Equestrian Physiotherapy

Emma is passionate about all things equine and uses her extensive knowledge and expertise to assess, treat, rehabilitate and maintain the musculoskeletal system and overall well-being of the horse and rider.

Role of Physiotherapy:

Reduce pain and restore pain-free movement.
Prevent loss of and restore function, mobility and strength.
Educate horse owners/ riders on their role in maintaining the equine musculoskeletal system.
Educate riders on their influence on the biomechanics of the horse.

Common Issues requiring physiotherapy intervention:

Biomechanical, postural and conformational imbalances and dysfunction
Acute and chronic back, neck and pelvic pain
Traumatic injury treatment and rehabilitation
Soft tissue injuries, especially muscular issues
Maintenance of the athletic animal
Post-surgical physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Wound healing

Incorporating physiotherapy into the horse’s routine and can help reduce the risk of injury, enhance physical ability and the overall performance of the animal.

Emma has worked nationally and internationally with showjumpers and eventers as part of their therapeutic team. She works with elite, amateur and leisure horses across all disciplines as well as foals and stallions in the bloodstock industry. Her specialist interest is in the mechanism of injury, biomechanics, management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries in the elite sport horse. She works closely with veterinary surgeons, dentists, farriers and saddle fitters to ensure the best care for the equine patient.

How do I know my horse needs physiotherapy?

Altered performance in daily training or at competition
Behavioral changes (bucking, napping, demeanour changes, etc)
Physical changes (soreness, muscular/postural asymmetries, altered movement patters, stiffness, etc)
Maintenance of the athletic animal
Musculoskeletal injury
Wound healing

Horse rider biomechanical assessment:

Assessment of the rider in ridden work
Assessment of the rider off the horse
Physiotherapy treatment to address muscular and joint issues

Exercises individually prescribed to:

Improve suppleness, strength, postural awareness
Improve balance, co-ordination, core stability
Reduce risk of own injuries
Improve riding position and effectiveness
Enhance riders ability to influence their horse’s movement, physical capabilities and performance.

Physiotherapy