Dr.Vluggen felt that Eddie represented a lot of classic race horse issues all really stemming from the over development of the "going forward" from the rear that locks up the pelvis through uneven development of the hind muscles. This is not the result of injury but of repetitive exclusive development of the muscles needed to reach forward without any attention made to equal development of the muscles used for backing up. As the pelvis locks up and cannot move freely, then a lot of compensatory mechanisms and muscles come into play, ultimately leading to injuries-like bows, stifle and hocks. Eddie's right side was worse and more painful than the left. That right shoulder pain/trigger points was from an extremely tight and shortened elbow range of motion that didn't allow him to extend his right front leg back in a normal position-especially when flexed-as in jumping!. However-that was a secondary issue to his locked up pelvis. He also adjusted almost all of his vertebra but only a few were locked and rotated-the rest were just locked up because the muscles were locked. He had two ribs out-the 14th on the right, 18th on the left. His right hind needed more adjusting then left and was showing early/worse inflammatory/frozen issues in the hock and stifle but again-this was all compensatory issues for trying to move with a locked up pelvis. His right TMJ was also locked as was his cervical vertebra-especially C1 thru C3. He was unable to flex/rotate at his poll but he can now.

Our homework....6 weeks of very intensive..... backing up especially short tight circles......cavaletti....and carrot stretches...all first level dressage flexion and bending. All done at a walk.

Eddies experience: was very intense-Dr. Vluggen has a very good way with the horses. He is respectful/kind but very efficient and does what needs to be done. He is a good teacher for all of us. Eddie relaxed with him more and more even though some of what he did was uncomfortable, I felt that Eddie tried very hard to work with him. Eddie was sore last night but much more comfortable this am. We haven't had him out yet but he was moving more freely in his stall. Also he loaded MUCH easier yesterday backing into his stall in the trailer after his treatment.

Both Peter and I were impressed and very excited by what we learned yesterday. Of course, I feel that all race horses should be worked on by Dr. Vluggen/Dr. K. Parker. We can't wait to bring Simon to be worked on, too.

Penelope