June 8, 2020
Help Your Horse Find Balance
There are lots of reasons for our horses to be asymmetrical. Asymmetries can be related to conformation, movement patterns, and even poor quality riding. Over time, these imbalances can lead
June 1, 2020
The Art of Increasing Your Flexibility
There are two types of people: ones that feel stiff as a board and those who seem to have a second career as a contortionist. Don’t be jealous of the
It’s time to stop thinking of veterinarians and physical therapists as two separate entities. Instead, think of how they can work together to help you and your horse achieve your
May 11, 2020
Where is Your Riding Performance Breakdown?
Is your horse too exhausted to complete a cross country course? Do you struggle to mount from the ground? Is your horse’s inability to relax throwing off your round in
A horse is a strange animal. They would manage to break a leg if they were kept in a locked box with four padded walls and surrounded by bubble wrap.
April 27, 2020
Insider’s Guide to Laser Therapy for Horses
Lasers have been used for therapeutic purposes since the 1970s. However, they’ve had a recent resurgence in popularity. Now you see them advertised for horses, dogs, cats, and humans. It
April 20, 2020
The Rider Fitness Guide You Need to Read
Many equestrians find themselves frustrated by their health and fitness. Some horseback riders are in pain while riding, or lack the fitness necessary to reach their goals. Building this fitness
April 14, 2020
The Importance of Rider Fitness
In order to be a good partner for your equine, a certain level of fitness is required. You need to be able to maintain balance and move fluidly with your
This is an individualized approach to this equine’s rehabilitation. Please consult your horse’s DVM to discuss if a program like this is suitable for your horse before starting any rehabilitation
If you ask any equestrian about a time they were hurt horseback riding, you’ll most likely get a long list. When equestrians walk around you’ll hear cracking ankles and hips,
March 5, 2020
Off Balance? Find Stability with Physical Therapy
There are times when you’re riding your horse and everything just seems to click. You and your partner are moving in perfect synchrony, dancing through a dressage test or going
February 26, 2020
How to Choose the Right Physical Therapist for You
When selecting a veterinarian for your horse, you research online, look at reviews, their experience, where they went to school and listen to what other equestrians have to say about
February 20, 2020
Is Your Horse Telling You “You’re Unbalanced”?
Are you struggling to bend your horse in the corners or during shoulder-in and haunches-in? Do you find it difficult to create a balanced trot down the centerline? After trying
February 20, 2020
Does your horse have a Doctor of Physical Therapy? Why Not?
Most equestrians that are serious about riding have a big support team. It can include a veterinarian, chiropractor, massage therapist, dentist, trainer, barn manager, and even a saddle fitter. Double
Did you know rider asymmetries are common? Even highly skilled riders have asymmetries! A functional movement assessment of the rider on and off the horse allows for a better understanding
February 20, 2020
What to Expect with an Equine Physical Therapy Assessment
History of HorsePresenting Complaint and Nature of InjuryReview treatments, injections, or surgeries previously performed by DVM for presenting complaintStanding Inspection of Horse (Observation, Palpation, Range of Motion)Horse Gait Observation with
February 20, 2020
Dr. Shields, Physical Therapist for the Horse and Rider
Emily Shields received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University in 2005. She had been working at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, a Level 1 Trauma center, in Washington,
February 20, 2020
What is a CERP?
Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner can be a veterinarian, veterinary technician, physical therapist, physical therapy assistant, or students of these professions that completed a postgraduate certificate course offered by the University
February 18, 2020
An Insider’s Guide to Equestrian Pre- and Post-Ride Workouts
Equestrians treat their horse as “the athlete,” however consider themselves last on the list. Why don’t we take our health seriously? Every competitive athletic sport has a stretching program to