Equine Functional Evaluation
Over the past 20 years, we've seen a growing number of horses struggling without a clear diagnosis. That's why we set out to find the underlying cause.
To achieve this, Karin uses her knowledge from her general veterinary background in combination with 20 years of experience as a rehabilitation veterinarian, myofascial release therapist, rehabilitation trainer and from biomechanics.
How do horses get stuck?
- Unexplained lameness. You've had your horse turned inside out, but no clear cause is found.
- Behavioural problems under saddle where no clear physical cause can be found.
- Your horse is not developing well, the musculature remains moderate.
- Your horse cannot or does not want to gain length in the neck and keeps curling up
- Your horse is strong on 1 rein or does not want to turn properly on 1 side
- Your horse moves shorter and stiffer than you are used to
- Your horse started out nice and light in the hand but is becoming increasingly stiff and stronger
- Your horse feels unstable and wobbly
- Your horse remains sensitive on its back
- Your horse stumbles a lot
- Your horse tilts its head
- In the beginning you made fast progress, but now there seems to be no further improvement in driving
You're not alone!
Many combinations face this problem sooner or later. Horses have become more athletic and elegant, but the downside is that they have also become more vulnerable, less stable, and more susceptible to injury.
In addition, they have also become more sensitive, meaning that even the smallest imbalance or pain gets in the way.
Breeding real sport horses makes it seem easier to train them, but the opposite is true.
We can help you
Would you like to gain more insight into what is going on with your horse and what he needs to function well and be as healthy as possible physically and mentally?
Finding a sustainable solution for your horse is the most important thing for us!
During an EFE Equine Functional Evaluation we assess your horse on:
- Construction and how that affects training
- (hyper)mobility and how this affects general health and training
- The function of the musculoskeletal system
- The function of the neck, back and pelvis
- The function of the myofascial system
- We locate pain complaints
- The nervous system, behavior and coordination
- Hoof-leg balance
- Fit of the saddle
We compare all information, including that from previous processes and examinations that you may have already had done.
What does an EFE look like?
The consultation lasts approximately 1.5 hours and begins with a discussion of the intake form and the problems you encounter.
The horse is then assessed standing and moving on both hard and soft surfaces. A neurological examination is performed, and coordination is tested. On the lunge line, the horse is assessed for balance, spinal mobility, and musculoskeletal system.
If desired, we can also assess your horse under saddle. This is especially important if horses only show symptoms under saddle or if the symptoms are subtle.
Expert advice
Based on the results of the EFE and all previous examinations, we formulate a rehabilitation plan. This plan includes:
- A treatment advice
- Advice regarding hoof-bone balance
- Nutritional advice
- (rehabilitation) training advice
- Zadeladvies
- General health advice
- Advice regarding behavior
- Referral for further investigations if necessary
We'll work with you to find solutions. Do you want to rehabilitate your horse yourself? Or would you prefer to have your horse placed with one of the 4D rehabilitation trainers? Would you prefer home support?
Because we work with a large network of trainers and practitioners, it's almost always possible to put together a good team near you that can help you solve your horse's problems.
Preventive
Of course, you can also come to us if your horse has few or no problems or injuries. We'd love to hear from you! Prevention is better than cure. So if you'd like to know what challenges your horse faces due to its build or increased flexibility, and what can help keep it healthy, you're certainly welcome to schedule an appointment.
Location
Equine Functional Evaluations are currently being conducted at Debbie van der Aar's Equitation Academy in Kootwijkerbroek. She is a highly skilled rehabilitation trainer. She can also lunge and ride your horse during the EFE. For example, if your horse is very tense in unfamiliar terrain and you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, or if you simply prefer to watch from the ground to get a good overview.
Debbie's advantage is that she can bring your horse back into balance in a very short time, which provides a wealth of information. Some horses show irregularities when they're out of balance, but not when they're walking in balance. This tells us a lot about how the back is used and where we should look for literal and figurative sore spots.
Quick fix
Unfortunately, we don't have that. Keeping a horse healthy is a significant challenge, and it involves many factors. The longer a horse has been experiencing problems, the longer it takes to get it comfortable and healthy again.
What we promise is that we'll do our utmost to help you, and we also need something from you... your full commitment to training your horse as optimally as possible and making the best possible adjustments for your horse's benefit. With equine rehabilitation, success depends on "everything being right." Small things can make a huge difference, for better or for worse. Rehabilitating a horse is a team effort. If you're committed, we're here for you!
Yes! I'd like to know more!
Would you like to gain more insight into what is going on with your horse and what he needs to function well and be as healthy as possible physically and mentally?
