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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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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When a horse starts showing subtle signs of discomfort or performance decline, many riders instinctively think, "Could it be their back?" This isn't surprising—the horse's back plays a critical role in nearly every movement they make, from collection to transitions, from bending to maintaining balance. Yet equine back pain is often underdiagnosed, misunderstood, or overlooked entirely.

Understanding what may be going on in your horse's back starts with asking the right questions. In this article, we’ll explore three key questions that can help you determine whether your horse's back might be part of the problem—and how to begin finding answers.

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In equine rehabilitation, there’s a tension I feel almost every day. On one side: the growing body of evidence-based practice, supported by peer-reviewed studies, clinical guidelines, and a professional commitment to measurable outcomes. On the other: the instinctive, horse-centered knowledge that comes from years of living alongside horses — watching them in herds, feeling their tension under your hand, or listening to the stories their owners share.

The real magic of effective care lies not in choosing one over the other, but in learning how to bridge the two.

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In the horse world, few things are universal. Walk into any barn or scroll through any social media feed, and you’ll quickly notice that diversity of thought, training styles, treatment approaches, and philosophies is the norm—not the exception. Some professionals are grounded in classical training traditions; others are cutting-edge, data-driven, or deeply intuitive. Some work within the veterinary system, others operate more holistically. Some are loud and outspoken; others soft-spoken and behind the scenes.

This diversity is not a problem.
In fact, it’s one of our greatest assets.

But lately, I’ve seen something that threatens the richness of this collective wisdom…

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When a horse is coming back from injury, owners often expect to see flashy exercises, intricate pole patterns, or specialized equipment as part of their rehab plan.

And yes — those things have their place.

But ask any experienced equine rehab professional what the foundation of recovery is, and you might be surprised by the answer: walking.

It’s simple. It’s slow. And when done with intention, it’s one of the most powerful tools for rebuilding a horse’s strength, mobility, and confidence.

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Horses don’t come into this world understanding our rules.
They don’t instinctively know they shouldn’t mug your pockets for treats, crowd the gate, pull on the lead rope, or swing their hindquarters toward us.

Instead, they learn what’s safe, what’s rewarding, and what to avoid based on how we handle them.

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We live in a world that thrives on instant gratification.
Coffee in two minutes. Groceries in an hour. Deliveries overnight.

Without even realizing it, we sometimes bring that same expectation to our horses — expecting results to match our schedules rather than the horse’s biology.

When a horse gets injured, sore, or develops a movement problem, it’s natural to hope there’s a single adjustment, treatment, or exercise that will “fix” it. One bodywork session, one trim, one dental float — and we imagine they’ll be back to 100% by next week.

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