Case Studies
& Testimonials
& Testimonials
Robbie – Headshaker - Owner, Carol Young, Lanarkshire, Scotland
15.2hh, 10 yrs TB x Connemara gelding –
Owner contacted TCMEquine in Autumn 2005 in despair over progressive worsening of headshaking
behaviour since purchase in December 2004. He was plagued by what was happening to his nose and
constantly tossed his head in huge rotary movements, shot it in and out like a tortoise in its shell or
jerked it up in the air, grunting, as if electric shocks were firing up his nostrils. He also displayed the
classic involuntary spasms or "tics". The horse was extremely difficult to saddle, bridle and mount,
being aggressive, irritable and argumentative. He could not hold a bit still in his mouth for a single
second. His tongue lolled out to the side and he chomped , chewed and tried to get his tongue over it.
He would wrench the reins from the rider's hands if any contact was taken. He frequently rubbed his
nose on his knee or along the ground and his muzzle was constantly twisted up to one side. When
ridden, his forelegs would often give way under him and he was all but impossible to steer. When
asked to trot he would put his head between his knees and leap with all four legs in the air. Cantering
was simply dangerous.
Following TCM diagnosis, he was started on herbal protocols in Autumn 2005. By February 2006 he
was free of all the worst symptoms and safely rideable. Following a spring blip which new protocols
quickly addressed, all symptoms stopped and by July 2006 he went to his first show, collecting two
third place rosettes. He attended two further shows in quick succession and won a second and a first
place. Since then Robbie has continued to improve even further, with occasional lapses which quickly
respond to herbal intervention. As of summer 2008 he is completely free of any headshaking
symptoms whatsoever and is the most pleasant, well-mannered and easy ride which his owner has ever
had.
15.2hh, 10 yrs TB x Connemara gelding –
Owner contacted TCMEquine in Autumn 2005 in despair over progressive worsening of headshaking
behaviour since purchase in December 2004. He was plagued by what was happening to his nose and
constantly tossed his head in huge rotary movements, shot it in and out like a tortoise in its shell or
jerked it up in the air, grunting, as if electric shocks were firing up his nostrils. He also displayed the
classic involuntary spasms or "tics". The horse was extremely difficult to saddle, bridle and mount,
being aggressive, irritable and argumentative. He could not hold a bit still in his mouth for a single
second. His tongue lolled out to the side and he chomped , chewed and tried to get his tongue over it.
He would wrench the reins from the rider's hands if any contact was taken. He frequently rubbed his
nose on his knee or along the ground and his muzzle was constantly twisted up to one side. When
ridden, his forelegs would often give way under him and he was all but impossible to steer. When
asked to trot he would put his head between his knees and leap with all four legs in the air. Cantering
was simply dangerous.
Following TCM diagnosis, he was started on herbal protocols in Autumn 2005. By February 2006 he
was free of all the worst symptoms and safely rideable. Following a spring blip which new protocols
quickly addressed, all symptoms stopped and by July 2006 he went to his first show, collecting two
third place rosettes. He attended two further shows in quick succession and won a second and a first
place. Since then Robbie has continued to improve even further, with occasional lapses which quickly
respond to herbal intervention. As of summer 2008 he is completely free of any headshaking
symptoms whatsoever and is the most pleasant, well-mannered and easy ride which his owner has ever
had.