ARTICLES AND REFERENCES

The following article appeared in the Palm Beach Edition of

THE MORNING LINE 

on Sunday, February 6, 2000

Verena Schott

Swiss-born Saxer-Schott pushes the limits of alternative treatments to horses and humans.

A horsewoman for more than 30 years and a successful breeder and trainer of cold-blooded Freibergers, which she was the first one - with her former husband - to introduce to dressage and pair driving competition, Verena Schott, 53, has developed what she calls Intuitive Healing Treatment, based on years of education in Switzerland and the United States combining Western adaptations of age-old Chinese healing techniques.

Verena Schott is the first known healer to combine these three individual techniques:

Polarity, Zentherapy and Triggerpoint Anatomy, to treat animals including horses and dogs, as well as humans.

Based in Virginia (now in Colorado), where she has been a student at NOVA Northern Virginia College and the Atlantic University, Saxer-Schott has taken to the next step Zentherapy knowledge she received from her teacher Dub Leigh, Zentherapy master in the Western hemisphere, (i.e. the free flow of energy by aligning the body) combining it to Polarity (i.e. the energy body balancing unlocking the body) and Triggerpoint Anatomy, which is the release of toxin elements in tissues to increase the energy flow and mobility.

Says Saxer-Schott, "I make the connection with my body to build the circulation that makes the blocks break down". 

Verena Schott has already reached a high rate of success with her work, speeding the healing process on the spot or in a matter of hours, including infections, lameness, colic, traumas, and respiratory problems...

In a reference letter dated 10/18/1999, from 

THE HOLISTIC HORSE

it reads:

...She (Verena Schott) has on numerous occasions been very helpful for my horses, which range from yearlings to broodmares to race horses... she has been able to bridge the gap between the animals and the work that the traditional vets do. If not for Ms. Saxer-Schott's work my animals would have endured unnecessary pain and would have been unable to heal as quickly as they have. 

.. has been equally helpful to my own horse trainer. Since her work with him I have seen a marked difference in the way he carries himself on a horse in such a way as to facilitate the movement of the animals underneath him.

... In my opinion her work and skills are both invaluable and irreplaceable, as hers is a unique, and uniquely effective, approach.

A letter (9/24/1999) from  

"R" Judge REC, 

member of the Syracuse Professional Horsemen Association PHA, the MHSA, VHSA, the American Horsemen Association AHSA, World Hunter Championships, and the Canadian Federation owner and trainer of many successful horses and riders says:

I have seen Verena Schott many many times over the last several years at many Hunter/Jumper Shows. During this time, I have consulted with her on numerous occasions. Not only is she very knowledgeable and talented, but she has in fact helped my horses and me to compete better. The difference has been amazing wherever I have had the opportunity to work with Verena.

She is highly regarded by many people nationally and internationally. Those of us, who have benefited either directly or indirectly through our horses, have come to appreciate and respect the fact that Verena is one of the most able, effective and unique trainer/therapists in the business.

A very special letter from 

the Heatherbridge Farm,

dated June 7, 1999 reads as follows:

...As a hands-on-owner, I spend at least five hours daily in grooming, training, and overseeing a team of specialists who assist me in achieving my competitive goals. This team of specialists includes a primary veterinarian, a secondary veterinarian specializing in chiropractic and acupuncture, Farrier, sports psychologist, physical therapist, trainer, and groom. Each team member plays a significant part in contributing to a successful performance. I would, however, like to call to your attention the unique role of the physical therapist.

I had the distinct fortune of being introduced to Verena Schott, a physical therapist, 1 1/4 years ago. Since then she has been an integral member of my team. She is uniquely positioned to work with horse and rider both as individuals and as a tem to achieve the best possible results. She can also interface with my other team members to create a cohesive effort. I offer the following example from a recent show.

Last week I had two horses entered in the world re known Devon Horse Show. Unfortunately, the week of the show, both horses were experiencing severe muscle and foot soreness due to an improperly maintained practice arena where they are temporarily stabled. Both veterinarians and the Farrier were called in to lend their expertise. The horses' condition improved, but their overall soreness continued to impede their abilities. The day before the competition, . Saxer-Schott was able to work on both horses, and their response was remarkable. The horses were able to have pressure applied to muscle groups where before they would have reacted severely. Due to her special talents, they were ready to go; and we had a very successful first day.

The second day of the horse show my mare had the unfortunate experience of being mishandled by a supplemental groom. She was injured in her preparation to the extent that she was "three-legged lame". My trainer and I assessed the damage, scratched her from the day's competition, and I called the vet and Ms. Saxer-Schott. While I went on to have a winning day on my gelding, Ms. Saxer-Schott worked on my mare. Shortly thereafter, my veterinarian arrived to contribute his advice. To my trainer's and my amazement, when I went to lead the mare out of her stall, she was almost 100% sound. If it were not for the special therapy she received from Ms. Saxer-Schott, she would most definitely have been scratched for the entire season, not just a day. I would have expended thousands of dollars in medical bills and maintenance for an injured performance horse. To say the least, my veterinarian, my trainer, my groom and I were unduly impressed.

Ms. Saxer-Schott also made two other important contributions to my team, which when combined, prove her to be an invaluable resource. The first demonstrates her ability to respond in an emergency, and the second demonstrates her ability to interface between horse and rider with the sensitivity of an educated horseman. My regular groom was injured in an accident with a fractious horse. After seeking immediate treatment from Ms. Saxer-Schott, the groom felt much better, and she was able to continue with her work. Ms. Saxer-Schott's next contribution resulted from her ability to recognize limitations in a performance. She watched one of my rides and noticed that my lack of flexibility sometimes interferes with my performance. She subsequently worked on loosening up my hamstrings, and my flexibility is greatly improved. How remarkable to have a resource who is capable of working with groom, horse, rider, trainer and veterinarians!

For a physical therapist, it is all in a day's work. For the rest of us, it is a blessing and a miracle. In the competitive world of international performance horses, reputations are hard won. Ms. Saxer-Schott is greatly respected in the international horse community for her unique combination of abilities as a physical therapist. It is no wonder her acumen is sought after by many of the top teams in the country who wish to make her an integral component of their team's efforts to succeed at the highest levels of competition. ...