Wendy Vaughan Part 1: An introduction to Wendy and Ori

This month we welcome founder of the Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy to Everything Horse for a regular column about the journey of rehabilitating her new horse, Ori, who came along following the sad passing of her dog.

Wendy’s column will not only be a journey for readers to enjoy, but it’ll offer invaluable advice on the rehabilitation process of horses.

And so the story begins…

Part 1: An introduction to Wendy and Ori

I hadn’t planned on adopting a horse, let alone rehabilitating one, but when my precious pup Hank passed in the same week as the opportunity arose I knew that this was a real opportunity to help, and fill a furry hole in my world.

And then along came Ori, a ten year-old Trakehner mare, who needed my help, I knew that we could help each other.

I run the Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy, and share my skills with students as part of the iPET Network qualifications that we offer.

Over the years I have dedicated myself to my life as an Equine Physiotherapist. I knew that Ori would be in safe hands, and I couldn’t say no to the challenge.

Before becoming injured in her field, Ori had been successfully competing at Advanced Medium dressage, though she had previously been treated for some mild (close but not touching) kissing spines and had come to me for rehabilitation before.

So her treatment began, and so has our blossoming friendship, I felt excited to get started, but also know that there is a challenge ahead of us.

With any rehabilitation, it’s essential to get all the basics right up front. Ori had recently seen the dentist and I have the reports, and her vaccinations were all up to date when she came, so those aspects were taken care of. There was no need for tack checks as she won’t be in ridden work for at least six months.

Since arriving, so far Ori has been seen by the farrier – there is a little bit of work to do to get her feet in the optimum condition, which we can manage as we work through her rehabilitation plan; and she has been weighed.

For this we used Sophie Gregory Equine Weighbridge, which is great because she comes to the yard with a portable weighbridge and is a wonderful independent business. Sophie is also part of the Academy team, she is our Internal Quality Manager.

Having an accurate weight and body condition score on record is a great start point, which we can monitor as we work through her rehabilitation.  

I have also had a conversation with equine behaviourist Lyla Cansfield, as Ori has lived in the same home for eight years, the move is obviously unsettling for her. I know we need to do the very best for her to help her get settled in her new home.

Most importantly, Ori has also been seen by vet Dr Julian Wain, who is also a tutor and our veterinary lead at the Academy.  You can’t plan an effective rehabilitation plan without a diagnosis. In this case, diagnosis is strain to the sacroiliac ligaments.  The prognosis is good, but it will probably take six to nine months for her to recover.

So, having got all the basic information, I sat down and started to design my rehabilitation plan.

To do this I like to write out a whole plan for the six months so I can consider my graduated and progressive plan (small steps, building up over time).

However, it is important with these things to be flexible too, and with rehab, everything can change, it’s always important to build in review and evaluation to make sure that you are on track – not just blindly following a plan.

Step one in designing the plan is to assess the facilities and the capabilities of the team involved.  The good news is Ori won’t be in ridden work for a while – I’m a good physio, but only an amateur rider – when we get to this stage, I’ll need support.

However, for now, it’s all about the work on the ground.

We are extremely lucky to be at the Pip Acton Equestrian yard, based at Rosegarth and run by Lucinda Fredericks.

Pip is extremely knowledgeable, caring and supportive and will work with me throughout, and Lucinda’s yard has amazing facilities for rehab.  However, regardless of the facilities available, we can always build a rehab plan, sometimes we just have to be a bit more creative.

I like to start all my rehab plans by focusing on core conditioning.  This is an essential for any horse, but especially in this case as we have had some mild kissing spines. So for now I am focusing on baited stretches and dynamic mobilisation exercises, which hopefully will be a wonderful start for Ori as she settles into her new life, and we both get to know each other.

What an exciting challenge, and I hope that Everything Horse readers will enjoy reading about our progress as the weeks and months go on!

Find out more about the training pathway to become a veterinary physiotherapist with the Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy.