Does my horse need physiotherapy?

The behaviour of your horse can indicate how comfortable they are, if they are not comfortable they will not be able to perform to the best of their ability. If they put their ears back when tacking up, girthing or when groomed or touched in a particular area they are probably in discomfort. Are they happy to canter on both reins and good for the farrier? If they aren’t and always lead on the same leg, try to bite or put a leg down repeatedly they may be in pain as these are all clear indications they are not happy and it would be a good idea to contact me.

Take note of how your horse stands and grazes. Do they always rest the same hind leg or graze with the same foreleg in front? If they have always grazed with the same leg in front since a foal they may have uneven hoof conformation and resulting compensatory issues in the soft tissues which make it difficult for them to move evenly. If they stand with their limbs either too far forwards or too far backwards it can indicate tension and or pain.

It is not always obvious if a horse is lame especially If they are lame in more than one leg. They can also have referred lameness from back to front or front to back making it difficult to decide if they are lame and in which leg. The horse’s head is linked to its hindleg by fascia so restriction in any part of this fascia can affect their movement. If a horse appears tense through its neck and or back they are compensating for discomfort and a physio session would probably be beneficial.