Physio Equine Blog

Equestrian Sport is a fascinating and complex partnership between horse and rider, requiring strength, agility, endurance – both physical and mental. Each discipline presents its own distinct challenges that can

We all have them, why does it matter? Our bodies are pretty good at adapting and compensating for our short comings, whether it be long standing pain, short term pain,

Squats are an essential exercise for any equestrian who wants to perform their best, as well as to reduce the risk of injury. A squat is a simple functional movement

Horseback riding is a dangerous sport. Equine care in general is dangerous. It’s easy to throw out your back when picking up hay bales or emptying water buckets. A rearing

The strengths and weaknesses of human biomechanics are directly related to the lifestyle we lead. A healthy lifestyle leads to a strong and functional body, and vice versa. Unfortunately, the

Whether you’re struggling with injury, or you’re frustrated with your performance in the arena, a physical therapy rider assessment can help. It requires careful evaluation and treatment by an educated

The Physio Equine Solutions’ Clinic opened on August 1st, 2020 and has been a great addition to my practice. Now I can support equestrians who don’t have a horse or

Physical therapy is an interesting medical specialty in that a lot of things claim to be “physical therapy” but unfortunately are more pseudo-scientific than true evidence-based treatment strategies. When it

How do you know what to believe when it comes to equine physical therapy treatment? Do magnets really work? Click here to separate myth from fact.  There are lots of

Do you have to choose between a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a riding instructor? You can actually get the biggest benefit by working with both. A Doctor of Physical

Riding is a full body workout. Whatever discipline you compete in, the muscles required to ride and ride well are largely the same. When a trainer tells you to use

It’s easy for us to know when we need to see a physical therapist. Most equestrians come to me when they’re in pain while riding or struggling with a specific

When was the last time you had a massage, or saw your primary care doctor for a wellness exam? Now, when was the last time you saw a physical therapist?

Squats are a very popular exercise in generic online exercise programs. But how do you know if you’re doing them right? Common mistakes equestrians make when squatting can greatly increase

Do you have enough cardio fitness to canter through a Dressage test? Cardiovascular training can have a big impact on your riding performance. Click here to find out the ins

Do you struggle with lateral movements on the horse? Back pain or cramping hips? Your hip muscles could be to blame. Click to find out how an equestrian sport physical

What can you do with your horse when it’s too hot to ride? Good news: you can still work on your physical therapy exercises! Here’s how to keep improving your

Are you struggling with hypermobility or stiffness? When your joints aren’t able to support you, your performance can drop significantly and you and your horse suffer as a result. Read

Announcing the Physio Equine Solutions Physical Therapy Clinic! Now, Dr. Shields can have physical therapy sessions with either (or both!) horse and rider at Shields’ Fields Farm in Woodbine, MD.