Therapy is teamwork. Horse osteotherapy training at the DIPO involves a cooperation and mutual understanding between all who work for the welfare of the horse: veterinary surgeons, acupuncturists, blacksmiths, saddlers, riders, owners, trainers. They should all be partners in therapy and training.

Horse osteopathy has proved itself particularly suitable for illnesses of the movement apparatus, and also for chronic illnesses and above all for the prevention of acute illnesses, including:

• ongoing stiffness and recalcitrance against the rider’s aids
• different forms of lameness
• a horse whose legs take-up badly
• a bad head posture, bad neck and/or tail posture at rest or at work
• after a complication with the senses
• after a heavy fall in order to treat a change in the structure (not necessarily visible)
• an energy slump
• inexplicable refusals at obstacles
• clock errors in the different paces
• indications of pain during or after work
• after an injury, a new injury responds quicker than an older/chronic injury

The profession of osteopath in human medicine and horse medicine is as yet not controlled in Germany. Therefore there are still practices which are not always in the best interests of the horse. For example, a rubber hammer should never be a part of the therapy of an osteotherapist.

The DIPO sets high standards on the quality of its training. Therefore, look for the auxiliary designation “DIPO-Pferdeosteotherapeut” (DIPO horse osteotherapist). Our participants must have and be able to prove a basic training as a veterinary surgeon, physician or physiotherapist. Medical knowledge is absolutely essential because the horse osteotherapist must be able to recognize symptoms and contraindications. Anything not falling into her/his competence must be transferred to the respective specialist.

The “DIPO-Pferdeosteotherapeut” (DIPO horse osteotherapist) is recognized as an auxiliary designation by the “Tierärztekammer Westfalen-Lippe” (Westfalen-Lippe chamber of veterinary surgeons) and the “Bundesverband selbstständiger Physiotherapeuten” (Federal Association of Independent Physiotherapists, abbr. IFK) who have entered into a cooperation agreement with DIPO.

Training as “DIPO-Pferdeosteotherapeut” (DIPO horse osteotherapist) is the only one recognized by several chambers of veterinary surgeons, such as the “Bundesverband selbstständiger Physiotherapeuten” (Federal Association of Independent Physiotherapists, abbr. IFK) and the “Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung” (The German Horsemanship Federation, abbr. FN).

The training at DIPO is additional training over a two year period. After successful qualification the graduates may use the designation “DIPO-Pferdeosteotherapeut” (DIPO horse osteotherapist).

Each blockage of a joint of a rigid musculature causes movement restrictions which can lead to lameness, timing imperfections, dogs tooth and/or inability to bend and position. The goal of every osteopathic treatment is always therefore to improve mobility by regaining natural movement. Every treatment therefore begins with the therapist achieving an impression of the mobility of the horse, by observation and feel. Not only is the form of a joint studied but also its mobility. After a thorough inventory the therapist decides which techniques to use and which structures to manipulate.

In osteopathy, manipulation means the reestablishment of joint mobility by the use of the hand. It requires a high degree of sensitivity as well as an exact knowledge of the anatomy and function of the body. However, by the use of the hand alone the horse osteotherapist solves blockages. This solution takes the form of an impulse, a ‘booster detonation’ which helps the body start its self healing.

The idea that the osteopath and the horse osteotherapist “sets” something in or out is wrong. No setting or displacement of a vertebra or joint occurs. It solely involves firmly secure structures.

After a treatment the horse needs at least 48 hours for recovery. It should not be ridden during this time, but can however move freely. Under no circumstances should the horse be tied-up in a box. Physical measures such as warmth, cold, magnetic field therapy, ultrasound, electro therapy etc can be used as a support.

Not least, also the riders, owners and coaches are integrated into the treatment too. The osteatherapist will inform them of health promoting handling of the horse; regularly executed exercises support the healing process.