I am able to offer a session with a thermography camera (Flir-One) which sometimes can greatly assist with diagnosis of unexplained problems. A thermography camera shows images as different colours - each different colour being an indication of temperature. The more heat and inflammation - the more change in colour. A lameness can show anything up to 3 weeks in advance of that seen by the human eye using the camera, therefore it is especially useful when the owner is convinced the horse is "not quite right" but not showing a problem for the vet.

Thermography aids in the checking of saddle fit. After a 20 minute ridden session the camera will clearly show where there is too much/insufficient pressure.

The camera particularly becomes useful when I have carried out 3 sessions of Masterson and the horse still has not shown any sign of improvement. Whilst Masterson can not always "cure" - if problems are not serious then improvement will always be shown. Lack of improvement shows a more deep-seated problem and the camera can be first step in the necessary investigation.

During all thermography sessions images of the entire horse will be taken. This is due to many instances whereby the problems seem to the owner to be in one area but with the cause actually seated elsewhere in the horse's body.

Please be aware that firstly I am not a trained thermography operative and any serious problems should be confirmed by a trained thermography operative or a vet. Hence my much lower cost (a fully qualified operative will charge approx £110 for a session).

• The horse should have all rugs, bandages, etc removed, preferably 2 hours before the session. If this is impractical then the rugs should be reduced to a minimum and left unbuckled.
• There should be no preparations on the body; liniments, topical lotions, grooming products, etc
• The horse should be clean and dry, free of any mud, shavings or stable stains. He should not be wet anywhere. But no vigorous brushing of your horse for one hour before the session.
• The horse needs to have acclimatised as much as possible to the ambient temperature where the reading is to take place.
• The horse should be kept away from direct sunlight for the 2 hours duration prior to imaging.
• The mane can be clumped up in 'sticking up bunches' so that the neck is free from being covered with hair which will help us make a good comparison of the neck on each side.
• The tail can be plaited and/or bandaged.

The Scanning Environment

We want to get as close to a uniform temperature environment as possible with little or no external temperature influences. We should be away from the sun, wind, rain, etc. Ideally this will be a stable ambient temperature free of draughts, changes in temperature and hot or cold areas, like sun spots.

The Viewing Area

An appropriate area is an indoor school, the stable or a covered area. The area should be flat and large enough to move around the horse comfortably. If a stable is used it should be free of bedding. The horse should be kept away from direct sunlight for at least one hour and preferably 2 hours prior to imaging.

Seasonal Considerations

During the summertime it may prove to be prudent to make thermographic viewings early morning and or evening. The camera will function very well in the dark. In cold seasons the area should be free of draughts as much as possible. Your horse must absolutely not be wet from rain or be covered in mud.

NB A THERMOGRAPHY TECHNICIAN IS NOT A VET - AT NO TIME WILL I GIVE YOU A DIAGNOSIS. ALL I AM ABLE TO DO IS TELL YOU WHERE THE CAMERA SHOWS MORE HEAT AT THE TIME THE IMAGE IS TAKEN.

Flir Thermal Imaging Site for horses