Equine Physiotherapy
Proactive and Positive
Horses are athletes from the family hack and pony, to show jumping, eventing, racing, dressage and showing. They can pull muscles on a regular basis, whilst ridden, in the stable or out in the field, therefore can benefit from regular physiotherapy.
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Signs that your horse might need physiotherapy
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Change in behaviour
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Resentment to tacking up
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Napping, rearing or bucking
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Poor performance, shortened stride, stiffness
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Unwilling to move forward, in transitions, whilst ridden
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Saddle and ill fitted tack problems
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Uneven shoe wear
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Physical Asymmetry / muscle changes
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lymphatic swelling
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Changes in saddle fit
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Common conditions that benefit from physiotherapy
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Tendon/ligament injuries
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Back problems
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Filled legs / lymphangitis
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Abnormal behavior, bucking, napping etc
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laminitis
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Bone spavin
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Infected wounds
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Fractures
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Muscle asymmetry
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Tack issues
Whether your horse is recovering from injury or surgery, has a long term chronic condition, is elderly or has suffered a loss in performance, or would just like your to have a check up, I can carry out a full assessment and provide treatment and an appropriate treatment plan.
What to expect
Every session is designed to assess, treat, and support your horse’s musculoskeletal health, helping them move more comfortably and perform at their best. Here's what you can expect from a full physiotherapy appointment.
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Initial Assessment
We begin with a detailed discussion about your horse to gather important background information, including:
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Age, breed, and how long you’ve owned the horse
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Medical history, including any injuries or diagnosed conditions
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Current workload, routine, and discipline
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Any changes in behaviour or performance
While we talk through your horse’s history, we also observe their natural posture and behaviour, looking for subtle signs of discomfort, stiffness, or imbalance.
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Gait Analysis
Gait analysis helps us evaluate how your horse moves and carries their weight. It allows us to identify issues such as:
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Asymmetries or uneven movement
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Muscle or soft tissue restrictions
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Compensation patterns
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Reduced stride length, balance, or coordination
Depending on the case, gait analysis may include:
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In-hand assessment: Walk and trot in a straight line, turning in tight circles, and stepping backwards
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Lunging: Observing walk, trot, and canter on both reins
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Ridden assessment: If needed, we may observe the horse under saddle to identify ridden-specific issues
Musculoskeletal Assessment
This hands-on examination focuses on the condition of the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and the skeletal system. We are looking for any signs of:
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Pain or discomfort
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Muscle tightness or atrophy
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Joint restrictions or reduced mobility
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Postural imbalances or asymmetry
Key components of the assessment include:
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Soft tissue palpation – Assessing muscle tone, tightness, and texture
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Joint range of motion testing – Checking for stiffness, restrictions, or reduced mobility
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Spinal and pelvic assessment – Evaluating alignment and mobility
Treatment
Each treatment plan is tailored to your horse’s individual needs and the findings from the assessment. Techniques used may include:
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Massage therapy
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Myofascial release
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Trigger point therapy
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Lymphatic drainage
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Electrotherapies (e.g. PEMF, NMES)
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Passive and active stretching
These techniques work together to reduce pain, improve circulation, restore mobility, and promote healing.
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Exercise Prescription & Aftercare Plan
Following treatment, you’ll receive a personalised exercise plan and management advice to support your horse’s ongoing care and performance. This may include:
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Rest and work guidelines
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Passive and active stretching routines
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Strengthening and mobility exercises such as:
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In-hand walking or ground-based exercises
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Ridden exercises to improve posture, symmetry, and balance
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Your plan will be tailored to your horse’s discipline, workload, and recovery goals.