A doctor’s prescription for a healthy back, in and out of the saddle. Over 90 percent of the US population seeks help for back pain at one point or another during the course of their life. If you're a horseperson, back pain is of particular concern as it not only robs you of the joys of riding?it threatens your livelihood, as well. From grooming and tacking up, to performing a flawless reining pattern or jumping a clean round, to stacking hay bales or pushing a wheelbarrow, everything we do on and around horses demands a supple, strong, healthy back. Now, in his unique, easygoing style, Dr. Jim Warson?a neurosurgeon who also happens to be a lifelong horseman?provides all the practical information you need to understand the diagnosis and treatment of back pain?whether caused by equestrian pursuits, outside activities, illness, or heredity. More importantly, he shows readers how to prevent back problems before they have a chance to unseat them. This book includes: Normal back biology and function Congenital conditions, trauma, arthritis, and infection Understanding symptoms and pinpointing problem areas Tack's impact on the physics of riding How your horse's conformation can affect your body Traditional and alternative treatments and therapies Techniques for saddling and mounting without stress Recommendations for pregnant riders. In addition, Dr. Warson provides a section specifically geared toward improving rider flexibility and strength. You'll find: Step-by-step instructions and photo series for 10 stretches and 8 exercises for a healthy, stress-free back, allowing you to not only enjoy your riding but all your day-to-day activities, whatever they may be. Over a hundred color photographs and illustrations.

Dr. James Warson (ret), began neurosurgery practice in Lexington, Kentucky in 1974. He relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he founded Front Range Brain and Spine Surgery in 1978. He devoted the majority of his practice to spine surgery (performing over 6,000 procedures during his career) and diseases of equestrians caused or aggravated by riding were Dr. Warson’s field of expertise. In 1984, Dr. Warson established J & J Farms, where he bred, trained, exhibited, and sold multiple Grand National and World Champion Morgan horses. Today Dr. Warson is based in Fairfax, Virginia, where he is the Mid-Atlantic Medical Director for the Medeval Corporation and serves as Medical Director for Rider Health and Safety with the Western Dressage Association of America. He consults with the US Para-Equestrian Association, NCAA, and American Morgan Horse Association, and is a life-certified horse appraiser. Dr. Warson is a diplomate of the board of Neurological Surgery and a retired Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.