Equine physiotherapy is a specialised field of veterinary medicine that focuses on the physical rehabilitation and well-being of horses. It involves the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions in horses, using a variety of techniques similar to those used in human physiotherapy.
Equine physiotherapists work closely with veterinarians, trainers, and horse owners to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses each horse’s specific needs, whether they are recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or aiming to optimise their athletic performance. The goal of equine physiotherapy is to help horses move and function at their best, improve their quality of life, and prevent future injuries.
As Equine Physiotherapists, we always seek approval from your veterinary surgeon before beginning any treatment. Our initial assessment and treatment session typically lasts around 1½ hours. During this comprehensive evaluation, our physiotherapist will:
Our team is equipped to treat your horse for a variety of conditions, including:
Back, Neck, and Pelvis Issues:
These issues can arise from numerous causes such as trauma (e.g., falls, becoming cast), poor saddle fit, ageing, developmental stages of schooling, rider imbalance, or adaptive gait due to lameness. They might also stem from underlying pathologies like kissing spine or degenerative joint disease.
Soft Tissue Injuries:
We are here to assist if your horse has sustained injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles, including strains, sprains, desmitis, and tendonopathies.
Other Conditions:
We also address joint stiffness, nerve injuries, wounds and scar tissue, as well as splints and swellings.
Equine Physiotherapy Treatment Techniques:
We employ a range of physiotherapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating pain, enhancing movement, and restoring normal muscle function to improve your horse's performance and quality of life.
Manual Techniques:
We specialise in joint and soft tissue manual techniques used during both acute and chronic phases of injury. These techniques, which include massage, stretching, Maitland mobilisations, myofascial release, trigger point release, and reciprocal/reflex inhibition, are designed to reduce pain and expand your horse's range of movement.
Our approach is tailored to address the specific needs and conditions of your horse, ensuring optimal care and rehabilitation.
Equine physiotherapy offers valuable benefits to your horse, enhancing both performance and well-being. It's ideal not just for treating specific conditions, but also for maintaining optimal health and preventing future issues.
We aim to cater for all levels of horse and rider in any equestrian discipline and all aspects of Horse Care/Management. With over 25 years of experience in horse care and riding our services include all types of livery from breaking, schooling and competition livery to Full and Part. We also cater for rehabilitation and foaling livery with experienced 24/7 care on hand.
Our experience spans across performance horses, cherished family horses and seasoned competition veterans. We ensure that each receives personalised attention tailored to their specific needs.
We pride ourselves on our expansive 17+ acres of lush, fertile land Located in the scenic hills of Hebden Bridge, Halifax. Our location provides an ideal setting for horses to graze and roam freely.
Below you can find our frequently asked questions.