Proper Saddle Fit! Pat Holl Animal Chiropractor Horse Chiropractor Dog Chiropractor Billings Montana

Saddle Fit is one of the most important considerations for any rider, anywhere. The purpose of the saddle is to distribute the weight of the rider evenly, provide a stable base, and to allow the horse to move independently from the rider. If a saddle is the wrong size, positioned incorrectly or defective, it can cause pain and even lameness. Signs of a poor-fitting saddle include head tossing, sores on the back, abnormal head carriage, difficulty changing leads, hair loss or white hairs along the withers under the saddle (indicating blood circulation being cut off), saddle avoidance or striking when saddled, bucking, swelling after removing the saddle and uneven sweat patterns. Over time, the horse’s efforts to compensate in an effort to maintain mobility and balance can result in muscle strain, pain, stumbling, abnormal gait patterns and even lameness! Poor saddle fit can result from improper placement, broken or worn trees, uneven panels and incorrect size of saddle to rider. When saddling your horse, here are some things to consider: First, place the saddle on the horse’s back without padding, put it forward on the withers and then slide it back to where it sits ‘at home’. Saddle should be fit with nothing underneath initially, then rechecked with the padding you’ll be using. There should be a 3-finger clearance between the pommel of the saddle and the withers. Points of the tree should be 2 inches behind the shoulder blade. Run you hand under the panels. Be sure there’s room under the stirrup bars to slide your hand. Check for ‘bridging’ or ‘rocking’, and be sure the saddle is level. Ensure a 3-finger space for gullet clearance. The weightbearing part of the saddle should not extend beyond the last rib. Re-check all systems with the padding on, and remember that good padding is essential. Additionally, know that multiple pads act to functionally narrow the tree, so use one good pad. These are only some of the variables involved in proper saddle fit, but they should get you started. Remember that saddle fit is not stable and not static. You need a rider in motion to accurately and comprehensively assess for proper saddle fit. Have questions? Recommendations? Post a comment, and join the conversation. See you next week!

Dog Agility and Competition - Pat Holl Canine Equine Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Is your dog an athlete? Is agility competition and training part of your life? Whether you’re a professional handler of a world class athlete or a weekend warrior, agility training can improve your dog’s condition, nurture communication, and promote health. Agility courses vary and can be complicated, whether it’s weave polls, teeter-totters, crossovers, tunnels or jumps. Training for these events require attention to every detail, and preparation strategies often include attention to diet, exercise and sleep patterns. An area often overlooked however, is the health of the nervous system. Animal chiropractors understand the importance of a healthy, functioning nervous system. A vital nervous system is central to the conditioning of your dog, as well as to performance outcome. Chiropractic care for your pet will facilitate a healthier, stronger and more resilient animal. Chiropractic can help restore function and mobility, and improve muscle tone and endurance. It increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrient supply to help develop speed and accuracy. It helps reduce muscle spasms and adhesions, and increases flexibility to improve overall performance. Additionally, animal chiropractic can address the micro injuries resulting from everyday stress, helping the body heal optimally and enhancing overall quality of life. So a little treatment can make a big difference, and regular chiropractic care can markedly improve your dog’s life!

Montana Skijoring Finals - Pat Holl -Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Imagine being dragged on skis around a 900 foot course from a tow- rope attached to a galloping horse at 25 miles an hour. All the while screaming tailgaters cheering you on. Congratulations. You’ve just been indoctrinated into the sport of skijoring. Originally developed in the Scandinavian countries as a form of transportation, skijoring has morphed into a popular western sport. It is an unusual combination of western and Norwegian traditions, often blending teams of ‘old-time western cowboys’ with ‘modish’ skiers, negotiating through an outer snow-covered slalom course with gates and jumps on skies, and an often muddy inner course by the horse. The race is timed. The horse gallops around the inside of the track, pulling the skier who grabs onto a rope. The fastest times go home with the trophy. As a chiropractor, it is difficult not to recognize the absolute necessity for my professional skills, both for the skier and the HORSE! Navigating muddy or icy turns at high speeds can often result in crashes. However, despite the wipe-outs, it is definitely a winter adventure sport unlike any other. The skijoring circuit passes through communities throughout the west, including Wyoming, Colorado and Montana, and Red Lodge Montana hosts the national championships, coming up next weekend! So, if you’re looking for some winter excitement combining athletic skills with sheer strength, be sure to check out the Skijoring Finals in Red Lodge Montana next weekend. But chiropractors beware…it’s subluxation city!!! Have a comment? Join the conversation!

Canine Hip Dysplasia - Pat Holl - Animal Chiropractic in Billings Montana

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, usually beginning with a subluxation of the femoral head in the acetabular cavity. What this means is that the thigh bone (femur) isn't sitting appropriately in the hip joint (acetabulum). This leads to premature wear and tear of the joint, and left unattended, can evolve to progressive degenerative joint disease. This condition can cause hip and leg pain, stiffness, lameness, reluctance to rise, abnormal gait, ‘bunny hopping’, and muscle atrophy. Secondary symptoms may include neuralgia, sacroiliac joint pain, facet syndrome and spinal subluxations. Though predominantly found in larger breeds, hip dysplasia can be seen in any breed at any age. The standard diagnostic technique is x-ray, which is critical for visualizing bone degeneration. The causes of this condition may include genetic, environmental and/or nutritional components. Additionally, chronic wear and tear caused by aggressive training or competition may prematurely wear down the joints. Treatment may include weight control and gentle exercise such as long walks, to stimulate cartilage growth and help prevent muscle atrophy. Other options include Regenerative Injection Therapies, such as Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy to help regenerate and reinforce the ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint. Depending on the severity of this condition, medication may be indicated to control pain and reduce inflammation. In the more advanced cases, surgical intervention is an option to modify, repair or replace the joint. Remember that these pups will usually benefit from chiropractic management in the neighboring joints and spine to stimulate the nervous system and boost immunity! Have a comment? Join in!

Caring For Your Horse in Winter - Pat Holl - Horse Chiropractor in Billings, Montana

Hi everyone, and Happy 2013! Well, it’s January, and when it’s cold to us, it’s cold to our horses. Though horses adapt incredibly well to winter and grow ‘winter coats’ for added protection and insulation against the elements (see picture of my filly, below), we still need to ensure that they are adequately prepared and fortified throughout the winter months. If you keep your horse in a stall or barn, always be sure that the bedding is clean and changed regularly. Be sure there is good ventilation, as this is vital for your horse’s respiration, however be aware of ‘drafty’ areas, particularly in frosty temps. If you winter your horse outdoors, be sure to provide a wind block. Most horses accustomed to being outdoors adapt and will grow long, warm coats which retain body heat for insulation, but a frigid wind can penetrate most things. Additionally, rain and ‘wet cold’ can be challenging to withstand. You may want to consider blanketing your horse. Blankets are particularly helpful for the older horse, or perhaps one who is injured and cannot run around freely. There are many wonderful types of blankets, running from lightweight to heavy, depending on the need, and there are numerous resources online delineating these distinctions. If you ride your horse throughout the winter, remember these tips: Always prepare your horse by warming up. As with us, freezing temps can injure improperly prepared tissues. A comprehensive grooming will warm the muscles, tendons and ligaments by promoting circulation. Also, don’t neglect your horse’s hooves. Packed snow and ice buildup in the hoof can be treacherous, particularly in terrain that might also be snowy or icy. Warm the bit and tack before use, and remember that if your horse has been corralled for any length of time, it is vital they have appropriate warm-up. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, remember to check the water in your horse’s watering areas. Automatic heating waterers are great if you have them, but if not, try insulated buckets. These are just a few of the reminders that will help provide your horse with the love and care they deserve, even when ‘Old Man Winter’ is in town! Have a comment? Join the conversation, and see you next week!

 

Canine Athlete and Chiropractic Care - Canine and Equine Chiropractor in Billings Montana

As chiropractors, we understand that regular chiropractic care can not only help the body heal, but can also facilitate a healthier, stronger and more resilient animal. When your dog’s spine is out of alignment, this can result in muscle spasms, nerve irritation, inflammation, adhesions, and of course, pain. Pain behaviors in your animal will depend on the severity and duration of compromise, however common observable changes in your dog may include stiff motion, inability to bear weight, reluctance to rise, ‘puppy sitting’, whimpering and changes in appetite. Chiropractic care can help restore function and mobility, and improve muscle tone. Chiropractic management assists the nervous system in coordinating the body’s ability to heal and regulate itself, thus helping the body perform at its highest potential. And here are some other benefits to consider: Chiropractic care helps to increase circulation and helps eliminate lactic acid. It increases delivery of oxygen and nutrient supply, helps reduce muscle spasms and adhesions, increases flexibility and can improve overall performance! Additionally, chiropractic care can address the micro injuries resulting from everyday stress, thus enhancing overall quality of life. So, whether you have a world class athlete, or a weekend warrior, a little maintenance and prevention can make a big difference, and regular chiropractic care can markedly improve your animal’s life!

Horse Health and Competition - Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Hi all! Well, just got back from teaching Animal Chiropractic to the students at Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and what a success! There was so much interest, I thought I'd post a blog on horse health. Enjoy reading, post a comment, and join the conversation!

Is your horse an athlete? Is competition and training part of your life? Whether you’re a professional owner of a world class athlete or a weekend warrior, proper training can improve your horse’s health, nurture communication, and promote wellbeing. Competitions vary, whether it’s dressage, jumping, barrel racing or roping. Training for these events requires attention to every detail, and preparation strategies often include attention to diet, exercise and equipment. An area often overlooked however, is the health of the nervous system. Animal chiropractors understand the importance of a healthy, functioning nervous system. A vital nervous system is central to the conditioning of your horse, as well as to performance outcome. Chiropractic care for your horse will facilitate a healthier, stronger and more resilient animal. Chiropractic can help restore function and mobility, and improve muscle tone and endurance. It increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrient supply to help develop speed and accuracy. It helps reduce muscle spasms and adhesions, and increases flexibility to improve overall performance. Additionally, animal chiropractic can address the micro injuries resulting from everyday stress, helping the body heal optimally and enhancing overall quality of life. So a little treatment can make a big difference, and regular chiropractic care can markedly improve your horse’s life!