Equestrian

‘The best job in the world’: Animal

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk When my horse-mad daughter bought her first four-year-old horse several years ago, it was love at first sight. Things went well at first, Florence spent hours building their bond, quietly building on his confidence, instilling trust and gently pushing him forward. But then Mars began to buck whenever she rode. Not little bucks, but huge shape-shifting bucks, which could unseat the most seasoned rider. Florence has been surrounded by horses since she was two years old. She has ridden since she was four. She rang the vet. She rang the saddler. She rang the dentist. She rang the nutritionist. She turned him out for longer. She was stricter with his routine. Mars carried on bucking. Mars threw everyone off. Every single day. Florence rang the vet, again and swallowing the costs, they agreed that Mars was to have a scan. The scan revealed a slight nerve problem in his back, which would respond well with three weekly laser treatments over a three-tosix-month period. Fast forward a few years and Mars no longer has nerve issues, however, he is a delicate flower, and as such Flo wanted regular physiotherapy sessions for her beloved. She was given the number for SR Veterinary Physiotherapy, owned by qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist Shannon Rodway, a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP), who lives in Dorchester. Shannon arrived, her special magic toolkit in hand, and put Mars (who frankly is a tricky beast) at ease without needing sedation. Flo felt reassured and Shannon worked on the beautiful Criollo cross. Shannon said: “I really enjoy becoming involved in the work-up process, helping uncover problems or providing routine maintenance. “Some are having postoperative rehabilitation for various conditions such spinal or ligament injuries as well as fracture repair. “Other patients may be suffering from sprains, muscle strains or arthritis. Whatever the reason, I always devise an individual treatment plan and it is incredibly rewarding to see patient

PET: Shannon with her dogs and, below, a smile from Mars and, right, Florence with Mars

physiotherapist is loving her work

BEST JOB: Shannon with her horses and dogs, in action in the showjumping ring and, right, hard at work in the yard

progress. And of course, the owners are equally pleased to see their beloved pet and companion improve.” Shannon offers a mobile service for horses and dogs and uses a combination of ‘hands-on’ physiotherapy techniques alongside electrotherapies and remedial exercise prescriptions, which ensure progress is made between sessions. Electrotherapy may sound scary, but surprisingly Mars loved it and eventually relaxed into the treatment without trying to kick out or, ahem, bite. Shannon said: “I absolutely love what I do. Not only is it very rewarding, its mentally and physically challenging. “Some patients co-operate while others won’t. If my patient won’t do an exercise I want them to do, I have to think fast and work out another way to achieve the action I need. My days vary enormously and are highly fulfilling. I have the return patients that are coming for maintenance and then also the challenging cases where no one is entirely sure what the problem is. “I love seeing how my regular patients get excited to see me. It makes my job so enjoyable. I have the best job in the world.” n Srvetphysio.co.uk