HORSE HEALING CLOSER TO HOME
A
HORSE recuperation centre is being established at a Ryde treatment centre that
will mean owners will no longer face long periods of mainland separation during
treatment.
The IW Natural Therapy Centre for Animals is expanding its range of services to
include stabling for horses recovering from operations after receiving a £3,500
South East England Development Agency grant to help renovate buildings on the
Upton Road site.
Therapy centre clinical director Vav Simon said: "Many Island horse owners are
faced with long stretches away from their animals when they need surgery.
"By offering 24/7 care with very experienced professionals, horses can
recuperate on the Island and we can help owners support and encourage their
animals. Our treatment options can also speedup healing and improve the level
of fitness reached."
Before founding the centre, Vav trained to become a chiropractic doctor,
treating both human and animal patients.
She had built up a busy practice with 2,000 clients but wanted to offer more
complex therapies such as hydrotherapy.
The search by Vav and her husband, Dave, took them to Aldermoor Farm on the
outskirts of Ryde and the SEEDA cash enabled them to set up a hydrotherapy
centre for dogs, complete with swimming pool, water treadmill and spa in one of
the farm's outbuildings.
The mix of equipment allows rehabilitation for a wide range of conditions from
broken legs to degenerative and neurological problems.
They are currently developing services for horses and broadening their portfolio
of therapy methods as well as looking at other ways to use the farmland and its
buildings.
The therapy centre now employs six people and arranges an expanding panel. of
visiting therapists and' speakers.
Therapies include chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, massage
and laser treatment.
County Press 2/3/07
