Valentine’s Day Eve Spent With Horses

KIMBALL, WI – by Keri Singleton – Monday, February 15, 2010 - Willow Creek Farm, Kimball, Wisconsin, was the site of a special Valentine’s Day evening. For several horses boarded and residing here; relief was instant, and obvious.

Dr. Wayne Hietpas, D.C., was on hand to offer an equine chiropractic demonstration at Karen Mattson’s farm. He told everyone that he drove 272 miles to be there on Valentine’s Day, from Door County. The doctor gave his demonstration to about thirty-five people who came out in the cold and blustery weather on Valentine’s Day to learn more about the backs of horses, and watch the adjustments.

Dr. Hietpas has been working with horses for 17 years. There were no horse chiropractic programs when he graduated from chiropractic school. His interest developed after he found help for a dog of his from a female chiropractor who worked on animals.

The group learned how a horse can be in extreme pain due to a misalignment in it’s spine. The gaits of the horses were watched before and after adjustments; with amazing results. Dr. Hietpas checked the horses for pressure and swelling. He explained that chiropractic care deals with the nervous system. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord, and if they are impinged in any way, severe pain and limited usage can occur. Studies show, he said, that the pressure of as little as a nickel will decrease nerve function by fifty percent.

The adjustments gave the horses obvious relief from one impingement or another, and a lot was learned. For example; the doctor said it is not good to hold the horse by the halter when leading; rather, give the horse his head room so the neck can move the way it is supposed to. Another bit of information that was interesting: mammals all have seven vertebrae in their necks; so we have as many as a giraffe.

Hot chocolate and tea were available; along with cupcakes, cookies, and truffles. Door prizes were given at the end of the presentation. Thanks to Lisa O’Leary for organizing the event, and thanks to Karen Mattson for hosting the event. Thanks to Dr. Hietpas for coming and doing the demonstration, and Iron/Gogebic 4-H for refreshments.