What is the right equine therapy for me and my horse?

Through the Equisecrets approach, we have many years experience in recommending and assessing the results of the different equine therapy options that are available

We work with many clients, supporting them in choosing which of the vast array of therapies are the most appropriate for them and their horse to best address the physical or behavioural problem they are experiencing

This page is a guide to some natural horse therapies, and will give you a better understanding of what options are available to you - please contact us to discuss your specific requirements

What natural equine therapies are available?

There are a number of natural therapies available, particularly for the treatment of lameness and back problems. Many veterinary practitioners now offer some of these equine therapies below as complementary methods of treatment - speak to your vet to see what they may recommend for your horse...

Equine Acupuncture

Acupuncture evolved over 3000 years ago in China and it is now being used in veterinary and medical practices throughout the world. The treatment involves inserting fine, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific points of the body to prevent and treat disease

Acupuncture is increasingly being recognised in veterinary medicine, and is recommended as an effective complementary treatment for a wide range of conditions

What conditions can acupuncture be used for?

Acupuncture is commonly used for the relief of musculo-skeletal pain and to influence the function of internal organs

It is especially useful for treating any type of muscle soreness, particularly of the neck, shoulders, back and hindquarters - and therefore can also relieve the associated behavioural problems (i.e. 'cold back', bucking, irritability)

Animal Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic treatment also deals with the musculo-skeletal system, primarily the spine and the relationship of the spine with the nervous system

It can be used to treat symptoms such as lameness, stiffness, lack of impulsion or power, difficulty in obtaining or maintaining collection, poor attitude, gait abnormalities, being cold-backed or muscle atrophy

What can I expect from a chiropractor?

If your vet has referred your horse to a chiropractor, they will already have some idea of the case history, including any previous veterinary work performed. An initial examination usually includes an analysis of the horse's posture and gait, static and motion palpation of the spine and its joints, muscle palpation, and checking for any changes in temperature over the spine. Also, they will watch the horse move (looking for signs of lameness or restricted movement), and checking for uneven wear of shoes or hooves

Once the initial examination has been completed, the animal chiropractor will perform an adjustment on the area of the spine affected, so as to return the joints to normal motion, and to alleviate any muscle spasms and pain. A chiropractic adjustment is a very specific, high velocity, low force, controlled thrust by a hand, which is directed in a specific direction on a specific joint

Hydrotherapy for Horses

The use of sea water has long been recognised as an aid to the treatment and prevention of leg problems in horses. Traditionally horses were stood in cold running streams or walked in the sea as an aid to the treatment and prevention of leg problems. Today, cold hosing is often used for cooling down horses after exercise

Sea water in particular with its high salt content has an anti-inflammatory effect which facilitates healing and helps guard against injury. However, the temperature may not normally be sufficiently cold enough to be most effective in treating leg injuries

What conditions respond to hydrotherapy?

Conditions which respond well to equine hydrotherapy include;

• Tendons and ligament injuries
• Sore shins and leg splints
• Joint conditions
• General soreness, swellings or stiffness of the legs
• Wound infections
• Laminitis & Navicular Syndrome
• Poor hoof growth or brittle hooves

What is the difference between hydrotherapy and aqua treadmills?

It is easy to confuse the purpose and benefits of an equine spa versus an aqua treadmill. Here is a quick overview of each;

The equine hydrotherapy spa is specifically designed for the treatment of the conditions listed above. The water in the hydrotherapy spa is very cold and heavily salinated, and is ideal if there is inflammation, heat, pain, or swelling

An equine spa can be used in the acute phase of an injury or condition (for example the pre-exercise phase) - it can also be used in the recovery phase, combined with controlled exercise

The aqua treadmill (or aqua trainer) has a higher temperature and is usually freshwater not saline. The aqua treadmill allows for deeper water, and partially supports the weight of the horse through floatation. When the weight of the horse is partially supported by water the tendons and ligaments work less and the muscles work more

It would never be used for treatment of acute tendon injuries or wounds. It would however be used as part of a rehabilitation programme as it helps with the conditioning of the muscles and the heart and lungs while reducing the stress on the tendons and ligaments

Equine Massage

Equine massage is the therapeutic application of massage techniques. Massage has been long recognized to have many benefits including; the releif of muscle spasm/tension; enhancing muscle tone; increasing circulation and range of motion; and improving the horse's overall performance and stamina

When would I use Equine Massage?

• Prevention: to lessen the risk of injury caused by strain or fatigue
• Rehabilitation: for horses recovering from lameness or injury
• Maintenance: to help keep full flexibility in muscles and joints
• Competition: as part of a warm up/cool down programme

If your horse has a physical problem and you would like some advice on the options available to you please complete our Contact Form so we can discuss your specific requirements