| |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Sisko’s
story
See the Latest News for an Update on Sisko
Sisko is one of my horses here at the ranch. He is a 7
year old Arabian gelding. When he was a yearling, he was
kicked in the hindquarter by another horse. He developed
massive scar tissue from the top of his left hip, all
down the gaskin muscle, all the way to his hock. He even
has a white hoofprint on his rump. He always short strode
that back left. He had problems picking up the right diagonal
and the right canter lead. He had a serious problem with
the farrier hammering on that corresponding back hoof.
He had been evaluated by vets, his x-rays are clean, but
no solution could be found to help that scar tissue, and
it seemed to be getting worse. It was causing compensatory
injuries. Sore hocks, sore back, even a sore shoulder
on the diagonal. Then I found Beth M. Smith. She is also
Trainer and the best instructor I’ve ever had. She
also specializes in rehabilitation cases. She recommended
Feldenkrais* exercises. The art of movement. Beth knew
some techniques I found very intriguing, so I sent her
my horse. She used a combination of massage, Feldenkrais*
& TTOUCH. Sisko’s scar tissue was gone within
a month. I consider this nothing short of miraculous.
This was only the beginning. With no evidence left of
the kick other than the white hoofprint on his butt, we
still had to address the compensatory injuries. Beth put
Sisko on a daily routine of his stretches/Feldenkrais*
and ground work. Longing over poles & cavelleti to
strengthen his back and get him to pick up those feet.
The improvement was incredible. I barely recognized this
horse. Although he still was showing soreness related
to the hocks. Showing nothing on X-ray, the vet were baffled
at how to treat. (Sisko is already on an excellent feeding
program including a good hoof/joint supplement).
Stem Cells: Part one
In January 2007 David Howe M.D. 0f El Cajon, and Craig
Chandler D.V.M. of East County Large Animal Practice injected
Sisko’s Hocks with human Fiber-Blast Stem Cells.
The next day Sisko’s hocks were as swollen as I’ve
ever seen a horse. He suffered some inflamation for a
couple of weeks. Beth continued his program, slowly, based
on his ability each day. By the end of the month he was
floating over the poles and cavelleti like I’ve
never seen him do before. He has much more flexion in
his hocks and his back is stronger. He is being ridden
now and we will keep you updated on his progress.
I cannot thank enough the people that helped in the rehabilitation
of these horses.
Photo Credits: Annie Libby Photograhy
Back to Before
& After |
|
|
|
|
