Animals at Work: 'What could be better?': The work of a horse osteopath

Melanie Gath, a horse osteopath, finds deep satisfaction in her work, particularly with the service animals of the Hessian police. On a recent June day at a stable in Hanau, she treated Legolas, a 14-year-old police horse that had recently been on duty at the Hessentag festival. The horse's audible sigh after Gath released a blockage in its diaphragm signaled relaxation.

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That was the diaphragm.

Gath, who transitioned from agricultural engineering to a three-year osteopathy program, now runs a rehabilitation center for horses and has a significant following on Instagram. Her treatment process begins with a gait analysis, followed by palpation to detect tension or inflammation. She uses techniques like manipulating the tail to release sacrum blockages, easing tension throughout the body.

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That's a sign of relaxation.

"The beauty of this profession is that you get better with age and experience," Gath shared. She emphasizes the importance of sensing the smallest signals from horses, which she describes as highly sensitive animals. Her dedication to her craft and the well-being of these animals highlights a unique blend of skill, empathy, and a passion for animal care.

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to practically feel with your hands: are there any tensions or are there any hot spots that indicate inflammation?