Charlie

Charlie D - Initial Physiotherapy Assessment and Exercises 06/3/25 Charlie is a 16 year old gelding who is ridden by a variety of riders of different levels. He enjoys fun rides and flatwork. He is ridden most days and is in modersate work with regular lessons including lateral movements. Shoes were done during visit, right hind had lost a shoe and left hind was loose. Up to date with teeth and saddle check. Owner reports lack of hindlimb engagement and some difficulties bending with quarters likely to move right during lateral or back up. Gait: Straight moving with even pelvic drop to each side, tail head held slightly left. Narrow with the hindlimbs and slightly more toe out on the left hindlimb.In walk lacks impulsion and has generally lower flight arc with hindlimbs. Right hind has some instability in the stance phase. Left forelimb toe in. On the lunge moved through transitions well, preferred to canter than trot at times, initially lacked flexion in the right hindlimb on the circle, when changed rein, this was evident to a lesser degree on the left hindlimb too. Palpation: Tendancy for the right supra-orbital fat pad to be displaced more when eating (teeth up to date) may be linked to asymmetry when flexing/bending. Even masseter musculature. Neck restricted c3-5 left side and at poll when flexing to the right. Lacking splenius muscle and showing added tension in the nuchal ligament. Lacking trapezius but improves with lateral work and shoulder mobilisations. Left forelimb check lig showing some swelling but no heat. Right forelimb shows older tendon injuries mid cannon. Swellings bilaterally in hindlimb metatarsophalangeal joints. Able to lift thoracic spine well – some spasming and tension right hand side from thoracic to lumbar region. On the left just lumbar tension present.Overdevelopment of the middle gluteal and lacking in hamstrings, gracilis and biceps femoris and quads in the hindlimbs. Resisted pelvic extension but showed good flexion. Aim:    Improve hindlimb flexion and strength Reduce hip tension Improve lateral suppleness horsestohoundsphysio@gmail.com www.horsestohoundsphysio.co.uk 07729002162 horsestohoundsphysio@gmail.com www.horsestohoundsphysio.co.uk 07729002162 horsestohoundsphysio@gmail.com www.horsestohoundsphysio.co.uk 07729002162 horsestohoundsphysio@gmail.com www.horsestohoundsphysio.co.uk 07729002162