Page 123 - Speedhorse, December 2018

Q: You have a background in rodeos and barrel racing. What experience and lessons learned from those times have you been able to apply to suc- ceed in your profession?
A: I have learned over the years through my own competitive experience that if your equine partner has been performing well and then starts to develop some bad habits, changes in behavior and declining performance, they may be having structural issues that chiropractic can help detect and correct.
Q: What are some of the challenges you encounter when working with an equine patient?
A: As far as the challenges of working with equine patients, they are of course large, so it is physically demanding work. But technique and working with the horse’s body is more important than strength when adjusting them. The first time a horse gets worked on, it may
not understand that we are trying to help when we are applying pressure to their sore areas,
so sometimes they may try to bite or kick.
But after they’ve been adjusted a couple times and realize how much it helps them, they are generally pretty agreeable.
Q: Do you have any advice for trainers and owners on steps they can take to keep their horses’ spines and necks healthy and in good condition?
A: In trying to maintain good spinal and overall health of our equine athletes, there are many things that contribute. A good diet, regular exercise, well-balanced and properly shod feet, and good fitting tack are all very important. And as a competitor, my horses receive regular dental work and any needed veterinary care in conjunction with their chiropractic adjustments. I also use a cold laser, PEMF (Pulse electromagnetic Field)
therapy and a Theraplate on my horses and my patients when necessary to facilitate the healing process and optimize health
and wellness.
Q: You also are a chiropractor
for people. Have you worked with any jockeys? If so, what specific problems do you encounter when working with them?
A: Maintaining proper spinal alignment is very important for the riders and jockeys. If they are subluxated, it can adversely affect bal- ance and the way they sit/ride the horse, which can, in turn, create imbalances and compensa- tion in the horse that can lead to subluxations for them. And as a jockey of barrel racing horses, I know I personally ride better, more balanced, and can perform at my best when my spine is properly aligned.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to enter the field of animal chiropractic services?
A: It’s seeing things come together for the riders and management taking good care of the riders. It’s great to see everyone working together and they’re all happy.
Q: What advice would you give to a young person entering the Quarter Horse racing?
A: For those interested in becoming an animal chiropractor, check the state laws where you want to practice, and then work to attain the professional degree necessary to be a licensed animal chiropractor. Most all states now require a doctorate degree, DC or DVM, before you can get the additional training required to become a licensed animal chiropractor.
“In trying to maintain good spinal and overall health of our equine athletes, there are many things that contribute.”
Dr. Beaty adjusts on the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), which is critical for jaw function, chewing and neurologic input for balance.
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THE BACKSIDE