Case Study: Jordan – 12-Year-Old Quarter Horse Mare - complex history

Case Study: Jordan – 12-Year-Old Quarter Horse Mare (Dressage, 2nd/3rd Level)

Date Range: November–December 2019

Practitioner: Rose Gillies

Location: Texas

Summary

Jordan is a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare in active dressage training (2nd/3rd level) with a complex history of hind end trauma, proprioceptive deficits, chronic musculoskeletal issues, and multiple compensatory patterns. This case study documents a multi-week Equi-Tape® protocol focused on restoring nerve function, correcting pelvic tilt, supporting suspensory structures, and improving overall comfort and performance during ongoing training.

Background & Clinical Assessment

• Presenting Issues:

• Trauma to hind end (suspected tail block; caudal sacrum into coccygeal vertebra)

• Misalignment (no fractures on radiographs)

• Fibrotic myopathy in left hamstring

• Underdeveloped hind-end muscling (some hypertrophy/atrophy)

• Proprioceptive deficits in both hind legs (LH worse; forges close to shoeing)

• Previous negative palmar angle (LH & RF) addressed with remedial shoeing

• Nerve issues throughout body, right ear droop, cervical lateral flexion deficits (esp. left)

• Tightness in multiple areas; high PEMF reactivity in neck

• Scintigraphy: Activity in proximal sesamoids (all four legs)

• Ultrasonography: Chronic enlargement of suspensory branches (hind, esp. LH); mild pedal osteitis (fronts)

• Pelvic tilt (right ilium ventral), recurrent despite repeated adjustments

• Hyoid misalignment, history of upper molar extractions

• Stocking up behind, especially with pelvic dysfunction

• Training: Full dressage program (with cross-training, hacking, lunging); not showing until January

• Diet: Forage (grass, coastal, alfalfa), Renew Gold, Platinum CJ

Case Objectives

• Restore proprioceptive deficits and nerve function

• Correct pelvic tilt and support suspensory branches

• Restore range of motion (ROM) to neck and hind legs

• Relax hamstrings; activate gluteals, biceps femoris, and quads

• Maintain therapeutic support during active training

Clinical Timeline & Taping Protocols

November 24, 2019 – Initial Assessment & Application

• Assessment: Chronic deficits as above; active training

• Application:

• Fascial taping (fan cut) with decompression over lumbar spine for nerve/proprioceptive activation (sacrum/tailhead)

• Nuchal ligament relaxation taping (left side)

• Considerations: Tape to be removed before riding, reapplied post-session; prep critical for adhesion (shiny coat)

November 25, 2019 – Follow-up

• Assessment: Tape removed prior to exercise; improved sensitivity ventral/cranial to lumbar area; stocking up persists

• Application:

• Repeat fascial taping (fan cut, intermittent stretch/release)

• Decompression at lumbars

• I-taping (nuchal ligament, bilateral, mild stretch)

• Fetlock (all four) and hind coronary band tapings for proprioception/support

• Considerations: Fetlock tapings can remain during work; fascial tapings applied during downtime

November 27, 2019 – Ongoing Support

• Assessment: Improved skin sensitivity; fetlock swelling improved; neck/fascial tape starting to loosen; mild RH gait abnormality returns

• Application:

• Maintain fetlock tapings

• Add neck relaxation tapings (long I-strips, mild stretch, insertion to origin; flex neck opposite during application)

• Considerations: Relaxation tapings removed prior to riding

December 2, 2019 – Progress Check

• Assessment: No stocking up; improved but not normalized sensitivity in barrel/lumbar; neck stiffness persists

• Application:

• Repeat fascial tapings (fan, stretch/no stretch) to neck and lumbar

• Considerations: Leave fascial tapings overnight, remove before work

December 10, 2019 – Increased Reactivity

• Assessment: Increased back/lumbar palpation pain

• Application:

• Long I-strips for back (longissimus dorsi, mild stretch center, no stretch ends, long anchors under tack)

• Shorter I-strips for lumbar decompression (moderate stretch center, no stretch ends, curved caudal anchor)

• Considerations: Application designed to remain under tack; horse remains in regular work/turnout

December 10, 2019 – Veterinary Assessment

• Findings: Hind feet angles slightly off; mild OA in hind fetlocks (not cause of gait abnormality); Legend IV administered

December 13, 2019 – Chiropractic Assessment

• Findings: “Stuck” in right hip/lumbars, out in left shoulder; pattern shift from LH/RF to RH/LF; acupuncture for lumbar pain; adjustments performed

December 20, 2019 – Notable Improvement

• Assessment: Improved gait and lumbar pain; nerve tapings, chiropractic, and Magnawave yielding progress; increased tail movement; no stocking up

• Application:

• Advanced fan tapings with decompression over lumbar, fascia release in abdomen/hamstring (stretch/release, no stretch on ends)

• Considerations: Remove before riding, reapply after

December 23, 2019 – Best Performance to Date

• Assessment: Marked improvement under saddle; increased tail activity; topline still tight but more supple than ever

• Application:

• Relaxation tapings:

• Longissimus dorsi (long I-strips, mild stretch center)

• Brachiocephalic (long I-strip, insertion to origin, no stretch, flex head/neck opposite)

• Nuchal ligament (long I-strip, insertion to origin, no stretch, flex head down)

• Hamstrings (long I-strips, mild/moderate stretch center)

• All applied bilaterally

• Considerations: Short shiny coat—prep well; relaxation tapings can remain during time off

Outcomes & Practitioner Insights

• Progressive improvement in proprioception, gait, and pain response over 4+ weeks

• Stocking up resolved with consistent taping and chiropractic support

• Tail and topline function measurably improved (increased tail movement, suppleness under saddle)

• Therapeutic taping successfully integrated with active training and veterinary/chiropractic care

• Key considerations:

• Meticulous surface prep essential for adhesion (especially on shiny coats)

• Taping protocols tailored to training schedule (remove pre-ride, reapply post-ride)

• Chronic, multi-factorial cases require ongoing, adaptive protocols

Key Takeaways

• Multimodal approach (taping, veterinary, chiropractic, remedial shoeing) is critical in chronic, complex cases

• Equi-Tape® protocols can be safely and effectively integrated into active training regimens

• Consistent monitoring and adjustment of taping techniques and placement are vital for long-term progress

• Practitioner communication with all care providers (vet, farrier, chiropractor) enhances outcomes

This case demonstrates the value of Equi-Tape® as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation and performance program for high-level sport horses with chronic musculoskeletal and neurologic issues.

Case study submitted by Certified Equi-Taping Practitioner Rose Gilles