Jelle Hoorens is a Belgian former showjumping rider who has been fully committed to treating horses and riders as an osteopath for over ten years. Last year he founded OsteoCure in Deinze (Belgium), a multidisciplinary practice focused on the performance of horse and rider.
Can you share with us your journey to become an osteopath?
My first steps in the horse world were back when I was ten years old. My hobby started out with the biggest and hardest decision my parents had to take for buying a pony, since they had no experience with horses at all. I was hooked quite immediately, and it is safe to say my hobby got quite out of hand soon after. I got extensive training in dressage by a top tier Portuguese dressage rider and judge on the highest level, before my parents allowed me to start jumping. I started breeding and showing horses during my time in the youth in Juniors and Young Riders, competing in Championships and qualifications for the Europeans. As soon as high school was finished, I went to study and became a trainer in showjumping. My interest in anatomy and biomechanics was sparked, and I decided to study osteopathy.
Fast forward after nine years of study I hold my degree in human osteopathy and two degrees in equine osteopathy, seeking to broaden my knowledge continuously.
How are you able to help a horse and rider?
OsteoCure helps riders and horses build and maintain performance with the help of our team consisting of osteopaths, a veterinarian and a personal trainer. Whether you as a rider want to focus more on your flexibility in the saddle or you want a plan to get your horse in a great condition before and during the show season, we can help.
Do you work with dressage horses at all levels?
I have been working with dressage horses of all levels since the beginning of my journey ten years ago. Osteopathy is evaluated differently with every individual, and every horse will benefit treatment at some time in their life, but a top athlete needs more consistent care.
Is it important for a horse to have regular treatment?
Yes, absolutely. Dressage horses competing and travelling often like Pammy and Patty Cudo’s will be seen by me every few months depending on the intensity of their show schedule. Having them checked at regular periods reduces the probability of injuries during or after competition.
What would treatment generally involve?
Typically, the horses get a full assessment, asking and answering questions to/of the rider/owner. After assessment I start palpating and treating horses by testing their mobility and correct with or without additional ultrasound/micro shockwave. Future, individual plans are made after treatment together with the rider or owner.
What are some common misconceptions about what you do?
I think there are many misconceptions spread by therapists that haven’t gone through a thorough study. The equine industry is evolving in every way, from breeding, educating, competing, marketing, selling, mentoring, therefore it is important that healthcare continues to grow as well. There is a need for regulation of evidence-based Para-veterinary therapies such as osteopathy to continue growth and guarantee qualitative care for horses and riders. Until then, riders should always be well informed about their therapists’ health degree.
How can we best maintain our horse in between appointments?
This varies per individual, as some horses need a very specific plan. In general, we suggest some stretches if horses are able to do so, in combination with correct work under the saddle, polework, or on the lunge. Whenever my clients are in doubt, they know they can reach out.
Your highlights so far?
I treat horses and riders by every means, preventive and curative, in the build-up to, between, and after shows. But the ones that always jump in my mind directly are those where clients fly me in to treat them and their horses before or during an important show and experiencing the progress during the show together. The cherry on the cake is of course when great results follow in this team effort. That’s what ticks me being an ex-athlete myself!
I’m proud to have been to many places in the world such as tours in Spain, France, Dubai, New York and Wellington Equestrian Festival where I still go regularly for clients. Juggling a practice at home while travelling makes it very interesting and rewarding at the same time, thanks to a wonderful team at home.