Academy for Sport Horse Therapy - The Academy for Sport Horse Therapy The Academy of Equine Sport Therapy was registered in May 1994 in Canada. In November 1996 the registration took place in Germany. The Academy has both advisory and teaching functions. There are representatives of the academy in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. In May 1997 the International Academy of Equine Sports Therapy was founded. The major aims of the academy are:

	To promote and support the Equine sports therapy in all facets of riding, as well as the prevention of injuries that may be caused by improper riding techniques.
	To promote and improve the occupation of Equine Sports Therapist.
	To support both amateurs and professionals in their education and their techniques of increasing the performance of the competitive sport horse.
	To promote self confidence and to improve the well-being and understanding of the equine athlete.
	To broaden the appreciation for sport and leisure horses.
	To promote the abilities of all members by presenting a certificate with which they can further their professional development.
	Introduction of ethical principles for the members.
	Provide the best possible injury precaution and care for all horses

For more information about the International Academy of Equine Sports please contact: Michael Baxter - Tel: +49 (0) 171 400 6121/Fax: +49 (0) 8992185 296, website: www.aiest.de/english

Michael Baxter sees himself as a friend on the side of the horses. Emphasis of his recent research is put on forehand lameness caused by "incorrect movement of the hind limbs" and the "swinging hip syndrome" as possible reasons for back problems.

Causing factors, among others are incorrect lunging techniques; over training and too much work in small circles (the horse falls into the circle over the shoulder, the hind limb does not get under the point of gravity, the toes scuff the ground, the inner hind limb crosses the middle line); imbalance of the rider and incorrect postural habits of the rider. Correction measures can be: lengthening and shorting gymnastic;, larger circles with 5-6 half halts in order to rebalance the horse and more riding on a straight line.

"After I have seen the result of Michael Baxter's sport therapy on some dressage horses, I am convinced that the freedom of movement and the ability to engage the hind limbs definitely are enhanced through this kind of therapy".

Ger Geertsen, International Dressage Judge Advisor and Trainer, Holland "Michael Baxter compels to see, that the knowledge of biomechanics in the horse are not only a sideline, but ought to be a essential part of the studies for all veterinarians. In fact, it ought to be compulsory to all horse-people...". Dr. F. Wolff, Veterinarian Clinic, Oberndorf, Germany.