Physio Equine Blog

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

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

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. 

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

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

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,

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

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

My love of horses started as a kid growing up in Virginia riding for fun and then competitively in the hunter jumper world. Injury after injury my coach got me

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

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

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

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,

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

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