For the first time ever, BEVA hosted two CPD courses at the London International Horse Show last week. Combining the excitement of the equestrian world’s favourite Christmas event with the highest level of professional development, the courses were a hit with delegates.
The two days brought together professionals from both the veterinary and physiotherapy fields to focus on the complicated nature of unsoundness and how teamwork can help horses to keep performing at their best.
The panel on Thursday for “Unravelling Unsoundness – How to Approach, Understand and Manage a Complex Case”, consisted of performance horse clinician and veterinary lead for London 2012 and Rio 2016, Liz Brown; renowned researcher, sport horse clinician and BEF team member, Rachel Murray; physiotherapists, Lee Clark, who is completing a PhD on rider position, and Anna Johnson, also a veteran of numerous Olympic and World Championship support teams. They began by discussing their approach to a complex, musculoskeletal case scenario common in both elite sports horses and the amateur field, and its effects on performance. The afternoon Q&A session gave delegates the opportunity to pick the brains of our panel and learn more about the development of our understanding of factors which influence unsoundness and how we can better manage them.
One delegate for Thursday’s course said:
“This was an excellent overview of the team approach to managing elite level sports horses. Really enjoyed the case based approach, it made the information much more applicable and memorable.”
Farrier Ben Benson, vet Sam Cutts and physiotherapist Annabelle Galt kicked off Friday’s course, “Championing Soundness – Unlocking Lessons from Elite Sport”, demonstrating the benefits of a collaborative approach to effectively diagnose, treat and manage multi-limb cases using their own experiences of working together. The afternoon session saw physiotherapist to the British Teams for Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing, Rachel Greetham, Master Saddler Mark Fisher and fellow BEF support team member Rachel Murray discuss management of back pain in equine athletes. Delegates left the day with an improved understanding of the impact of getting routine care right, from farriery to tack fit, from rider fitness to training methods and so much more.
“This was a great, well-rounded approach to sports horse management. It provided a brilliant impression of the importance of working as a team.” – Championing Soundness delegate.
Once the lectures ended, the London International Horse Show provided delegates with an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping in the huge shopping village, meet up with friends and family and enjoy the show in the international arena. Delegates received discounted tickets to marvel at displays by the Royal Horse Artillery King’s Troop, dressage and the formidable puissance.
We hope all who joined us enjoyed the courses and the wonderful, festive atmosphere at the ExCeL.