The use of allied health therapies on competition horses in the North Island of New Zealand.
Abstract: To obtain data on the use of allied health therapy within competitive equestrian sport in the North Island of New Zealand. Methods: Data were collected during January 2010 by survey at show jumping and dressage championships in the North Island, and from racing yards in the Central Districts of New Zealand. The survey consisted of 30 open, closed and multiple-choice questions, and was conducted face-to-face, by the same interviewer. Information on the demographics of riders or trainers and horses in each discipline (show jumping, dressage, and Thoroughbred racing), the use of allied health therapy (physiotherapy, chiropractic and equine sports massage) on horses, and knowledge of training and qualifications of the allied health therapists was obtained. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine relationships between demographic variables and the use of allied health therapists. Results: In total, 110 riders or trainers participated in the survey. The relative contribution of responses across disciplines was 39/110 (36%), 41/110 (37%) and 30/110 (27%) for show jumping, dressage, and Thoroughbred racing respectively. Allied health therapists were used by 68/110 (62%) respondents to treat their horses. The most common types of allied health therapy used were chiropractic (25/68; 37%) and physiotherapy (16/68; 24%). The main reasons for using allied health therapies were for back pain (22/68; 32%) and lameness (17/68; 25%). Only 5/68 (7%) respondents chose a type of allied health therapy based on veterinary advice, and 49/68 (72%) stated that their veterinarian and allied health therapist did not work together when treating their horses. The final multivariable model for use of allied health therapists included the explanatory variables discipline of the rider or trainer and the number of horses in training per season. Conclusions: The use of allied health therapies for the treatment of competition and racehorses was widespread. Many riders or trainers perceived allied health therapy to be beneficial, however many therapists and veterinarians do not work together and therefore the integrative treatment approach to rehabilitation is lost.
Publication Date: 2011-05-05 PubMed ID: 21541885DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2011.562861Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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Research explores the use of alternative therapies among competition horses in the North Island of New Zealand, highlighting prevalent use and revealing that most therapists and veterinarians do not collaborate in the treatment process.
Research Methodology
- This study collected data from competitive equestrian sports in the North Island of New Zealand in January 2010.
- Responses were gathered from show jumping and dressage championships, as well as racing yards in the Central Districts.
- A survey was conducted, consisting of 30 open, closed and multiple-choice questions, administered face-to-face by the same interviewer. It collected demographic information on riders and horses and information on the use of allied health therapies.
- Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between demographic variables and the use of these alternative health therapists.
Results and Findings
- A total of 110 riders or trainers participated in the survey; 36% were involved in jumping, 37% in dressage, and 27% in Thoroughbred racing.
- About 62% of respondents reported using allied health therapies to treat their horses. Chiropractic and physiotherapy were the most common types.
- The primary reasons for using these therapies were treating back pain and lameness in horses.
- Only 7% respondents chose a therapy based on veterinary advice, and 72% reported their veterinarian and therapist did not collaborate in treating their horses.
- The final model included explanatory variables such as the discipline of the rider or trainer and the number of horses they trained per season.
Conclusion
- This study found widespread use of allied health therapies for treating competition and racehorses.
- Despite the perceived benefits of these therapies by riders and trainers, there lacks a collaborative approach in the treatment process, leading to a disjointed rehabilitation process.
Cite This Article
APA
Meredith K, Bolwell CF, Rogers CW, Gee EK.
(2011).
The use of allied health therapies on competition horses in the North Island of New Zealand.
N Z Vet J, 59(3), 123-127.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2011.562861 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Data Collection
- Horses / physiology
- Manipulation, Chiropractic / veterinary
- Massage / veterinary
- New Zealand
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Physical Therapy Modalities / veterinary
- Sports
- Surveys and Questionnaires
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