The content discusses chiropractic care for Clydesdale horses at the Minnesota Zoo. The horses, Ritchie and Frank, undergo chiropractic exams to assess their posture, balance, and range of motion. The equine chiropractor, Dr. Kyla Awes, uses heavy vinyl-covered blocks to reach the horses’ muscles and adjusts them as needed. The goal is to prevent muscle soreness and joint problems that could lead to chronic health issues. The horses are also groomed and given the attention of all-star athletes to ensure their well-being. The article emphasizes the importance of preventive care and maintaining the horses’ health and mobility.
Summary:
– The Minnesota Zoo has Clydesdale horses named Ritchie and Frank, who are cared for by Dr. Kyla Awes, an equine chiropractor.
– Dr. Awes assesses the horses’ posture, balance, and range of motion to prevent muscle soreness and joint problems.
– She uses heavy vinyl-covered blocks to reach Ritchie’s topline due to his large size.
– Dr. Awes performs gentle adjustments on the horses, targeting specific areas of restriction.
– Chiropractic care is seen as a form of injury prevention and maintenance for horses.
– Frank and Ritchie make appearances at the Minnesota State Fair with months of preparation and grooming.
– Their care includes regular veterinary exams, training, conditioning, high-quality feed, and chiropractic adjustments.
Have you ever wondered how athletes in the animal kingdom receive their form of care and maintenance? At the Minnesota Zoo, even the resident Clydesdale horses, Ritchie and Frank, need their fair share of attention to keep them in top shape. Today, we’ll look closer at the unique and fascinating aspects of caring for these animal athletes and discover how chiropractic care plays a role in their overall well-being.
Meet Ritchie and Frank, two 15-year-old Clydesdale draft horses walling the Wells Fargo Family Farm at the Minnesota Zoo, their home since 2018. These majestic creatures are a sight to behold and play an important role as traditional working horses. As part of their routine veterinary care, Dr. Annie Rivas, the Zoo’s Director of Animal Health, introduced chiropractic care to prevent muscle soreness and joint problems that could lead to chronic health issues.
Enter Dr. Kyla Awes, an equine chiropractor from Animal Connections Integrative Care, invited to evaluate Ritchie and Frank’s posture, balance, and range of motion. However, these horses are not your typical patients. With their massive size and muscular build, Dr. Awes had to devise a creative solution to access their topline. She brought in heavy vinyl-covered blocks that could be stacked and climbed on, allowing her to effectively assess and adjust their muscles, joints, and spines.
One might wonder how such a large animal responds to chiropractic adjustments. As Dr. Awes works her magic, she carefully observes Ritchie’s body language, looking for signs of relaxation and sensitivity. These horses are masters at providing feedback, and Dr. Awes listens attentively to their cues. With each adjustment, she notes the areas she targets and problem areas, ensuring the process is beneficial and free of harm.
Frank, Ritchie’s half-brother, also receives the same level of care. The chiropractic adjustment process, often referred to as “horse yoga” by Dr. Rivas, helps to prevent muscle tightness and keeps joints supple, ultimately avoiding chronic pain. Providing this ounce of prevention is crucial for these animal athletes, ensuring their excellent health and mobility as they resume their training and conditioning to pull a wagon – a traditional role for their breed.
The hard work put into maintaining Ritchie and Frank’s well-being extends beyond their chiropractic adjustments. In August, they first appeared at the Minnesota State Fair in 2019, showcasing their beauty and elegance to fairgoers. However, preparation for such an event is no small feat. Months of training, from harnessing and pulling a light forecast to pulling a wagon, were necessary to build confidence and keep the horses and humans safe.
To complement their training regime, grooming is vital in ensuring their comfort and well-being. Grooming sessions are a pampering experience for these animals and provide relaxation and relief from any muscle tension or soreness. Additionally, grooming sisa bonding opportunity for the handlers, creating a strong partnership between them and their equine counterparts.
Care for these majestic creatures goes beyond grooming, training, and chiropractic adjustments. Regular veterinary exams, conditioning, and providing high-quality feed are also part of their comprehensive care plan. The Minnesota Zoo takes pride in providing hands-on care to ensure the health and happiness of their animal residents, regardless of their towering size.
So, the next time you visit the Minnesota Zoo and witness the sheer power and grace of Clydesdale horses like Ritchie and Frank, you’ll be reminded of the incredible effort and dedication that goes into their well-being. From chiropractic adjustments to grooming sessions and training, these animal athletes receive the same level of care any professional athlete would. They deserve nothing less than being treated like the true champions they are.
