Schmid-Gleissner is often contacted when the horse shows rideability problems, approaches the bit badly or the rider simply has a bad feeling while riding. But also when a horse regularly has colic, coughs or shows lameness, Gaby Schmid-Gleissner tries to help and to locate the problems. Many horses have, for example, jaw or hyoid blocks which can have a negative effect on the horse's ISG. 

"Only very seldom the cause is also located where the problem is shown. Therefore, I try to understand the interrelations and thus help the horses better".

Signs of health problems may be that the horse is shortening in movement with both hind legs or a single hind leg, is dissatisfied in the mouth or shows massive dissatisfaction in handling and saddling. In the worst case the horse even refuses completely. What to do?

Procedure of a treatment by Gaby Schmid-Gleissner

When Gaby Schmid-Gleissner treats a horse, she first of all applies the same procedure to uncover the problem, which is rounded off by treating the horses individually. 

After she has made friends with the horse for a short time, she checks the horse from back to front, starting with the position of the pelvis up to the jaw joint. The aim is to detect blockages and to remove them. 

After releasing blockages, an examination of the muscles and organs follows. In addition, Gaby Schmid-Gleissner tries to get an overall picture by looking at the horse in movement and asking the owner certain questions.  

If Gaby Schmid-Gleissner has identified problems, it is decided individually for each horse how to treat them. "Sometimes a different sequence of treatment is beneficial, for example if the horse's musculature is so tense that blockages cannot be resolved". If certain blockages cannot be resolved, she likes to resort to visceral osteopathy. Often problems occur that are related to the kidney, liver or lungs, the stomach and digestive organs or the ovaries of a mare.

"I choose the appropriate treatment for each horse from my toolbox."

It is not uncommon for her to use devices such as the Equitron, which she has bought in spring 2019, or the Spineliner. In addition, she has an acupuncture laser, acupuncture patches, the HORSE Bodyformer and a mobile inhalation device, which is regularly used for respiratory problems, especially in autumn and winter. 

The use of helpful therapy systems - the Equitron

The Bavarian particularly likes to use the Equitron. She now uses the device in 60-80% of all treatments, as it is versatile and has a healing effect. Furthermore, the Equitron can be used to scan the horse. If the horse shows a reaction at a certain place on the body, this can be an indication of an inflammation. If the Equitron is then applied at regular intervals to this specific area, the healing of the inflammation can be accelerated and the pain can be relieved. The device stimulates the stem cells and thus, also contributes to the healing of tendon injuries. 

Practical example of improved healing with the Equitron

In a recent case, Gaby Schmid-Gleissner treated a horse that was clearly lame and had a hoof roll finding. Over a period of 6 weeks the horse was treated with the Equitron for 10 minutes every other day. The lameness of the horse had disappeared after the treatment and it is currently successfully competing again in top show jumping classes. 

Spineliner as another therapy system also for horses

The Spineliner is another device that Gaby Schmid-Gleissner likes to use when treating horses. "Compared to the Equitron, the device does not stimulate stem cell production, but is similar to a gentler shock wave therapy," said Gaby Schmid-Gleissner. Spineliner is a direct treatment method that sends out impulses. It promotes blood circulation and relaxes the muscles. 

The Spineliner has different attachments depending on the area to be treated. In particular, it is used to release blockages and to remedy the functional impairment.

"With the Spineliner I can eliminate fascial problems or treat trigger points in a targeted manner. Spineliner is also a suitable aid for a calcified shoulder or heel spur," says Gaby Schmid-Gleissner.