Equine Chiropractic Treatment

Equine Chiropractic Treatment

Similarly to humans, horses can also suffer from back, neck and pelvic pain. More so nowadays as they are frequently asked to carry the weight of a rider and any equipment which we choose to use such as a saddle, bridle or rug for example - horses were not originally designed to operate in this way.

This increasing weight, coupled with the day to day activities required by our horses often results in muscle tension, spinal misalignments and general musculoskeletal discomfort. These issues tend to worsen if left untreated for prolonged periods of time.

Equine Chiropractic Treatment Process

A full chiropractic consultation is comprised of the following;


Assessment:

  • Detailed discussion of patient history.
  • General health check and conformational analysis.
  • Gait analysis and lameness assessment where necessary.
  • Patient assessment summary.

Treatment:

  • Palpation for any skeletal misalignments.
  • McTimoney chiropractic adjustments.
  • Massage (where necessary).

Aftercare:

  • General verbal aftercare regime - given on the day.
  • Detailed written aftercare regime - sent via email upon request. 

Common Causes Of Skeletal Misalignment in Horses

There are may causes for misalignments in horses - they can be acute (happen suddenly) or chronic (build up over a long period of time). A few of the most common causes are listed below;

  • Rough play with other horses.
  • Due to foaling.
  • Poor conformation.
  • Rider imbalance.
  • Ill-fitting tack, rugs or other equipment.
  • Carrying increased weight e.g. broodmares and overweight or carriage driving horses. 
  • From being cast in the stable.
  • A slip, trip or fall.
  • Following natural covering by a stallion.
  • Repetitive activities or exercises e.g. jumping, lateral work or daily use of a horse-walker.
  • Poor quality hooves and lack of foot balance.
  • Dental issues.

How Do I Know If My Horse Needs A Treatment?

Does your horse display anf of the following symptoms?


  • Lameness or uneven gait, disunited canter, or difficulty striking off on the correct lead.
  • Bucking, rearing, napping or any unwanted resistance or unusual behaviour.
  • Reduced performance level; knocking jumps, less elevated paces, poor quality of movement
  • Temperamental changes; tired and lethargic, lack of interest in activity, grumpy behaviour.
  • General discomfort, shifting weight frequently and inability to stand square
  • Excessive tail swishing, clamped tail or carrying the tail to one side.
  • Infertility in broodmares.
  • Refusal to jump, running out, or rushing jumps.
  • Difficulty working in a correct outline, head shaking or tilting.
  • Generalised stiffness and reluctance to bend.
  • Uneven shoe/hoof wear, toe-dragging or scuffing.
  • Lack of topline or muscle atrophy.
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