26 year old dressage rider Thea Maxfield is on the road to recovery after sustaining a 'hangman's fracture' neck injury during a schooling session at her home in Oxfordshire. With the help of a unique electronic method of assessing injuries and rehabilitation
, invented by research physiotherapist Don Gatherer, the horse breeder and rider from Castle Grange Stud is back in the saddle and training towards prix st georges level.
Using loadcells (force measurement electronics) to measure muscle force, Don attaches a leather harness to the patient, evenly applying weight loads to the damaged area. This new objective form of physiotherapy provides a detailed and accurate assessment of the patient’s condition, and enables Don to accurately advise his patients when they have recovered sufficiently to ride again.
Thea began her treatment in February 2010, three months after her accident. Using a saddle horse set up at her yard, the patented harness and a regime designed by Don, she has not only recovered from her injury but also built up her core strength and improved her posture and stability.
The young rider, who is trained by Sandy Phillips and Adam Murdin told British Dressage, "I feel that Don's pioneering method of analysis and rehabilitation has been instrumental in getting me back in the saddle just 7 months after my accident."
Thea suggests that a rider may focus considerably on the horse and not think enough about their own fitness and conditioning. "We treat the horses as athletes but not the riders, this unique form of physio has helped to counter the left or right handedness of my horses also,” She explained, "Even without an injury, the necessity to be physically strong is key to being a better rider. This analysis would also be beneficial for anyone wanting to ensure that every muscle is strong for peak performance."
Thea's story will feature on BBC Oxford and the South regional news on Friday 22 October.
For more information about Don Gatherer’s patented techniques visit The Gatherer Partnership website.
Text courtesy British Dressage
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