Call Me at (231) 670-9476
   
 Cassandra Snyder welcomes you to:
"C. Snyder's Way"
Serving the Mid-West, and Pacific North West
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PHYSIOLOGICAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL problem solving:

 Treatment & Resolution! 

 

I offer physiological problem-solving; seeing what is physically wrong with your horse's body which is making it act the way it does.

I offer psychological problem-solving; finding the origin of emotional or behavioral characteristics that need to be changed. 

Most often, with horses, a problem is psycho-physiological and has a strong correlation between the mind, behavior, and body of the animal.

With years of my life dedicated to racehorses and performance horses, I have had extensive exposure to, and therefore understanding of, the bio mechanical function of the equine body, mind and hoof.   Exposure to numerous lameness and dysfunction issues have taught me the importance of a holistic (whole system) diagnosisTreating only the symptom leads to a recurrence of the symptom. When the source of a problem is not eliminated, the problem will return and the symptom may not be resolved.  An accurate diagnosis is imperative for healing and sustained successful recovery. Please contact yout Veterinarian for any health emergencies for you horse!

After the holistic diagnosis begins the exciting return to health of your horse!

 

On the leading edge of technology, I offer to your horse: 

  • Infra Sound Wave Therapy; vibration of health removes interferences
  • Cold L.A.S.E.R.; for analgesia (pain relief) and bio-activation
  • Massage Therapy; return muscles to their full performance capacity
  • Acupressure; balance energetic systems and promote healing
  • Trigger Point Therapy; Jack Meagher's teachings for muscle health
  • Vitamin and nutritional recommendations; provide proper nutrients
  • Saddle Fit Expertise; is the saddle appropriate or harming your horse?  
  • Saddleright saddle pads; absolute best orthopedic pad, available here!
  • Hoof care analysis; a balanced hoof is the foundation for your horse

EXAMPLE PROBLEM: sore feltlock

The following is an example of treating only the symptom: 

Horse presents mild lameness.  Flexes sore on left fetlock. Radiographs confirm mild degeneration. Fetlock is injected. 

But, what about the CAUSE of the joint degeneration?! Why is that joint experiencing pain?  This question must be addressed for successful healing.

The etiologies, or CAUSES of the sore fetlock may be numerous.  Following are just two examples of CAUSES of a painful fetlock joint: 

1.  A torsion, rotation, or a misalignment(s) exists in the spine of the horse and excessive torque (twist) on that particular joint is a symptom of such. The spinal rotation will continue to put uneven strain on the fetlock joint, creating pain and premature degeneration of the joint.

 2.  Improper, unblanced hoof care is the cause of uneven wear and strain on that joint.  If a hoof is unbalanced, due to being improperly trimmed and shod, the joints above will experience torque, pain and degeneration.

Injecting the sore fetlock quells the pain for the immediate, and may stop the cycle of inflammation and destruction in the joint. But if the sore fetlock is not viewed as a 'clue', and seen as a warning sign to exam the whole horse for greater lameness, not only is re-occuring damage to the fetlock inevitable, but the horse's body will sink into greater dysfunction and agony.  Potentially, as time goes by and the main issues are not remedied, the horse may begin bucking, or running off etc. since the pain in the rest of its body only becomes greater...

In a holistic program, the sore fetlock may be seen as a symptom of a larger dysfunction which would be treated, as well as treating the fetlock.  

P.S. joint injections have tremendous risk potential.  

 

EXAMPLE PROBLEM: Rushing down hills

Sometimes a horse is hurting terribly, but because it does not have an obvious limp, no one has recognized the horse is in pain.  Rushing down hills is a possible sign of limited function of the horse's back. It is a behavior which indicates the horse could be suffering and in pain.  Rushing down hills is generally indicative of sacro-iliac strain and/or weakness.  Therapy to restore health to mucles, ligaments and the spine is in order and will bring safety to the rider and comfort to the horse.  Rushing down hills may also be caused by an unbalanced rider or ill-fitting tack which is hurting the horse. Rushing down hills can also be a learned behavior.  Seeking out and correcting the cause of a problem is necessary for successful rehabilitation and/or re-training.

 

Example problem: a head-shy horse. 

The first potential cause to come to mind is the question, "Has the horse been mistreated?" Of course, this is a valid concern and is quite possible. A myriad of physical ailments may also cause an animal to guard, or protect, its head from being touched.  These range from the easily fixed issue of loosening too tight of a bridle, to having an equine dentist, or Veterinarian tend to dental needs, to having more extensive therapy performed on the horse to facilitate healing in the poll area. Let's explore the question: how did the trauma occur? 

Perhaps trauma occurred from the horse fighting against being tied.  If a horse pulls back one time, trauma has occured to the poll area.  The immense strength and force of a frightenend horse pulling against a solid object causes tissue damage and may cause a subluxation in the poll.  Another often overlooked, but common cause of trauma occurs when a person allows the horse to drag a lead rope while grazing free.  Many don't know this is hurtful to a horse as certain trainers advocate "making the horse responsible" for a lead rope.  If a horse is walking while grazing, and steps upon the lead rope, the subsequent jerk and impact on the horse's nose and poll area is a powerful and unnatural force, equivalent to the horse's forward momentum combined with the power of its weight upon the drag line under the hoof.  All impact is focused on the fleshy areas under the halter.  Much tissue damage can occur instantly by this unfortunate habit. 

Other causes of major damage in the poll area include use of draw reins, jerking of the bridle reins, any painful bit in which the horse defensively reacts, etc.  Recognizing what has caused the trauma, is as integral as healing the damage.  If the owner of the horse continues to allow the cause of the problem, then treatment would appear short-lived, but in reality, it is a re-traumatization of the area. 

Subluxation of the vertebrae, along with muscle and ligament tears, have numerous causes, all of which can be prevented. A horse that guards its head, and acts head shy, may need a behavioral exam and a physical exam.  Both the holistic evaluation, the holistic treatment approach, and education of the horse's owner will all be necessary for the resolution of head-shyness in a horse.  With this encompassing approach comes peace, comfort, and tranquility to the horse, and relief and safety to the horse's owner. 

A holistic approach to evaluating and treating horses, along with educational opportunities for owners, have produced a 100% success rate of resolving problems for my clients. I welcome your horse, no matter the problem.

Your horse(s) may have "personality" quirks, fearful tendencies, anxiety, willfulness, belligerence, lack of spirit, too much spirit, trouble keeping weight on, not allow themselves to be caught, refuse to trailer load, be unsocial and unloving, etc.  Please let me help create your horse how you want it to act.  

I believe horses are created with an inherently amicable nature, and their behaviors can be easily shaped by their interactions with their handlers.  I've been blessed to have been able to help all those horses whose owners have committed themselves to the repair of their horse, and the repair of their relationship. 

Please don't be intimidated by learning; your horse needs an educated human.

Knowledge is power; empower yourself through learning.

 

 

See results with your horse; C. Snyder's Way.