SI (pelvis) issues and a Chiro visit

I went out to the barn Monday after work because I had booked a chiro appointment for Dolly. I was feeling better about the whole situation with her. I was no longer fire-breathing angry, but had just decided to try and ride her in the ring and then decide about putting her up for sale at some point this summer if nothing improved.

Dolly has been quite stiff under saddle – mostly in her back end. I was seeing some fairly random issues with her that pointed in a bunch of different directions. She wasn’t lame, but she wasn’t moving comfortably either. She would toss her head when you applied leg, her walk and trot were stiff and choppy, her canter in the round pen was disunited and hard for her to maintain. She was also a bit tender in different spots on her back. I decided to try my endurance saddle instead of the western saddle to see if that was the problem. I rode her twice in the endurance saddle and didn’t notice any drastic changes.

I gave Dolly a week of bute and 2 weeks off from riding and there was still no change. She also had what we thought was a hunter’s bump… I thought of trying chiro, but I had Dolly adjusted twice in the fall by a different chiro and saw absolutely no change. I didn’t really know what other options I had at this point. I was worried that Dolly was in pain, or at least quite uncomfortable, but the way she was reacting under saddle. (Note: I think the bucking on the trail was still attitude at being held back)

I was talking to RuckusButt about Dolly’s issues and she told me that she had been researching another chiro in the area. There aren’t a lot of alternative treatment options in our area, so having a new chiro in town was a bit of a big deal. I sat on the info for a bit and then decided to call for an appointment. I figured that it would be the last thing I could try with Dolly to help her out.

I have to admit that I had pretty low expectations from this chiro visit. Fortunately, I was proven wrong! The new chiro was friendly, knowledgeable and spent an hour with Dolly and I! She did chiropractic adjustments as well as some soft tissue work and stretching. She told me that Dolly’s pelvis was very stiff and it would be quite uncomfortable for her. She did several adjustments and stretches and felt that she was able to loosen things up. She also did adjustments to Dolly’s back and neck. Dolly was an ideal chiro patient and spent the whole hour trying to snuggle with me (rotten horse!) and licking and chewing during the adjustments.

I gave her 24 hours off and rode for the first time last night. The first interesting thing was that when I whistled for Dolly, she cantered to the gate! Normally I have to go get her and drag her in… lol. The second interesting thing was that Dolly’s walk was more forward and I could feel her back end working better. I was content to just walk around the riding ring, but Endurance Lady told me to try a trot and see how she did. I trotted a few circles in each direction and I had a normal trot! No head jerking up, no aggressive chomping on the bit and no choppy strides! I’m pretty surprised and I think Dolly was too. Our trotting still needs lots of work, but I at least feel that she is comfortable and willing to work, instead of fighting me every step of the way.

I haven’t tried her out on the trails yet, I’m not going to rush that. I want to build up some confidence in the ring and then go from there. John Lyons always says “ride where you can, not where you can’t”. This seems to be a fairly good sentiment for me right now.

Some SI/Pelvis info:

Behind the Bit has an older post on SI issues

Understanding Sacroiliac pain

Sacroiliac Injury – Merck Veterinary Manual