top of page

Chiropractic for Horses

 

What are the signs that my horse needs chiropractic treatment?

 

There are several indicators that suggest your horse may benefit from McTimoney chiropractic treatment including:

 

  • Imbalance, particularly from behind

  • Asymmetry, such as stiffness on one rein or a disunited canter or favouring one lead

  • Unexplained resistance, such as napping, bucking, refusing or rearing

  • Uneven muscle development or atrophy

  • Unexplained changes in behaviour or temperament

  • Unexplained deterioration in usual performance

  • Reluctance to exercise, or stiffness or pain after resting or after exercise

  • Sore or cold back; uneven wear of shoes

  • Signs of discomfort when being groomed or tacked up

 

What to expect from your first session

Initially your chiropractor will take a case history to include details of current and previous injuries or problems, information about normal exercise and management regime, and any details about changes in behaviour or performance.  The spine, pelvis and other relevant areas will be analysed and appropriate adjustments made.  Finally your McTimoney chiropractor will advise you on appropriate aftercare management for your horse and when a follow up treatment would be recommended.

 

How will my horse react following treatment?

As with people, horses may experience various reactions to treatment – some may feel a little out of sorts for a day or so, others feel better straight away.  It is important to follow aftercare advice given about your horse which will always be tailored to the individual.  This usually involves a short period of rest and controlled exercise before gradually resuming a normal exercise programme, but will vary depending on the individual horse’s fitness, current activity and nature and duration of the problem.

 

How many treatments will my horse need?

Several treatments may be required, depending on the duration and extent of the problem, age and general health and fitness of your horse, activities undertaken and aftercare management.

Once a problem has been resolved it is recommended that your horse receive regular check-ups to help maintain optimum performance and health, and prevent future problems.  Some clients prefer a 3 or 6 monthly check, others have their horses checked pre and post season or when they increase the level at which the horse is working.

 

 

Here at Two Shires Chiropractic

we understand the challenges

(and delights) of horse care and riding,

and work with you and your horse to optimise health and performance of both!

How can I help my horse?

 

As well as following specific aftercare advice for your horse and investing in periodic check-ups to maintain optimum health and performance and prevent future problems, have you considered the impact that you as a rider have on your horse’s back?  Apart from the obvious importance of properly fitting tack, well balanced feet and regular dental checks for your horse, the other key element is your balance as a rider.  This doesn’t mean your skill level, although being a competent, well-balanced rider will obviously help your horse.  But rather how well balanced are you skeletally?  Do you receive regular chiropractic care to maintain your flexibility and mobility?

 

 Consider the impact that stiffness or restriction to your hip or lower back for example would have on how your horse experiences your seat and your aids – is he always quarters in to the left because that is what your asymmetry is asking him for, rather than his own asymmetry?  And what impact does your possible asymmetry have on your horse?

 

Added to the fact that caring for a horse is a physically challenging job that can take its toll on your body,

let alone the “unscheduled dismounts” that we sometimes experience –

don’t you think you owe it to your horse to get your body checked too?

 

 

bottom of page