GEORGINA SIM BSC (HONS) PG DIP AM

About me

I have been involved with horses all my life. Having ridden since a small child I was an active member of the Quorn Hunt PC and various riding clubs over the years. I regularly compete with British Dressage, British Eventing and Rearsby Lodge RC as a team member. The horses are kept at home which enables me to continue my passion for competing alongside my McTimoney Practice.

As a McTimoney Animal Practitioner I qualified with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Animal Manipulation awarded by The University of Wales. The McTimoney College of Chiropractic is the only institution in Europe which runs a validated training course for animal manipulators and chiropractors. I also have a degree from the University of Central Lancashire in Health Sciences for Complementary Medicine BSc (Hons).

I use the McTimoney technique to treat musculoskeletal problems in many animals competing in various disciplines such as racing, dressage, eventing, show jumping, endurance, driving and recreational horses I also treat agility and working dogs and have been known to treat the odd cow and goat! I work closely alongside Veterinary Surgeons, Farriers, Saddlers, Dentists and other practitioners.

Having graduated in 2002 I have many years experience in Mctimoney, I carry full indemnity insurance and maintain a level of expertise by participating in continual professional development and training.

What Is McTimoney?
Like humans, animals suffer from back, neck, pelvis and musculoskeletal problems and can benefit greatly from McTimoney Manipulation. It is a safe and gentle treatment, which can help a vast range of species from horses, dogs, cats and farm animals. It is a non-invasive technique which most animals accept quite readily. John McTimoney developed the approach in the 1950s, modifying his human chiropractic technique specifically to animals. McTimoney is an effective manipulative therapy based on the fact that the nervous system is responsible for all body functions.

How Does It Work?
The nervous system is governed by the brain and relays messages along the spinal cord and nerves all around the body. The spine, which is made up of individual vertebrae protects the spinal cord. Each Vertebra articulates with one another to form a joint, this is also the site where nerve roots enter and leave. When a joint is no longer in a normal position, or it has been restricted in movement, it can interfere with the nervous system. Nerves can become trapped and impinged and will no longer be able to carry the correct messages from the brain to the body. The McTimoney technique aims to restore nerve function by the realignment of misalignments within joints of the skeletal structure.

What Causes Misalignments?
The correct alignment of vertebrae in the spinal column is vital to maintain nerve pathways. Misalignments or subluxations in the body can occur anytime, in some cases they can be so subtle changes that can occur over a number of years. Joints have a limited range of movement and can often be taken to their limit through external forces. Trauma is often the most obvious cause: e.g. – falls and accidents but can be split into two categories: Acute (sudden onset) and Chronic (over time)

Acute
Stumble
Slip
Injury or Kick
Fall
Getting Cast

Chronic
Poorly fitting tack
Foot balance
Dental problems
Conformation
Rider

Treaments can take approximately 1 hour depending on the severity of the problem. A record card is taken to note past and present history of the animal, details of injuries, change in behavior, general lifestyle, management and exercise routine. An evaluation of the horse’s movement, conformation and foot balance is also made. A case history, physical examination and gait analysis will determine if there are any contraindications to the treatment, if so a further referral will be made to a veterinary surgeon. It is important practitioners work alongside veterinary surgeons, farriers, saddlers and dentists.

Gait assessment will determine how the animal naturally moves and identify gait abnormalities, asymmetry and stiffness. In some circumstances horses may need to be seen tacked up, ridden or lunged.

The spine, pelvis and other relevant joints are palpated and analysed for any misalignment's or spasms in the associated muscles. Any areas that are out of balance can affect the whole body therefore the entire body is assessed in each treatment, with the emphasis on the causes rather than the symptoms. The problems areas are then treated with a fast and precise hand movement to correct any misalignment's.

After treatment individual aftercare and rehabilitation guidance is given, this usually involves rest, and a limited exercise plan building work up gradually over a few days. Depending on the nature of the injury the animal may require several treatments. The musculoskeletal system normally needs 24-48 hours to adapt accordingly to the changes made, it must be remembered that healing is a process not an event!

Does your horse suffer from...
Limb dragging, odd irregular action
Change in behaviour, unexplained resistances, such as napping, rearing, refusing, bucking
Unlevelness, especially behind, uneven wear of shoes
Sore or cold backs: uneven pressure from saddles, numnahs etc.
Reluctance to work or unexplained deterioration in usual performance
Uneven muscle development or atrophy
Reluctance or difficulty maintaining an outline or engaging hindquarters
Asymmetry, such as stiffness on one rein
Disunited canter

Does your dog suffer from...
Limb dragging, odd irregular action
Change in behaviour, performance or temperament
Difficulty climbing stairs or getting into cars
A reluctance to exercise
Stiffness or pain after exercise
Uneven muscle development or atrophy

I have used Georgina on my event horses ever since she qualified, and recommend her to any of my clients where ever I feel the horse would benefit from her professional help. Georgina is of particular value, due to being able to combine her practical expertise with her theoretical knowledge. My clients all find her easy to relate to, and I myself, have found her an invaluable link in enabling my horses to progress up the grades from youngstock to advanced level.
Caroline Edwards MA Vet MB MRCVS

Georgina is a vital part of our competition preparation, improving straightness and suppleness in our horses, which is a key part to any basic schooling whatever discipline helping the horse to workto the best of it's ability.
Karen Bough, Holme Farm Livery Stables

Georgina has a charming and conscientious nature which shows when she treats any horse, whether it's old, young, in light work or horses like Don Dimitri, who is on the world class equine pathway for dressage horses with championship potential. She has always recognised and successfully treated any problems that have occured. It is reassuring to have Georgina as part of our team to keep our horses healthy and happy.
Julia Coope, Owner/Rider of Don Dimitri

We first contacted Georgina when one of our dogs started to measure his jumps after taking a pole and getting it wrapped around his legs. Georgina was very thorough at examining him and explained what she had found and how she was going to treat him so we knew exactly what was happening which was brilliant. He then went back competing and was like himself again and gained some great placings. We now have all our dogs checked by Georgina, they all love her and are very relaxed and happy when she is treating them. I recommend Georgina to all my students and friends in the dog agility community. Georgina, Sue and all the dogs