0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- We see enough horses' hooves - in this series...
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- ..but this time, we focus on hands.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- They belong to a man and a woman - who are friends of the horse.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35- As the old Welsh saying goes, - a good friend is as good as a horse.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- The horse is a powerful - and muscular animal.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44- Often, its bones and muscles - are weakened and injured.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- Equine care is all-important...
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- ..and the horses in this episode - get the best possible care.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- Relaxation, massage and recovery.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- We'll see - several horses this time...
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- ..including one champion - that's worth a fortune.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- First, I meet equine physiotherapist - Philippa James...- - https://www.facebook.com/Philippa-James-Equine-Physiotherapist-179973765391804/
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- ..from the Sianwood Stud - near Llandovery.- - http://wpcs.uk.com/index.php/stud_directory/search_stud/
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- She now helps some of England's - best and fastest racehorses.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- Philippa James - grew up near Llandovery...
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- ..in a family of true horse lovers.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- The Sianwood Stud is best-known - for its Section B horses.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- Philippa now lives and works - near Lambourn.- - http://www.lambourn.info/open-day/
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- She also competes occasionally, - and often pops back to Wales.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- From where - does your interest in horses come?
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- From my parents, I think.
0:02:26 > 0:02:32- Horses have been a very important - part of my life since I was young.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- Did you always - want to work with horses?
0:02:37 > 0:02:38- Yes.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- When I was small, - I wanted to be a vet.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47- But I wasn't bright enough at school - to get an A in Chemistry.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- I had to come up with another plan.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- But it was always going to be - something with horses.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- How did you get into physiotherapy?
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- Well, let's begin at the beginning.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- I went to university in Bristol...
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- ..and I followed - a veterinary nursing course...
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- ..for four years.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- I came to work with racehorses...
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- ..at Kingwood Stud in Lambourn.- - http://www.kingwoodstud.com/
0:03:23 > 0:03:28- A physio came to the yard - once a week.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- I liked what she did.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- I decided - that's what I wanted to do.
0:03:36 > 0:03:37- That's it.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- Why have you based yourself - in Lambourn?
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- It's a centre for racehorses...
0:03:46 > 0:03:52- ..so there are hundreds of horses - on my doorstep, basically.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- I don't have to travel - too far for work.
0:03:59 > 0:04:05- ..and I have a lot of clients - in the same place.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- What does - an equine physiotherapist do?
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- I work with horses - to improve their performance.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- When I see a new horse...
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- ..I watch it walking up - and I watch it standing.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- I check for a difference - between the two sides.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- I look at the feet, the gait...
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- ..and then watch it standing.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- I'll then give it a massage - and find out where it's tense...
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- ..or where it's a bit sore.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- I'll then talk to the owner...
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- ..to discuss - any problems they've seen.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- What are the reasons a horse - might need physiotherapy?
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- I work with racehorses.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08- At the end of the day, - they're athletes.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- They need help, - just as a human athlete would.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- They can be tight after a race, - or if they have fallen, perhaps.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- Or they might have an injury...
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- ..and need to be rehabilitated - back to full health.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- What kind of treatment - can you offer?
0:05:30 > 0:05:35- I do massage - and I have a TENS machine.- - http://www.centralequinephysio.co.uk/tens-machine.html
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- Ultrasound.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- A magnetic pulse boot.- - http://www.centurion-systems.co.uk/MagPulseTherapy.htm
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- The machine I use - depends on the injury.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- Do you have a treatment - that you enjoy more than others?
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- I really like the TENS machine.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- You can see it making a difference - at the time.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- One of Philippa's main clients - are the Bradstock family.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- They are well-known trainers - in the racing world.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- The champion Coneygree - is in their stable.- - http://www.markbradstockracing.co.uk/blog/
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- But Philippa's first customer - is a novice racehorse...
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- ..which needs some help - from a specialist machine.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29- Who do we have here?
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- This is Rory.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- He's a four-year-old.
0:06:33 > 0:06:39- He's recovering - from an injury to his hind leg.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- What will you do with Rory today?
0:06:41 > 0:06:47- He's lost a bit of muscle - at the top of the right hind.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- I'll be using the TENS machine - to try to build it back up.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- Let's see how the machine works.
0:06:53 > 0:06:54- Let's see how the machine works.- - Yes, certainly.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- What's the gel you're applying?
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- It's just lubrication - for the pads of the TENS machine.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- It makes it more sticky.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- How exactly - does the TENS machine work?
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- It works on a specific area.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- In this case, it's the glutes.
0:07:19 > 0:07:25- We just want to work - this particular muscle group.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- Have you seen an improvement - since starting the treatment?
0:07:29 > 0:07:30- Yes.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- When I started, I had to have it - on quite a high level...
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- ..in order to arouse the muscles.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- Now, I've been able to turn it down - to level five out of ten.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- That means the muscles are - reacting better to the treatment.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Is it painful for the horse at all?
0:07:50 > 0:07:51- Is it painful for the horse at all?- - No, it isn't.
0:07:52 > 0:07:53- I've tried it out on myself!
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- I could try it on you.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- I could try it on you.- - Later, maybe!
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- On my belly, to try to shrink it.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- That would be best.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02- Yes, we can try.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- The champion Coneygree - is next on Philippa's list.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- He's a famous horse now, - and quite a character.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- Coneygree is a very famous horse.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18- Tell us about him.
0:08:19 > 0:08:25- He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup - two years ago.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- He has now recovered - after being injured...
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- ..and he's back in training.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- What was wrong with Coneygree?
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- Why are you treating him?
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- He's on the way back...
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- ..after suffering two fractures - in his hocks last year.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- He's on the road to recovery.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- I start with the neck, - down to the chest here.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56- The shoulders.
0:08:56 > 0:09:02- Then, the most important place - for him is his back.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- Is it nice - to see the recovery process...
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- ..from him being injured - to being almost fit to race?
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- He had got a bit fat, - but now he's superfit.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- He's ready.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- What kind of a personality - does Coneygree have?
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- Well, he can be a bit grumpy.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- But when he is grumpy, - we know he's OK.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- He does have a strong personality.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- He can be a bit tight here.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- That has a knock-on effect - down through his hind quarters...
0:09:46 > 0:09:47- ..and down the legs.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- We want to take the stress - and the tension...
0:09:53 > 0:09:54- ..off his legs.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Were you treating Coneygree - before he got injured?
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- Yes, I've been treating him - for the three years I've been here.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- I was with him when he won - the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- I went to see him racing that day.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13- What was that like?
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- It was just amazing.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- The best race in the world, - and it was just brilliant.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- What are the plans for Coneygree? - Does he have races coming up?
0:10:23 > 0:10:24- Yes.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30- The plan now is to take him - to Punchestown in Ireland...- - https://www.punchestown.com/
0:10:30 > 0:10:31- ..in April.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- He'll have one prep run before that.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- Are you part of the team - preparing Coneygree for racing?
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Yes. I'll see him more often - in the run-up to the race.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- Hopefully, I'll see him - running in Ireland.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- And hopefully winning.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- And hopefully winning.- - Yes, hopefully.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- Why is Coneygree - such a special horse?
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- He's a famous name - in the racing world.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- He's probably in the top five - best horses in the country.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- It's very exciting to see if he can - come back to his best this year.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- It's not every day...
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- ..that I can say I'm treating - a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner...
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- ..and a potential two-time winner.
0:11:32 > 0:11:32- .
0:11:35 > 0:11:35- Subtitles
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- We now join the Bowen therapist, - Andrew Phillips.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- He's in the business of curing - horses in Ceredigion and beyond.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- Bowen therapist Andrew Phillips's - home is called Stafell.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- His family have lived here, - near Llandysul, since the 1950s.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- Andrew is a keen competitor - and judge in the equine world.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Bowen therapy - is a holistic treatment.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- It was developed by Thomas Bowen - in Australia during the 1950s.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- Bowen draws on - oriental medical philosophy...
0:12:27 > 0:12:32- ..and has been adapted to treat - humans and horses in the West.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- How did you get into this field?
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- To be honest, - I suffered a fall...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- ..and injured my neck and shoulder.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- For about 18 months or so, - I couldn't move my arm.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- It was just luck.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Somebody said, "Why don't you try - the Bowen technique?"
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Previously, - I couldn't lift this arm.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- But after one treatment, - I could get my arm up to here.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- I knew straight away - that this would help me.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- And that's how I started.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- I found it to be beneficial.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- After that, I decided to train.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- What kind of training did you need?
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- Well, the college's stipulation...
0:13:30 > 0:13:36- ..was that I had to be - a qualified human therapist...
0:13:36 > 0:13:41- ..before I could treat a horse - or a dog and so on.
0:13:41 > 0:13:47- So, I spent a year going back - and forth to Glastonbury...
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- ..doing the human course.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- Afterwards, I started - at Hartpury in Gloucestershire...- - http://www.hartpury.ac.uk/
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- ..on the equine course.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- On that course, - I had to do anatomy, physiology...
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- ..equine ailments...
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- ..the hooves...
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- ..respiratory systems...
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- ..and the circulatory system.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- There was a vet on hand - making sure we did everything right.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- It was very, very thorough.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Stallion Bart - is Andrew's first customer...
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- ..at the Blaenllain Stud - near Cilcennin.- - http://blaenllainstud.co.uk/contact-us/
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- He's not injured, - but he has an important job.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- So, what will you be doing - with Bart today?
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- We're going to be carrying out - Bowen therapy with him.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- There's nothing wrong - with the horse at all.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- But they collect AI insemination - from Bart.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- At this time of year, - they get me to work on the horse...
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- ..to make sure - that the back and loin muscles...
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- ..are supple enough...
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- ..because he has to mount a dummy.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- That's what it is.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- A mare can move, to take the impact.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- But when he mounts the dummy...
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- ..nothing moves.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- It's important - that the stallion's muscles...
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- ..are supple enough for him not - to be injured during the process.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- Andrew, where do we start on Bart?
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- I'm going to start on the back.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- I'll go in here...
0:16:03 > 0:16:04- This is how I do it.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- I press on the muscle, - which you can see there.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- I apply pressure, - and then roll over it.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- I then move down.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- I press this point here.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- Then I apply pressure - and roll over the muscle.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- So, the rolling technique - is the same every time.
0:16:29 > 0:16:30- Yes.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35- What I'm trying to do - is to get the roll...
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- ..to disturb - the way the muscle works.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- It's difficult to say - exactly how it works...
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- ..but that's what this therapy does.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- I realign the horse's muscles...
0:16:53 > 0:16:54- ..and the soft tissue...
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- ..and I stimulate...
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- ..the circulation of the blood - and the lymphatic systems and so on.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- So, if there's a blockage - in the system...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- ..it helps the horse - to work better...
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- ..after having the treatment.
0:17:16 > 0:17:17- What are we doing now, Andrew?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- What I want to do now...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- ..is to release the top, the sacrum.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- I'm going to apply pressure here.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- You can see, it went down there.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30- I heard a click as well.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31- I heard a click as well.- - Yes.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- So, that has been released.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- Just two small moves...
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- ..and you can see - the rear quarter moving.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43- Bart's reacting to it.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44- Bart's reacting to it.- - That's right.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- Maybe you could...
0:17:48 > 0:17:49- Hold the tail?
0:17:49 > 0:17:50- Hold the tail?- - For a minute.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- This isn't Bowen, - this is Mr Phillips!
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- I use a technique...
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- ..to apply a little pressure - to this large muscle.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- You can see - that the muscle is now loose.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- You clearly enjoy your job, Andrew.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- Oh, I do enjoy the job.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- I see different types of horse - every day.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- I'll work on anything - from Shetlands up to shires.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- That's the type of pony I enjoy.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32- This size.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- Not too big, not too small.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- I enjoy doing the work.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- That's what it is. I only work - on three or four horses a day.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- It's enough for me, - and I do the job right.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57- Our next stop is the Lluest Equine - Centre in Aberystwyth, to see Henry.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- He's a dressage horse - who was injured recently.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- Eiry, tell me about Henry.- - https://www.facebook.com/eiry.bonner.3/posts/914538778673981
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- We bought Henry from Ireland - three or four years ago now.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- He hasn't been lame or ill - since we've had him.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- When Mam phoned me - when I was away at university...
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- ..to say that Henry couldn't walk, - it came as a real shock.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- He'd never been lame before.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- We called the vet out - to look at him.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- No-one knew what was wrong.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- We got X-rays, - but nothing showed up.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- A friend then suggested...
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- ..that we got in touch with Andrew.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- Andrew's the reason - why Henry's back to his old self.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- When someone comes to you - with a horse for the first time...
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- ..what's the first thing you do?
0:19:53 > 0:19:59- When I go to their stables, - I ask them to walk the horse out.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- When a horse walks, - you can see everything happening.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10- There are four beats, - one, two, three, four.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- You can see if it's moving well.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- Then I bring out my dowsing rods.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- People think that I'm a quack - when the dowsing rods come out!
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- But what the dowsing rods - are looking for...
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- ..is the energy - running through the horse.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- Say that there's a trauma - in the shoulder, for example.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- The muscle around the shoulder - has tightened.
0:20:40 > 0:20:46- The circulation of the blood and - lymph fluid through that section...
0:20:47 > 0:20:48- ..stagnates.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- The dowsing rods pick that up.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- That there's a blockage - in the horse's system.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- I'll tell you what I'm looking for.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- I'll just start my preparation.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- This shows me - that there's a slight problem...
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- ..with the front of the shoulder.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- From here, I work around - the top of the withers.
0:21:26 > 0:21:27- You can see it now.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- I'm looking for the release...
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- ..and it comes right back.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- You can see that Henry...
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- ..has a good release there.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- Then I'm going to work...
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- ..into this big muscle.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- If Eiry could try - to get his head down...
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- ..I'll go down, and you'll be able - to see the big muscle.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58- You can see it.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03- There.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- Can you see the muscle now?
0:22:07 > 0:22:12- I'll just roll it, and release.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- By now, Henry has undergone - several Bowen sessions with Andrew.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- Eiry's keen to run him in the ring - after his therapy.
0:22:29 > 0:22:35- To be honest, - horses do more for me than people.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- When I work on horses, - they don't judge me.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- They just accept the treatment.
0:22:45 > 0:22:51- If I ride them or show them, - they try their best for me.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- That's what's so nice - about working on horses.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- You never stop learning.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- What I'm doing now, to finish off...
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- ..I'm going - to release the coccyx here.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- Henry's good.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18- And he's pulling.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19- Whoa!
0:23:21 > 0:23:22- HORSE BREAKS WIND
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- Ugh! Thank you very much!
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- He doesn't think much of that!
0:23:29 > 0:23:30- That's what I think of you!
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:58 > 0:23:58- .