PERFORMANCE REHABILITATION

Moonbah Performance Horses' holistic services cater brilliantly to the rehabilitation of horses for a performance career. With a focus on biomechanical function and the use of the equine mind to reprogram injury consequences, and the support of some of the best equine professionals in the State, we have been able to guide horses on their way to a confident, comfortable and thriving career return in their chosen disciplines.

Our rehabilitation horses are supported by the following:

The development of, and compliance with, tailored exercise programs inclusive of in hand, lunging and ridden work on a variety of surfaces as applicable to the horse
Therapies including Equissage, Ice Vibe and Red Light Therapy
Treatment of injuries including wound dressing, bandaging and icing
Access to equine health professionals including osteopaths, myofunctional therapists, master farriers, naturopaths, saddle fitters and specialist vet services
Tailored diet adjusted throughout your horse’s rehabilitation journey
All agistment needs including individual paddock/yard, rugging and feeding

You can read more about our rehabilitation approach in Hustler's story below

Performance Rehabilitation: About

HUSTLER'S STORY

Performance Rehabilitation: Image

Our passion for rehabilitation was cemented after the return of "Hustler SP" following a near life-ending injury in January 2021.

In a freak paddock accident, Hustler completely severed all three extensor tendons, muscles and the tendon sheath above the knee on his near side fore. Such injury meant Hustler lost complete extensor function in his leg - he could not move his leg forward on his own, and would buckle immediately on shifting his weight forward with no ability to correct himself.

Despite quick and state of the art veterinary intervention including surgery and a full leg cast, we were warned Hustler's prognosis was not bright - if he were to return home at all, we were told it'd be as a paddock ornament only. He would have to cope in a cast for 6-8 weeks both mentally and physically, reattain extensor function by correctly reknitting tendon tissue, regain movement and function of the leg without tripping or instability, and cope on various surfaces before we could even begin to assess what his future could entail.

Hustler's recovery was impacted by the development of extreme scar tissue causing severe restriction of the knee, infections, casting complications and associatory stress colic. With persistence by our vets and recovery team, Hustler made it through his "initial recovery phase" and was able to return home in May 2021 where he began his rehabilitation with Olivia Palfreyman.

By application of a biomechanical rehabilitation process, Olivia targeted Hustler's own proprioception, awareness of body function and posture to improve range of motion, symmetry and strength of Hustler's injured leg, and compensatory weaknesses. By July 2021, Hustler had his first ride under saddle, beginning the goal of a "return".

In April 2022, Hustler successfully returned to the competition arena and was campaigned at the 2022 AQHA National Championships and 2022 PHAA National Championships with great success.

Hustler's rehabilitation journey, and the fascination it has provided us with the capabilities of the equine body to adapt to new normals when guided properly, have cemented the need to offer a performance rehabilitation service publicly. It has been a privilege to support the return of these horses to their careers, and we strive to give as many more horses this chance of recovery as possible.

Hustler's story, up to his first ride, was featured in the August 2021 edition of Horse Deals. You can read the article here.

Back to Services

Performance Rehabilitation: Text