Information for the DVM

Greetings Doctors of Veterinary Medicine,

I thank you for giving your time to learn of my profession and me. It is my intention in this letter to briefly describe my view of the relationship between my profession and veterinary medicine. First let me state that it is my professional responsibility to work with the veterinarian community and help the equine community at large understand the importance of working together as a healthcare team. Second, my services are not a substitution for proper veterinary care and as a professional I seek to educate the community as to the appropriate role that these modalities and science full fill. Lastly, I believe my work is integral to providing excellent equine healthcare, thus my commitment to build relationships with equestrian community through professional ethics and codes of conduct.

While conventional veterinary medicine (allopathic) has certainly made significant advances in diagnostic and treatment options of disease, at times we have to utilize additional means to examine all aspects of the horse's life style, job and relationships to determine the underlying cause of ailments and appropriate remedy.

If a horse has a sore back many times the treatment regiment of phenylbutazone and time off is an excellent treatment. Yet, if there is a poor saddle fit, fascia tissue adhesions, or muscle tension in the back that is the underlying cause of the soreness, then we must address this ‘ailment' with the appropriate additional ‘remedy': better saddle fit, Myofascial Release and stretching respectively.

Each science, from conventional veterinary medicine to farrier and saddle fit ergonomics, and each modality, from acupressure to shiatsu, has its own unique benefits; yet no single one can address every problem. Further, individually one may not address the issue fully. Hence, the need for working together. Many of these modalities can be recommended for use in physical therapy, to enhance performance, or reduce potential for injury. At other times these modalities can help the horse reduce stress: adjust to new living or training situations, extended lay-up periods, and to live a more comfortable life.

As a team member and one who appreciates and respects conventional veterinary medicine, before beginning any body work session, I request that the client consult with their veterinarian to determine if there are any contraindications with these modalities. I emphasis that therapeutic modalities are not alternatives to proper veterinary care, but rather are adjunct and sometimes complementary. They bridge the gaps between the various healthcare treatments thus helping to complete the healthcare circle to address "The Whole Horse."

I hope you can take a moment to visit two web sites as you explore my qualifications and me. In addition to my Equine Body Worker certification, my formal education includes a Certificate in Equine Science from Los Angeles Pierce College, classes in veterinary technology, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Fine Arts. I can provide veterinarian references upon request.

www.equinology.com Equinology is a private educational corporation specializing in equine hands-on modalities and sciences. I received my Equine Body Work certification through this program. Equinology and its sister organizations span the globe with year round programs. World-class veterinarians and specialists provide instruction. Their web site describes the program, courses and biographies of the instructors.

www.iebwa.com International Equine Body Worker Assoc. Currently I am the Chairman of the US Division. Our association seeks to be the leading organization for professionals providing specific hands-on modality services. As such, fostering relationships with the veterinary community is our main priority. We welcome all comments and inquiries from you to assist our efforts.

Again, I thank you for giving your time to learn of my profession and me. As well, I appreciate your commitment to your profession, to serving society at large, and of course, to the fine healthcare of the horses. Together, we can advance equine healthcare to a far reaching level.

Respectfully,
Van Harding – Owner Equine Equilibrium

Shared Mission

I ask the Veterinary community to reflect upon the number of cases whereby your client reports the horse is “off”, “stumbling” or “lame”, and when you evaluate the horse, you find nothing to diagnose. Many times this can be due to poor saddle fit and predisposes the horse to injury. Please, raise the issue in your clients mind that the saddle fit might be the problem. The following four questions I've selected from the FAQ's can give you some thoughts to ponder. Together, by educating the public about the significance of poor saddle fit we can advance equine healthcare.