The RX-8

EQUESTRIAN - Sponsored by Brickfields and Froghill
“Even horses hate
going to the dentist”
Emma Orchard-Ohlson has been bitten,
kicked and knocked unconscious during
her career as an equine dental
technician – but amazingly, this has
done nothing to put her off her unusual
job. In fact, according to Emma: “It’s
the best job in the world”. We caught
up with this fearless woman to get the
low-down… straight from the
horse’s mouth.
Were you always interested in horses?
I was practically born in the saddle, as my
mum was into dressage and my dad was a
show hunter breeder.
Have you always lived on the Island?
I was actually born in Reigate, but have been
on the Island since I was five years old. I
spent a year away show jumping in Australia.
Where did you train to become an equine
dentist?
I did two years HND at West Oxfordshire
College followed by one and a half years at
Shires Equine Dental College
in Cambridge, under the
instruction of Gary Draper.
What is your best memory
of training?
Getting a star (top grade) for
my final practical exam! Also
only 3 of us were asked back
to teach at college, this was a
huge honour.
And your worst?
Having a horse roll over on
me! Also, having a horse rear
up whilst my hand was
trapped in the GAG, which
was very painful.
What made you choose
horse dentistry?
I originally trained as a riding
instructor and was not
enjoying it, so friend’s of
mine sent an application on
my behalf to the college –
without me even knowing
about it - and I was accepted!
What hours do you work?
Seven days a week, and I am
on call 24/7. There have
been times when I have been
called out at 3.30am on a
Sunday morning, which is
not fun!
Do you travel to the mainland to work?
Yes, in fact I travel all over the world. I have
been to Greece, France, Wales and Scotland, I
also teach courses on the mainland, as well
as abroad.
Do you have to sedate horses in your
work?
Yes sometimes I do, however this is done
under the supervision of a fully qualified vet
just in case there are any unforeseen
problems.
Do horses have the same dental problems
as humans?
Yes, but the most common problem is sharp
points caused by the horse grinding on hay.
Since qualifying what is your worst
experience?
Being knocked unconscious when a horse
reared up and struck out with a front leg.
Can horses have crowns and false teeth?
Yes, they can have crowns - although a single
crown can cost up to £1,500, so in most cases
it is not advisable.
How badly have you been bitten?
Fairly severely – bad enough to draw blood
anyway.
How often do horses need to have checkups?
Like humans, it’s advisable to have them
checked every six months.
Do you think owners care enough about
their horses’ teeth, and have them checked
regularly enough?
I don’t think people realise how often they
should be attended to. I think an awareness
campaign is needed within the equestrian
community. Bad or painful teeth in a horse
can cause all sorts of problems.
Do horses lose teeth with age?
Yes they do.
Why should an owner choose to use
yourself rather than their own vet?
Because I am a specialist in my field and have
spent over two years training in horse
dentistry, whereas a vet will spend perhaps
only a week.
Now you’re qualified, do you still enjoy the
job?
I love my work - it’s the best job in the world.
When you’re not working, how do you
spend your leisure time?
I love surfing - and riding my own horses.
Do you see horse dentistry changing?
I think it will become more popular, and the
technology is evolving rapidly all the time.
There will be more options open for us in the
future.
40 Island Life - www.islandlifemagazine.net