
On 5th March 2019 a group of first year Veterinary Physiotherapy students visited Manor House Stables in Malpas, Cheshire. The stables are owned by Michael Owen and run by racehorse trainer Tom Dascombe, and are a fantastic example of a state of the art working yard for our students to experience.
After a quick tour of the owner’s area, which included a bar and panoramic views of the facility, the students walked down to the view the gallops as some of the horses were cantering past, which were a mix of young and experienced horses with a running commentary by Barn Leader Hannah Edwards.
The students then watched some horses in the equine pool- a deep circular pool- where the horses can exercise and build up strength without a rider, and the yard dog even got in on the action! In this area there was also an equine spa, used for treating horses legs after strenuous exercise and also a vibration plate, used to increase circulation and speed up healing.
Next they moved onto the Vet room, which acts a fully functioning veterinary surgery on site, so that any ill or injured horses can be treated without having to leave the yard, including x-rays and minor surgery. Finally the students were introduced to many of the 90 horses kept on-site in each of the purposely designed barns. It’s fair to say some students fell in love and would very much liked to have taken a horse or two home with them.