Julia
Mottram Equine Physiotherapist
Second visit to meet me and Flynn
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| Beth warming up super Flynn |
On Monday the 9th
October Flynn and I were excited about our second meeting with Julia as it was
going to be our first ridden assessment.
We have been doing our home work from last month which was carrot
stretches. Flynn says ”I’m good at this bending for carrot game”. We met at the
yard at 1.30 and today we were lucky with the weather as the sun was shining.
First of all Beth rode Flynn for 20 minutes to warm him up and Julia watched
him strut his stuff with his Mummy.
Whatever Beth rides she always makes them look amazing, but today Flynn
looked like he had been at an all-inclusive buffet!! We did laugh as he made his way around the
arena with Beth shouting... OMG Flynn you defiantly need to get Millered, which
means she’s on his case, diet and more exercise. Oh dear poor Flynn.
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I am listening Honest !!! |
We were able to see from the
ground that the saddle slipped to the right side, this is something Beth knows
about and we are waiting for her saddle fitter to come back from holiday so we
can start discussing/looking at something more suitable for me and Flynn.
Prior to actually getting
into the saddle Julia notices that I collapse my right shoulder and use my
right arm to fix with, so Julia had already said this will probably transfer to
when I’m in the saddle to the right,
This is a habit I have got into when relaxing as I seem to sit sideways and
lean on the right back rest of the wheelchair. (It’s comfortable!! ha ha but I
need to stop it!! Oh dear Flynn don’t think you’re the only one in trouble)
Julia put some tape across
my back in the shape of a large cross and some on the middle of the saddle, and
then she watched me walk round the arena. Julia assessed my sitting posture
with and without stirrups and with the use of the tape it was clear to see how
my posture changed. To start with my right shoulder was dropping and the saddle
was slipping to the right, with some small adjustments and advice I was able to
sit straighter. By assessing this it is clear to Julia that I need to work on
my lateral stability, to keep my right shoulder from dropping and give me
stability in the saddle. It also showed that the saddle does need some
attention from a qualified saddler to stop it slipping to the right.
We worked on 20 meter
circles and also some serpentines and did lots of transitions from stand to
walk and walk to stand. Then I had to put the reins into one hand and do arm
exercises to help with balance and strengthening of my core, and use the arena
mirrors to check my position in the saddle at all times. This is all extremely
hard for me and quite exhausting at this stage. I need to build up my stamina and
by riding more frequently this will improve. Julia says it’s like her and Beth
riding not being able to feel the saddle under your bum and your feet in the stirrups.
Imagine that!! Well we have some homework to work on, when on the ground after
Flynn has been ridden more carrot stretches, encouraging bending and stretching
to help with suppleness and balance is good for Flynn and when I am riding I
have to try and do the arm exercises and core work, without stirrups which will
help me to strengthen my core and help with my balance and try and stop me
falling to the right.
Julia also has been
extremely helpful with an application to the SSIT charity; we are working
towards raising some money for a hoist to be fitted in the arena. This will
enable me to ride more frequently and not to need so many people to walk by the
side or be around. It would make it a lot easier, so fingers crossed we get our
application granted. Both Flynn and I are looking forward to our next session,
which will be a ridden assessment for me first, then a treatment for Flynn. As
always I must thank Flynn’s Owner Beth Hobbs for all her support and guidance
and thanks to Julia for working with us!!
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