Recently we ran an online rehab for less event, now we wouldn’t want any of you missing out so here's a rundown of all the money saving tips we revealed!
We know at the moment many pet owners will be struggling with the Covid-19 lockdown, many of you will have been furloughed or even lost work. We know exactly how you feel, we’re in the same boat as you unable to see clients and having to juggle the finances.
Despite being unable to help you in person we’re here for you and your pets and wanted to supply you with some money saving tips and tricks to help you get started with or continue your pets rehab and fitness journeys without breaking the bank.
Tip Number 1
We often prescribe weight shifting exercises to rehab patients and also to fitness clients to increase their core strength, postural stability and increase proprioception.
In dogs, we often progress this exercise by placing their forelimbs, hindlimbs or both on a memory foam pad, wobble cushion or wobble board.
However we know not everyone will have access to these so instead, why not try a pillow, sofa cushion or even a doorstep?
Tip Number 2
We often use training aids with our horses to improve their way of going, topline and core strength.
However training aids can be very expensive so we've got a few make your own training aid ideas.
We'll start with a cotton lunge aid which is used whilst lunging your horses to increase topline muscle and core strength.
To make your own take an old lunge line and measure it as shown in the photos below for your own horse. Once you've done this stitch where you've made the cut (where the knot is in the photo) to the rest of the rope and add a rein splitter to the end for use with a bridle
Tip Number 3
Equibands are often recommended to increase core strength and hindlimb engagement.
You can make your own by buying therabands used by humans, usually the back and gold bands are most effective.
Simply stitch some loops onto your saddle pad as shown in the diagram then simply tie on your therabands under your horses belly and around the backend behind the stifle (knee).
Tip Number 4
Weaving, figure 8 and circle exercises are all great for our pets to increase their spinal flexion and stretch out their backs whilst also increasing the weight on their inside limbs and stride length of the outside limbs.
Often we recommend the use of cones to ensure you're sticking to the pattern but you could also use plant pots, potties, jars and cans, bamboo canes etc.
Tip Number 5
Get inventive with your pole work.
In dogs you don't even need real poles, just a bamboo cane, broom or mop handle will work just as well.
In horses try using the side of the arena fence, plant pots or even potties to raise your poles. For more ideas check out our Pintrest board here- https://www.pinterest.co.uk/z_hindle/horse-exercises/.
We really hope you find these tips and tricks useful. Please let us know how you get on we’d love to hear from you in our private Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/petfitnesshub, equally if you have any ideas of you own please share them with us, we’re always looking for new ideas we can share with our community.
Despite the lockdown we are still here for you and you pets over the phone for FREE phone consultations on 07531161608 or if you’d prefer simply email us at zoehindle@googlemail.com and I’ll be happy to help you and you pets with any issues or queries.
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