Cracking some REALLY Big Bones

Today the horses got special visit at the farm! Doctor Katy, a local equine chiropractor and childhood friend of mine, came out to do some chiropractic work on a few of my horses as well as some of the boarders horses.

For those of you who are not familiar with horses, chiropractic is not particularly common in the horse world. It certainly has become common for me, as I have seven school horses who work several hours a week for me, toting and teaching young and old riders alike. Those girls (the horses – I own all mares) are such incredibly patient and skilled teachers that I feel that the least I can do is make them comfortable and keep them moving soundly.

The chiropractor does both subtle and larger adjustments on the horses, and it’s always fascinating to watch a non-verbal creature communicate so clearly before and after the adjustments. Generally Dr. Katy will find a spot that is malaligned. She will ready the horse for the adjustment and the horse will pin her ears and look apprehensive. Once Dr. Katy has made her adjustment, however, the horse will lower her head and lick and chew, showing that she is relaxing and enjoying herself.

My sweet horses are simultaneously like employees and companions. In both senses, it’s important to me to keep them happy.

Have you ever used an alternative medicine to “modern” treatment? Have you ever used it on an animal?