Equine Physiotherapy
Equine Physiotherapy can benefit horses of all disciplines, whether it be for a specific injury/condition, or to maintain performance and prevent problems arising in the future.
Beth treats horses of all levels, ranging from happy hackers through to elite level competition horses.
Animals communicate problems and pain through subtle changes in their performance and/or behaviour. As a physiotherapist, Beth is highly skilled at observing behaviour and movement patterns within her assessment, helping identify any areas of pain, weakness and compensation.
Equine physiotherapy can be useful with:
What does your Equine Physio appointment involve?
The number of follow-up treatments will depend on individual vet diagnoses, responses to treatment, age, lifestyle and other health issues.
How to recognise signs of discomfort in your horse
Change in temperament
A normally calm and cooperative horse may become irritable, anxious, or aggressive, indicating discomfort or pain.
Lack of gait symmetry and/or straightness
If your horse shows uneven striding or difficulty moving in a straight line, it could be suggestive of musculoskeletal issues or pain.
Head Shaking
Frequent or unusual head movements can be a sign of discomfort.
Saddle slipping
A saddle that consistently shifts out of place may indicate uneven muscle development or ill-fitting tack, requiring professional evaluation.
Uneven shoe wear
Disunited canter
When a horse canters with mismatched front and hind legs, it can be related to pain and weakness affecting their movement and coordination.
Decline in performance
A sudden drop in your horse’s performance levels, such as slower times or reduced stamina, can be a key indicator of underlying discomfort.
Behavioural issues
Changes in behavior, such as biting, kicking, or reluctance to work, often suggest the horse is experiencing pain or distress.
Refusing jumps
A horse that starts refusing or hesitating at jumps may be trying to avoid the physical discomfort associated with jumping.
How to recognise signs of discomfort in your horse
Change in temperament
A normally calm and cooperative horse may become irritable, anxious, or aggressive, indicating discomfort or pain.
Lack of gait symmetry and/or straightness
If your horse shows uneven strides or difficulty moving in a straight line, it could be due to musculoskeletal issues or pain.
Head Shaking
Frequent or unusual head movements can be a sign of discomfort, often related to dental problems, ear issues, or ill-fitting tack.
Saddle slipping
A saddle that consistently shifts out of place may indicate uneven muscle development or back pain, requiring professional evaluation.
Uneven shoe wear
Irregular wear patterns on your horse’s shoes can signal imbalances in gait or limb discomfort that need addressing.
Disunited canter
When a horse canters with mismatched front and hind legs, it often points to coordination problems or pain affecting their movement.
Decline in performance
A sudden drop in your horse’s performance levels, such as slower times or reduced stamina, can be a key indicator of underlying discomfort.
Behavioural issues
Changes in behavior, such as biting, kicking, or reluctance to work, often suggest the horse is experiencing pain or distress.
Refusing jumps
A horse that starts refusing or hesitating at jumps may be trying to avoid the physical discomfort associated with jumping.
Is Veterinary Consent Needed?
Yes
No
For anything relating to maintenance and maximising performance of the healthy animal, prior veterinary referral is not required.
Outside of routine/maintenance care we will contact your veterinarian to gain consent prior to seeing your animal. This is a legal requirement as per the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemptions Order 2015.