Cost is $125. USD

The Science of Motion organizes the Preventing Cervical Arthritis Webinar featuring Elizabeth Uhl, DVM, Ph.D. Dip, ACVP, Michelle Osborn, MA, Ph.D. Ronda Hanning, SOM, Jean Luc Cornille SOM

Elizabeth Uhl and Michelle Osborn will present insights from comparative functional analysis. Ronda Hanning and Jean Luc Cornille will explain how to prevent mechanical forces.

Caudal cervical osteoarthritis in horses has dramatically increased over the last 10-15 years and is most common in warmblood horses used in dressage and jumping. The cause for this sudden increase has not been determined, but as is the case in people, the most likely cause is pathological mechanical forces. However, unlike in people, sources of the forces inducing the pathology in horses have not been characterized. We will present pathological analysis of 10 cases which revealed their caudal cervical osteoarthritis resulted from the impacts from asymmetrical forces and severe longitudinal compression. An animated 3D equine skeletal computer model was used to model the neck postures indicated by the chronic lesions and identified extreme head positions and persistent transversal vertebral rotations as likely causes. Photos of one of the affected horses working were available and confirmed the predicted cervical hyperflexion as the source of compression.

Cervical arthritis is a progressive process. The best solution is to prevent the problem with an equitation reducing mechanical forces in the lower cervical vertebrae. If arthritis already affects the lower cervical vertebrae, the process can be slowed down by reducing asymmetrical forces and longitudinal compression. In the second part of the webinar, Ronda Hanning and Jean Luc Cornille explain how to reduce impact and compressive forces.

Members of the Science of Motion “Simple” and “PAB” courses love how Ronda Hanning explains as a rider how she coordinates her horses for the performances. Ronda was trained first as a hunter rider and then as a dressage rider. Ronda realized both approaches were stylized to fit the show ring submitting the horses to dogmas but failing to provide the athleticism and body coordination required for the performance. Ronda felt at home when she was introduced to the Science of Motion approach and climbed to excellence. Ronda can talk about what she used to believe versus her actual knowledge and does it with clarity, kindness, and humility.

Initially trained as a gymnast, Jean Luc Cornille knows that the talent failed short without adequate technique. Talent alone leads to performances below the athlete’s potential, physical pain, and injuries. Jean Luc created the Science of Motion because while training horses and students at the higher level of competition, Jean Luc realized that horses, including premium athletes, are not prepared for the athletic demand. Horses and riders’ talent are exploited but not supported by adequate technique. Most injuries, including cervical arthritis, could be prevented.

We plan 1 and a half hours for Elizabeth Uhl and Michelle Osborn’s presentation, followed by a 30-minute or more questions period. Also, 1 and a half hours for Ronda Hanning and Jean Luc Cornille’s presentation, followed by 30 minutes or more question period.

Webinar Fee, $125.00 to be paid by check  mail to 370 Crooked Creek Rd, Eatonton GA 31024 (Science of Motion),  or Paypal. (link is above for payment) For more information, contact Helyn@scienceofmotion.com