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Chiropractic treatment does not replace traditional veterinary medicine; however, it can provide treatment options for spinal problems as well as bio-mechanical related musculoskeletal disorders.

How to recognise back problems

You may be able to recognise back problems through your own observations in your  horse.

Consider your horse’s recent performance and demeanour:
Has your horse’s behavior or performance changed recently?
Does unusual or fluctuating lameness exist?
Does the rider have difficulty sitting straight on the horse?
Has the rider or trainer noticed changes in the various gaits?
Does the horse drag its feet or are the shoes worn down on one side?

Examining mobility in your horse

The horse should be able to move freely in all directions without tension, with or without a rider.

Using a treat if necessary, ask the horse to turn its head and neck to the side so that it touches its flank with its nostrils. Less mobility one side compared to the other could indicate a problem in the cervical vertebrae.

Test the lateral movement of the spine by placing one hand on the spine and with the other pull the horse’s tail carefully towards you so that its back bends around your hand.

Is one side stiffer than the other?

Place slight pressure on the back from above. The back should easily and evenly, spring and swing. It should not feel stiff and hard.