Injury: Cutting-Edge Management

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Piedi di due cavalli durante il lavoro

In the life of every athlete, whether horse or rider, sooner or later, an injury must be factored in. When it comes to horses, however, we must arm ourselves with patience and come to terms with it. After all, we ask them to follow us in sports, not necessarily at a high level, and in training for many years.

It’s normal for them to experience some aches and pains. What matters most, therefore, is learning how to manage the injury in the best possible way, so that our equine friend can return to form with minimal pain, in a short time, and without losing too much condition.

A Veterinarian with Head and Heart

To understand what a modern and optimal injury management approach for horses might look like, we consulted Dr. Carlotta Caminiti, a veterinarian who works at her clinic, Le Cicogne di Agrate Conturbia, located in the green province of Novara. She oversees rehabilitation protocols that she herself refers to as “2.0,” perfectly aligning with a progressive, ethical approach to horseback riding that is designed with the horse in mind.

Rehabilitation in Motion

Statistically, Dr. Caminiti noticed over many years of practice, horses with injuries, especially those involving tendons or ligaments, were either “sent back into action” too quickly if they were destined for racing, or far too slowly if they were involved in disciplines like show jumping or dressage. In both cases, the body didn’t have enough time to react properly, which led to reinjury shortly thereafter.

Indeed, returning to full activity before full recovery is just as risky as keeping the horse confined in a stall, walking hand-led for a few minutes each day over the course of weeks. Reflecting on these issues and studying not only equine physiology but also the nature of horses—who are natural grazers—Dr. Caminiti developed recovery protocols that include outings and exercises to maintain fitness and relaxation during the healing process.

Positive Rehabilitation

At Le Cicogne, under the expert guidance of Dr. Caminiti and her team, the foundation is this: why not consider management techniques that make the forced rest period away from competition a positive experience? A recovery period where the horse heals in the best possible way without unnecessary stress. Of course, each injury must be managed differently, depending on whether it affects joints, tendons, ligaments, or even bones.

The protocols vary, and to be effective, they often require tackling the problem from multiple fronts, as Dr. Caminiti explains. The physiotherapy machines used are state-of-the-art, and their main purpose is often to promote blood circulation and cellular metabolism, guiding cells toward the formation of healthy tissue.

During this phase, controlled daily movement in water, combined with rehabilitation exercises that the horse can perform by walking on a longe line or, more importantly, in a safe and level paddock, helps to make the tissue as elastic as possible, promoting optimal healing within the correct timeframe.

A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Allowing the horse to spend its rehabilitation period at a specialized center, under the care of professionals, is certainly an attractive idea for any owner who cares deeply for their four-legged companion. Of course, the issue of cost may dampen enthusiasm and understandably cause concern.

In reality, however, when weighing all the factors, the cost of rehabilitation at a specialized center turns out to be only slightly higher, if not equivalent, to traditional stabling costs. Especially if we’re talking about a horse used to frequently competing (a cost that can be cut during recovery).

In a stable, unless in rare cases, for obvious reasons related to space, time, management, costs, and expertise, the horse will have to spend a significant amount of time in a box, leading to physical and mental frustration, longer recovery times, and a higher chance of reinjury.

In a specialized center, however, in addition to being monitored by professional veterinarians, the horse will benefit from a shortened recovery time, a reduced risk of reinjury, and the opportunity to actively participate in its healing process rather than being confined to a box. Of course, with proper veterinary guidance, we can offer “active rehabilitation” even in a stable, provided there’s enough time and space for it.

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