Collaboration Over Competition: Raising the Standard of Equine Care

The 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.

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Barbara ParksComment
Kissing Spines Isn’t a Death Sentence: Managing Overriding DSP with Rehab

For 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.

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Barbara ParksComment
What Cribbing Is Really Telling Us About Stress & Social Needs

Few 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.”

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Barbara ParksComment
What Is Equine Physical Therapy? And Does Your Horse Need It?

Equine 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.

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Barbara ParksComment
The Role of the Equine Therapist in a Pre-Purchase Exam

Buying 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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Barbara ParksComment
Post-Farrier Soreness: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What to Do

For most horses, a trim or shoeing is a routine appointment that leaves them standing a little taller, moving a little easier, and ready to get back to work. But occasionally, you might notice your horse seems sore afterward. A short period of adjustment can be normal—but sometimes, that soreness is a red flag that deserves attention.

This guide will help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and what steps you can take if your horse is uncomfortable after a farrier visit.

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Barbara ParksComment
Understanding Proprioception: The Secret to a More Balanced Horse

When we think of a horse’s athletic ability, words like strength, speed, and stamina often come to mind. But one of the most vital elements of equine performance is less obvious: proprioception. This “sixth sense” of body awareness allows horses to know where their limbs are in space, coordinate complex movements, and stay balanced even under a rider’s shifting weight. And yet, it’s often overlooked in training, rehab, and injury prevention.

This article explores what proprioception is, why it matters for every horse—not just athletes—and how targeted rehabilitation exercises can enhance body awareness, improve performance, and reduce the risk of injury.

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Barbara ParksComment
Rehabbing Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Horses

Few phrases strike more fear into a horse owner than: “It’s a tendon injury.”

Tendon and ligament injuries are notoriously challenging, often requiring months of careful rehab, strict management, and, unfortunately, patience. But with the right plan, many horses can return to comfort and even high levels of performance.

This blog takes a deep dive into the stages of soft tissue injury rehab, the milestones to aim for, the common pitfalls to avoid, and the tools and therapies that can truly make a difference in your horse’s recovery.

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Barbara ParksComment