Signs your horse needs a physiotherapist

"Am I overreacting, or does my horse actually need a physio?" Most owners ask themselves that, and it is usually the small, easily-missed changes that are worth paying attention to.

The signs worth an assessment

Horses are very good at hiding discomfort, so problems rarely announce themselves. They show up as subtle changes in how a horse works and feels:

• Reluctance to go forward, or a loss of impulsion and power
• Toe dragging, tripping, or knocking and refusing fences
• Difficulty striking off or holding a particular canter lead
• Stiffness or asymmetry on one rein, or hollowing through the back
• Sensitivity when grooming, tacking up or mounting, including being grumpy to girth
• A change in temperament or willingness under saddle

"He's not lame though"

Many horses that benefit from physiotherapy are not classically lame. They simply feel uneven, or reluctant to bend one way, or have lost a bit of their usual sparkle. Hind limb stiffness and hock discomfort, for example, often show up as tension in the back and pelvis rather than as a clear head-nodding lameness. A physiotherapist assesses movement and muscle, which is exactly where these issues live.

What is normal soreness, and what is not

Not every stiff morning needs an appointment. A horse can be a little tight after a big day, just as we are. The signs worth acting on are the ones that persist, that show up on one side more than the other, or that come with a change in behaviour. When you are not sure, an assessment gives you an answer either way, and peace of mind is worth a great deal.

One important note: if your horse is suddenly, obviously lame, or in clear distress, call your vet first. Physiotherapy works alongside veterinary care, not instead of it.