Case studies occupy a unique and valuable space in rehabilitation because they allow us to see how theory unfolds inside a real, living body. Textbooks teach biomechanics in clean diagrams and research papers describe protocols in controlled populations, but horses rarely present in tidy categories. They arrive with their own unique histories, habits, compensations, and personalities that influence how dysfunction expresses itself and how recovery must be approached.
Read MoreFor much of equine history, horses have lived in family units. Mares, foals, and stallions formed herds with strong social bonds. This natural herd structure provided safety, emotional wellbeing, and a framework for learning appropriate behavior.
Fast forward to today, and most domestic horses live in some variation of a boarding setup: stalls, small turnouts, limited space, rotating companions, and schedules built around human convenience.
Read MoreDynamic mobilization exercises, commonly known as “carrot stretches,” have become popular homework tools in equine rehabilitation and conditioning programs. On the surface, they seem like a simple, harmless way to engage the horse’s body and mind, increase flexibility, and promote core strength.
Read MoreThe equine industry is full of passionate, dedicated professionals. Trainers, veterinarians, farriers, saddle fitters, therapists, nutritionists, bodyworkers—we all come to the table with unique skill sets and perspectives.
That diversity should be one of our greatest strengths. When horses and their people have access to a team of knowledgeable professionals, the outcomes are almost always better. Horses recover faster. Owners feel more supported. Professionals learn from each other and grow in their own practice.
Read MoreFor many horse owners, hearing the words “Your horse has kissing spines” feels like a crushing blow. Images of permanent back pain, career-ending diagnoses, or even euthanasia may flood your mind.
But here’s the good news: kissing spines is not automatically a death sentence. With early diagnosis, smart management, and targeted rehabilitation, many horses with overriding dorsal spinous processes (DSP) return to full, happy, and even high-performance lives.
Read MoreFew behaviors spark as much debate in the horse world as cribbing.
Ask a group of horse people what it means and you’ll hear a dozen different answers:
“It’s just a bad habit.”
“It’s because of ulcers.”
“It’s boredom.”
“It’s learned from other horses.”
“It’s genetic.”
And of course, the infamous: “Just put a collar on and stop it.”
Read MoreEquine rehabilitation is one of the fastest-growing areas in equine care—and for good reason. From performance horses to pasture companions, more owners are recognizing the value of functional movement, injury prevention, and postural health. But what exactly is equine physical therapy, and how do you know if your horse could benefit?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what equine PT involves, who provides it, how it fits into your horse's wellness or rehab plan, and the signs that your horse may be a good candidate for therapy.
Read MoreBuying a horse is one of the most exciting and high-stakes decisions you'll make as an equestrian. Whether you're investing in your first horse, moving up to a competition partner, or adding a new companion animal to your barn, a pre-purchase exam (PPE) is a critical part of the process. Most buyers know that this involves a thorough veterinary evaluation to assess health and soundness. But there’s an often-overlooked player who can provide invaluable insight during this process: the equine physical therapist.
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