In Focus - Equine Osteopathy
In the Interview: Anja Maria Weber
Hi Anja, please introduce yourself briefly.
I'm Anja, an equine osteopath from Schwäbisch Gmünd, 32 years young, and I can't imagine a more beautiful profession.
What is your professional background, how did you come to equine osteopathy?
After finishing school, I first completed training as a dental assistant but soon realized I wanted something different. After my three-year training as a human physiotherapist, I was able to continue on the path and pursue my dream job. I then completed two more years of further training at DIPO to become an equine osteopath. Regular further training is also very important to me.
How did it come about that you now treat only horses?
I realized that when treating horses, I can follow my own path more, be more flexible, and develop in the directions I envision and desire for myself.
In July 2023, it happened that I took the step to become self-employed.
What exactly is equine osteopathy and when do you come into play?
Equine osteopathy is an alternative, gentle treatment method that targets all areas of equine anatomy, i.e.
Muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, fascia, vessels, nerves, and organs.
The combination of empathy, recognizing connections, and anatomical knowledge makes equine osteopathy, in my opinion, a unique treatment method.
I come into play with a wide range of issues. Here are a few examples:
Prevention
Performance enhancement
Competition preparation
Rideability problems
Lameness
Rearing/Bucking
After fall/trauma
Back pain
Position/Bending
Hormonal balance in mares
Tendon injury
Respiratory problems COPD/Asthma
Stumble
Girthiness
Personality change
Tail tilt
…..
Do you have certain routines, or is your approach different with each horse?
I already have certain routines regarding the process leading up to my treatment, but the treatment itself is always tailored individually to the horse.
How do you evaluate a horse when you first meet it, and what criteria are most important to you?
I observe the horse even when it's interacting with its owner, as I can learn an incredible amount about its character from that.
Of course, during the anamnesis with the owner, I gather more information about the horse. Subsequently, it is important to build trust with the horse, and if necessary, a few relaxation techniques at the beginning are not a mistake. For me, the most important thing is the horse's feedback during our joint treatment. Never work against the horse, but with it; this is the most important criterion for me.
In what way do you collaborate with veterinarians?
Often, horses have issues that require collaboration with the veterinarian and/or the farrier to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient.
How important is your support for a sport horse?
In my opinion, it is extremely important in equestrian sports to have both your equine partner and yourself regularly treated by an osteopath. This is because the horse's problems always become the rider's problems and vice versa.
What does a long-term collaboration with your clients look like?
Regularly scheduled appointments at intervals that make sense for the horse. In between, customers are welcome to diligently complete the homework I give them.
Homework, in what way?
These are specific, individually tailored exercises that support the horse, as well as certain training methods and tips for everyday horse training.
Can you provide tips and support to train your eye for your own horse?
Pay close attention and respond.
Because our horses are particularly good at hiding pain or problems.
As prey animals, this is normal, but unfortunately, they often don't show us for too long that something is wrong. They are so-called compensation artists. A good way to imagine this is a trash can. When the trash can is overflowing, it eventually starts to spill over. That's the moment when our horses suddenly, for example, become lame. We need to empty the trash can before it's full. For this, it's advisable to have your horse checked osteopathically every 6 months.
Dear Anja, thank you for your time!
Website: https://www.horseosteopathyweber.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osteopathie.pferde/?hl=en
