Owners have been reminded of the importance of using qualified and registered practitioners when seeking musculoskeletal therapy for their horse.

Industry professionals have reported a rise in people offering treatments, with little or no qualifications. In January Defra held a consultation on reforms to the Veterinary Services Act that could include regulation and protection of titles for allied professionals, including musculoskeletal therapists (news, 5 Feb).

Vet Lorna Brokenshire-Dyke is a qualified veterinary physiotherapist and president of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP). Dr Brokenshire-Dyke told H&H that she had seen clients “bypass” their vet in favour of practitioners such as bodyworkers, massage therapists or physios, some of whom operate without appropriate training and qualifications.

“Practitioners with the right training and qualifications will recognise when there’s a problem and refer back to the vet – but without that foundation, a horse can end up being treated repeatedly without the underlying issue ever being properly addressed,” said Dr Brokenshire-Dyke.

“I’ve seen what happens when treatment isn’t underpinned by appropriate training and qualifications: conditions are missed, problems are masked, horses are pushed on when they should have been rested, all at the expense of the animal’s welfare.”

Dr Brokenshire-Dyke had a case where a horse had been seen by a musculoskeletal therapist for lameness on multiple occasions – and only months later when the horse did not improve was she consulted in a veterinary capacity.

“Ultimately the horse was in pain for months because the root problem wasn’t being addressed, but the owner was being reassured by the therapist that they were doing the right thing,” said Dr Brokenshire-Dyke.

“The owner’s bank account suffered, but more importantly the horse didn’t receive the right treatment at the right time.”

Dr Brokenshire-Dyke added that any therapist should be open to being asked about their qualifications and insurance and whether they are a member of an association such as NAVP, the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) or the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT).

“As a veterinary physiotherapist, I understand exactly why that training and qualifications pathway has to be rigorous, not optional. It’s what gives a practitioner genuine professional standing, the knowledge, judgement and accountability that proper qualification actually represents,” said Dr Brokenshire-Dyke.

Veterinary physiotherapist Emma Green told H&H she has seen an increase in unqualified individuals advertising therapy services on social media.

“There’s been various different therapy machines used within the industry for years and they offer effective results – but we’re increasingly seeing unqualified people offering treatments, in cases where it’s not appropriate,” she said, adding she believes the industry is not regulated enough.

“It’s concerning. I don’t want to discredit anybody; there is a place for various therapy types within the industry, but if an owner wants a veterinary physiotherapist, they should visit a register where they know those on it are thoroughly checked. The main concern has got to be for the welfare of the horse”.

RAMP past president and chartered physiotherapist Jo Paul told H&H that by using someone on a professional register or member of an association, owners can be assured that person is qualified.

“RAMP is a voluntary register; it doesn’t mean that everybody who’s not a member isn’t qualified, but it does mean that we’ve done due diligence of who is on our register,” she said.

“Everybody is invested in doing the best for their horse, but owners need to take some responsibility.

“When somebody comes along with a new shiny machine or offering, owners need to consider whether the person providing that service has the anatomical, pathological and physiological knowledge to use the modality safely and effectively.”

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If you are looking to keep your horse in the best possible health so they can perform optimally, treatments by a qualified equine therapist are only the beginning — follow them up with targeted strengthening exercises at home and you’ll be amazed with the results. The following polework exercises for horses have been suggested by veterinary physiotherapist Hayley Marsh, as they are designed to help strengthen their core when done at home in between treatments.

How pole exercises for horses work

Polework for horses can increase the range of motion of the horse’s limbs and joints, engage the hindquarters, increase stride length and core stability, and improve balance and proprioception (the sense of position and movement). The following exercises can be done under saddle, in-hand, on the lunge or on long-reins. NB: If your horse is coming back into work following an injury, or if you have any concerns about your horse’s physical state, we recommend you speak to your vet or physio before adding these exercises into your horse’s work.

Three pole exercises for horses to strengthen their core

1. Raised poles

Set out six poles in a line, spaced so that there is one footfall between each pole, and work through them in walk first, followed by trot once you’ve amended the distance. Next, raise alternate ends of the poles (beginning with one pole at a time for inexperienced horses), starting with just a few inches in height, to increase the range of motion in the joints. On approach, make sure that the horse is balanced and straight, and let him find his own way through the poles. Don’t hold him together. Once the horse is performing this exercise well you can gradually increase the height of the poles, but they should not exceed about a foot on one side, with the other end resting on the ground.

2. The maze

Set up a maze, as in the video. Walk through in a forward, balanced walk. As you turn each corner, open your inside hand to encourage the horse to bend through his body in the direction of travel and place your inside leg slightly behind the girth, encouraging him to step under and cross over with his hindlegs. If you are doing this exercise in-hand, then use your body positioning, line and stick to encourage the horse to bend to the inside and step under with the hindleg. Once set up, you can also use this exercise to walk and trot over the poles (see arrows on diagram below).

3. Fan of poles

Set out five poles in a fan shape with a foot’s width between the poles at the narrow end of the fan, and about five to six feet wide at the widest. Ask the horse to work his way through the poles in balance, ensuring he is active. You can encourage him to shorten and lengthen his stride by choosing which line he takes over the poles. Ensure he has a slight inside bend through his body.

Important things to note when using pole exercises with your horse

• Walk is the most effective pace to perform polework in when trying to build a horse’s core strength as there is no moment of suspension, so all movement is achieved through muscular effort
• The closer the poles are together, the more the horse has to sit back and developing his carrying capacity and, alternatively, the further they are set apart, the more the horse has to push forward to lengthen his stride — be aware that this can encourage the horse to fall onto his forehand
• Working horses over poles without a rider allows the horse to move more through his back and core, while also giving the rider the chance to see how the horse is moving

About Hayley Marsh

Hayley is a fully qualified and insured veterinary physiotherapy with a BSc in Equine Sports Science and a PgDip in Veterinary Physiotherapy. She is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP), RAMP and is recognised and covered by equine insurance companies. Find out more…

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The use of small plastic training aids known as Franklin balls to help riders improve their body awareness so they can send clearer signals to their horse is growing among UK equestrians. We take a look at what they are and how they work

What are Franklin balls?

Franklin balls are air- or water-filled plastic balls around 10cm in diameter (there are also massager rolls), used as part of the Franklin Method, which was developed in 1994 by Eric Franklin. Use of the balls has been taken up by some trainers and riding physios in the past five years or so, in the belief that they help communicate the horse’s movements more clearly to the rider and help improve their seat and body awareness.

What is the science behind Franklin balls?

The Franklin Method, initially designed for dance training, helps people use their body with maximum efficiency and employs Dynamic Neuro-Cognitive Imagery (DNI) to use the brain to improve body function. The Franklin Method website (franklinmethod.com) describes DNI as using “progressive movement exercises combined with various methods of imagery” as a way of increasing awareness of “anatomical structures and locations, body biomechanics, as well as spatial and functional relationships between body segments during movement”.

Rebecca Ashton is an equestrian performance coach now based in Australia after years spent dressage training in the UK and Europe. She uses Franklin balls as part of her coaching.

“Sometimes feeling the correct way is more helpful than verbal instructions from the trainer — and often less stressful for rider, trainer and horse! When the brain learns how to execute a function or movement by doing, the lesson can often be retained in the body longer or be recalled quicker and more correctly,” she says.

“Introducing a ‘third party’ such as the Franklin Balls can help heighten sensory awareness and help connect the brain to the body. This can also help focus the rider’s energy and awareness onto themselves which helps to train focus and improve concentration and decrease the tendency to be swayed or distracted by external influences.”

How can Franklin balls help riders?

Alison Rushby is a Franklin Method teacher and Level 1 Centred Riding instructor based in Northumberland. She uses Franklin balls as part of her training.

“I use them in unmounted workshops for riders to help muscles lengthen and relax. It also gives riders more conscious control of asymmetry,” says Alison.

“The imagery work allows riders to organise their body better. One of the key teachings of the Franklin Method is visualising what is happening when you move in a specific way, by learning the position of bones, muscles and ligaments and how they move.”

How to use Franklin balls

Alison often uses the balls when working with adults either starting to ride or restarting after a long break.

“These riders tend to have issues with tension and lack of confidence, causing their muscles to stiffen and work against the horse. For example, placing a ball under each armpit holds the arms out to the side without using the muscles to support the arm – after three or four minutes, when you take the balls away you find the muscles have released across the top of the shoulders, releasing tension and allowing better contact.”

The balls can also be used to help release tension in the hip flexors, which in turn allows the leg to drop by an inch or more. Doing a series of these exercises teaches the rider what it feels like when releasing the hip flexor, and how in turn the horse becomes more responsive to the seat and leg, says Alison.

“Ultimately, they can help riders work more effectively with the horse. When you see dressage riders with excessive head bobbing, for example, often they are not absorbing the movement of the horse correctly and so not getting the most out of the partnership.”

Rebecca Ashton uses them both during ridden and unmounted sessions.

“Sometimes I use the balls in the middle of a riding lesson and get the rider off the horse, do a movement and get back into the saddle again to feel the difference immediately. Other times they’ll be used in a ‘off the horse’ session – I often get riders to roll over tight muscles using the balls to help release tension and support correct movement.

“I use the air-filled round balls under the rider’s lower back — they might just lay there on top of the balls or roll laterally or even longitudinally to help release the lower back. This can help reduce tension in the sacroiliac area and help muscles to slide over muscles and assist myofascial release,” says Rebecca, who uses the ‘Peanut’ ball under the shoulder blades to help decrease tension in the shoulder area.

“I even use the balls to release the jaw and feet! The tension in the jaw can work its way right through the body.

“Often tight feet and toes are overlooked with the foot in a hard, leather boot. However curled up toes can affect the joints in the legs, decreasing mobility and restricting the shock absorbing ability of the joints; this can create unstable legs or even tight legs that bring tension to and restrict the horse’s ribcage. When the rider relaxes, often so to does the horse.”

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Veterinary physiotherapist Hayley Marsh offers a variety of strengthening exercises to do at home — including stretches to increase muscle length, flexibility, suppleness and joint range of motion

Understanding how to stretch your horse is a useful skill for every horse owner and rider to have. Stretches can help keep a horse maintain their mobility, and increase core stability. It is important that you do not ask a cold horse to stretch. The horse’s body should be warmed up first, either by some form of exercise or some hands-on massage techniques.

The aim when stretching your horse

When you are stretching your horse you’re looking to increase muscle length, flexibility, suppleness and joint range of motion, which all play a major part in stride length.

Horse stretching exercises

1. Leg stretches

Pick up the horse’s foreleg and, with both hands on the fetlock, ease the leg forwards towards the horse’s nose and hold for 10 seconds.

For the hindleg stretch (pictured above), gently ease the hindleg forwards towards the foreleg and hold for 10 seconds.

Start these exercises low to the ground then, as the horse becomes more supple, you can gradually ask for more range.

If your horse snatches the leg away, you may have asked for too much so next time try again with a smaller motion.

Do not try to hold the leg in position if the horse is resisting the movement, move with the horse, wait for any tension in the leg to subside, and then ask again.

If the horse finds the stretches difficult, allow them to place the leg back on the ground and rest before trying again with a smaller movement.

2. Carrot stretches

Using a carrot or other treat, encourage the horse to bring his head slowly down between his front legs. Encourage him to stretch as far as it is comfortable and hold the stretch for 10 seconds. You can varying the position of the head between the legs from just below the sternum, to between the knees, to down between the fetlocks. Do not go so deep that the horse bends their knees or the front legs start to shake.

Next, stand with your back to the horse’s shoulder and encourage him to bend his head and neck around you, ideally keeping his head vertical, and aim for the direction of the back fetlock. Aim for a smooth stretch — not a snatch — and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat this on both sides.

How to stretch your horse: tips and pitfalls

• Always perform these exercises when the horse has been warmed up first.
• Avoid any jerky movements.
• Make sure the horse keeps his head straight in the carrot stretches, as any tipping or twisting of the nose is an evasion.
• Never force the horse into a stretch, only guide him.
• After you girth your horse up, it’s important to gently stretch his front legs forwards to avoid the girth pinching the skin and muscles around the girth area, which can lead to serious pain and sensitivity.
• Do not stretch your horse while he is tied up, and make sure the footing is not slippery.

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Cooling down your horse after riding is one of those horsemanship practices that should be ingrained in the mind of every rider. It’s the kind of thing we must have been taught at some early stage, but feels like a piece of wisdom that’s been planted in the brain since time immemorial.

As a cornerstone of the equestrian community’s collective mental handbook, it stands to reason that cooling down your horse properly is something never to be skipped. But have you ever really drilled down into the mechanics of a cool down, and considered what makes those 5–10 minutes of walk at the end of your session so vital?

Stretch, chill and relax

“Cooling your horse down helps reduce both heart and respiratory rates,” says chartered physiotherapist Rachel Greetham, who is a member of both ACPAT and RAMP. “It also helps reduce the core temperature and the temperature within the muscles, promoting the removal of metabolic waste, things like lactic acid. If lactic acid isn’t removed, it can cause muscle soreness and pain. Muscles recover better with lactic acid removed, so by cooling down properly you’re helping improve your horse’s performance for the next day.”

Rachel, who’s been the British team’s dressage and showjumping specialist physiotherapist since 2017, adds that an effective cool down keeps your horse supple.

“When we ride we make the muscles work hard. This makes the muscles contract and shorten. By the time you get off, you want them to have lengthened again. Stretching down and over the back in the cool down helps achieve this, and maintains and improves flexibility. It also encourages the muscles to relax and soften, helping prevent injury.”

Good, better, rest

Rachel says the length of your horse’s cool down is dictated by how hard he’s worked.

“You’re looking to reach the point where the respiratory rate has reduced to normal and there’s an obvious relaxation and softening in the body. There’s a mental aspect to it as well, you’re looking for him to have really switched off from work. You can see evidence of this attitude by looking at his ears, for example. Are they relaxed, or is there evidence of tension?”

According to Rachel, cooling down your horse after riding isn’t effectively achieved by simply walking large.

“Do some circles and changes of direction. Add in some serpentines to ask your horse to bend around the inside leg in a long, low outline. That way you’re getting that stretch over the topline and lateral suppleness to lengthen contracted muscles.”

Cooling down your horse after riding doesn’t have to end when you dismount.

“When you get off you can continue the cool down routine with limb or spinal stretches in accordance with your physio’s advice. Performing these stretches after exercise is much more effective than on cold muscles and helps reduce delayed onset of muscle soreness.”

Going to extremes

An effective cool down might involve additional steps in extreme temperatures.

“In colder months, you might want to put on an exercise sheet when you’re cooling down so the muscles don’t get too cold,” advises Rachel.

“In summer, washing off with cold water is often necessary to cool your horse’s body temperature. Using cold water facilitates a temperature exchange whereby you draw heat from the muscles. The colder the water, the more heat you draw out – there’s been plenty of research done into this now and we don’t scrape it off anymore, but leave it on the horse to cool him better.”

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A equine physio who says she has had enough of seeing horses started too early, pushed too quickly and breaking down injured too young has spoken out in hopes of educating owners.

Zoe King of Performance Veterinary Physiotherapy posted on social media with the phrase “for crying out loud”, after she had seen this year, by mid-January, “a (rising) two-year-old being long-reined with tack on, a (rising) three-year-old trotting around with a rider on board and its chin on its chest, and a (rising) two-year-old being loose jumped over 5ft+”.

“Why are people in such a rush?” she asked.

Zoe told H&H she was promoted to post by recurring issues.

“I’ve got a rising four-year-old Suffolk stallion and have been put under pressure to get him licensed,” she said. “But part of that process is about 40 minutes of lunging to get the heart rate up – they’re expected to do that aged two – and I refuse to do that till he’s physically ready. I know of someone else put under the same pressure and at the end of the lunging, the horse was horrifically lame. He’d torn a ligament in a hock and pulled bone chips off, and he then couldn’t be licensed, so we’ve lost those genetics.”

Zoe is also concerned about some foreign studbooks’ licensing procedures.

“Twenty years ago, a stallion had to prove himself in competition before he was taken seriously; why are we pushing through this conveyor belt of two- and three-year-olds, and ending up with broken young horses?” she said. “Why are we pushing young horses so much, why has no one got patience, why is no one waiting?”

Zoe believes that with horse prices as high as they are, more people are buying quality young horses rather than their older, more expensive counterparts.

“Then they’re in a rush to be doing something with them,” she said. “People buy young horses then thrash them about, because that’s what their friends do, or they see on social media four-year-olds jumping 1.20m classes. Top dressage riders used to ride 20-year-old horses in international events; when was the last time we saw that? Is it because of breeding, or because they’re doing too much, too young? Most of my clients are seven- or eight-year-olds who are starting to break down with arthritis or joint conditions.”

Zoe said two “heartbreaking” cases that stand out are both showjumping horses.

“One was a novice rider put under pressure by her trainer; by the time the horse finished its fifth year, it was broken,” she said. “They’ve been trying to rehab the horse for two years and every time, it breaks down again. The other was a young horse bought for six figures, which had broken down within a few months, after it had been jumped and jumped to get it to that marketable value.”

Zoe explained that the issues are to do with with the skeleton; young, growing bones calcify and harden at different rates. She stressed that horses can look strong and mature, but this does not necessarily mean they are ready for work, as “growth plates take time to close and bone takes time to reach the right density”.

She added that she also sees pressure on those backing horses to do it quickly, so instead of months of walk and ground work to build strength gradually, clients often want horses ready to ride away weeks after they have been brought in from the field.

“The average ligament or tendon takes six months to lay down collagen and strengthen,” she said. “Doing it that quickly doesn’t give them time to strengthen and support the joints.”

Zoe said one argument she often hears, from trainers in particular, is that some big and bolshy three-year-olds should be backed early as they will be stronger, so more difficult to work with, when they are older.

“What planet are they on, in what century?” she said. “Do the groundwork, teach them manners, – it’s about communicating and working with your horse, not overpowering them when they’re weaker.

“I think it comes down to education, people aren’t educating themselves before they buy young horses, and some trainers aren’t helping. Just think ‘Am I doing this for me, or in the horse’s best interests?’”

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A panel of industry experts is putting the emphasis on teamwork by hosting “MoT” days for horses and riders.

Steph Bradley, a Society of Master Saddlers master saddle-fitter and British Horse Society accredited coach, started hosting performance clinics at her yard, Whitegate Farm and Livery in Cheshire, around two years ago. Riders bring their horses and for £390 they will see Steph, orthopaedic vet Mark Andrews, veterinary chiropractor Angela Holland, farriers Russell Novelli and Sam Crompton, Baileys nutritionist Caroline Dickens and human physio Donna Strachan.

The fee includes vet assessment, chiro and physio treatment, farrier report, saddle-fitting, and rider symmetry assessment. If the horse needs any shoeing or veterinary treatment this is charged separately.

Steph told H&H the aim was to bring experts together in one place to help horses and riders.

“Sometimes a horse might have a niggle and the owner struggles to get to the bottom of it. They can end up going round the houses as they go through that checklist. So we thought if we could have a day where we all get together it would be really beneficial,” she said.

“Riders are given an appointment, but we tell people generally to block the day out to allow for extra treatment or assessment. For example if the farriers decide to try the horse with a pad and want to reassess it, or the saddle needs to be flocked and we want to watch the horse and rider again afterwards.”

Steph said they have had requests to take the clinic on the road, which they are unable to do as it is difficult to get days in the diary, but she would like to see more experts run similar days.

“When everyone can work together it really does get the best results for the horse and rider. It’s not rocket science, but it works well and we also learn from each other,” she said.

“I think there should be more clinics like these because horses, and their owners, will benefit so much from them. We’ve got to listen to horses, and it can be difficult when there’s just one snapshot and they’re seen under these different guises, whereas if we see them together it really helps.”

Steph added that although the clinics are labelled as performance, they are open to all horses and riders, and are like an “MoT”.

“We’re trying to enhance performance, but this applies to happy hackers too. People might think this is for performance horses, but it’s for everyone. It might be that a horse has a bit of discomfort, the rider is a little crooked, and the saddle is leaning to one side – and this can all be ironed out between us,” she said.

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Urgent changes are needed to the “outdated” Veterinary Surgeons Act say veterinary professionals – as calls for new legislation continue.

On 25 October the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) met MPs, peers and stakeholders at the House of Lords to discuss the need to replace the Act with new legislation. It is hoped any replacement would include paraprofessionals, such as physios and equine dental technicians, becoming regulated under the RCVS umbrella, and the RCVS held a publication consultation for feedback on the topic last year (news, 25 February 2021).

The meeting focused on the “importance of a vet-led team” and it was discussed how the profession had changed since the Act was brought into force in 1966.

Lord Trees, a vet and former RCVS president, said the Act is “no longer fit for purpose” and there is an “urgent need for change”.

“The regulation of the veterinary professions is of utmost importance to animal welfare and all members of the veterinary team must be able to be held accountable for their actions, both for the protection of the animals under their care, and in terms of the wider public interest,” he said.

“The UK is proud of its world-leading approach to public health and animal welfare and, if we are to continue to uphold and champion our animal health and welfare standards, it is essential that we work and evolve together to create a Veterinary Surgeons Act which is not only fit for purpose now but will continue to serve us effectively for years to come.”

British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) projects officer Lucy Grieve told H&H BEVA commends the work being done by the RCVS in continuing to lobby for a new Act.

“While it remains a slow process, new legislation could provide greater protection for owners when allied professionals carry out work on their horses. At present there is no regulation for musculoskeletal therapists, equine dental technicians, or others, which means it is difficult for anyone to know who to choose, how qualified they are and whether they are accountable should something go wrong,” she said.

“New legislation could help ensure that only appropriately trained and regulated individuals are allowed to provide healthcare services to horses. Without set standards and clarity, the welfare of horses is put at risk.”

The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) attended the RCVS meeting and a spokesman told H&H the organisation is advocating for “specific changes and considerations with welfare at the forefront”.

“It is essential that all parties work together to provide optimal care for our patients. ACPAT believes animals should be provided with the same level of care as is offered within human medicine; within human medicine physiotherapists are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team and a close working relationship usually exists between the medical team and healthcare allied professionals,” said the spokesman.

“This ensures a holistic approach to patient care that aims to optimise wellbeing and outcome. This multidisciplinary approach also offers great benefit to our veterinary patients with collaboration between professionals helping to provide a full care package.”

An RCVS spokesman told H&H the society will continue to work with Defra and other stakeholders, and has followed up with MPs and peers who attended the meeting to have “more in-depth conversations about the campaign”. But the spokesman added that the parliamentary process is “out of the RCVS’s hands”.

“For new legislation to be passed, it is very much dependent on current priorities within Defra, the Government’s overall agenda, when parliamentary time can be secured and current competing bills within the Defra and animal welfare sphere,” he said.

A Defra spokesman told H&H the department is “aware of the views of the veterinary profession and the many potential benefits associated with updating the Act”.

“The department is currently unable to provide a timescale as to when any reforms might take place. When reforms are taken forward, all of the proposals will be subject to a public consultation,” he said.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is asking for feedback on veterinary paraprofessionals. H&H finds out what this could mean for equine practitioners and owners

PARAPROFESSIONALS could become regulated under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) umbrella in the hopes of tightening industry standards.

The RCVS legislation reform consultation is asking for feedback from the public and professionals on recommendations for changes in which professions are governed.

The consultation, which closes on 23 April, follows findings by the RCVS legislation working party (LWP), established in 2017, which aimed to propose changes to the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) to ensure the RCVS can be a “modern and efficient” regulator.

A spokesman for the RCVS told H&H one key principle of the LWP’s work was that the vet-led team, including vet nurses, should fall under a single regulatory umbrella. The LWP defined the vet-led team as “appropriately regulated professionals working under the direction of a veterinary surgeon, to protect animal health and welfare”.

“The LWP proposed a model of paraprofessional regulation, allowing the RCVS to regulate all members of the vet-led team,” he said.

“This could include equine dental technicians [EDTs] and musculoskeletal therapists, whose work has been identified as requiring stronger legislative underpinning that would need to be linked with RCVS Associate status.”

The spokesman added the RCVS has a long-standing recommendation that the title “‘veterinary nurse” should be legally protected to prevent its use by unqualified, unregulated individuals, and continues to seek this change in the law.

“The protection of professional titles gives clarity and assurance to the public and prevents untrained individuals from claiming expertise they do not have,” said the spokesman. “The LWP report reaffirmed this recommendation, and further recommended that protection of title be extended to any new paraprofessions that fall under the RCVS’s regulatory umbrella.”

British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) chairman James Arkley told H&H the association has been liaising “very closely” with the RCVS and Defra on the consultation and supports a “much-needed” review of the VSA making it fit for purpose for modern veterinary services.

“BAEDT feels paraprofessionals, specifically EDTs, being regulated as vets and vet nurses are, will only improve horse welfare and provide much-needed clarity to the horse-owning public and businesses on who is qualified to perform equine dentistry in the UK,” he said.

“In initial feedback, BAEDT has identified issues and benefits that would impact our members following the working party recommendation report. The RCVS has committed BAEDT will be involved in all future paraprofessional discussions and sees BAEDT and its qualified membership as an integral part of the vet-led team proposals.

“We hope and trust the RCVS will continue to recognise the extensive experience and continued professional development training our membership must undertake, the British Equine Veterinary Association equine dentistry qualification, and how this gives the public confidence they are using individuals who have met a high standard of workmanship and are working with the horse’s best interests at the fore.”

Eleanor Andrews, president of the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) said the organisation “welcomes” the consultation.

She told H&H: “We hope it will provide clarity and direction at the end of years of regulatory uncertainty, continuing the positive outcome from the recent statement of clarification.

“We hope it will enable continued positive development in supporting animal welfare and improving treatment standards among the musculoskeletal professions, aiding ease of access to highly skilled practitioners and improving the confidence of vets and the general public in their animal’s health care. All of which support RAMP’s fundamental principles,” she said.

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Veterinary physiotherapists across the UK have gone back to their roots to help the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) physios are all trained to treat humans as well as animals. And when Covid hit, many responded to the call for help.

One of these was Manessa Faal, who told H&H she had still been working part-time in NHS outpatient departments anyway, but has increased her hours since the start of the pandemic.

“It was scary at the start because no one knew what was going on,” she said.

“There was all this information coming from Italy and the US; but the NHS has been so good, and so on it. Everyone pulled together.”

Manessa has upped her hours since Covid numbers started to rise again, working on wards to help restore the strength of those who have been bed-bound but also supporting patients in intensive care units.

“We’re all healthcare workers anyway so everyone was willing,” she said.

Manessa, the first Black ACPAT physio in the UK, has ridden since childhood. She grew up in Bradford city centre, where none of her friends rode.

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“I used to say I wanted to work with horses and people didn’t understand why I’d want to do that,” she said. “It’s that culture; if you haven’t been exposed to something, you might not think it’s something you could do.

“But my mum had ridden as a kid so she was the driving force behind getting me to where I wanted to be, which is amazing.”

Manessa has two horses, Sarah and Breeze, and is building up her riding after she fractured her spine in a fall over two years ago.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has released new guidance on veterinary referrals for musculoskeletal treament. H&H heard the views of campaigners, practitioners and vets on the change...

OWNERS do not now have to seek veterinary approval to have musculoskeletal treatment for horses, in a “win-win” situation.

The work of musculoskeletal therapists (MSKs), such as osteopaths, physios and chiropractors, is underpinned by an exemption order to the Veterinary Surgeons Act, which allows them to treat animals “under the direction of a vet who has first examined that animal”.

But the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) said it recognised that there had been doubt as to whether MSKs need vet referral for maintenance work on a healthy animal. This caused confusion, and might mean delays to animals’ maintenance care.

“The new guidance clarifies that healthy animals do not need a vet referral for maintenance care,” a spokesman said.

The guidance states that all animals should be registered with a vet, to which they should be referred “at the first sign of any symptoms that may suggest underlying health issues”.

Vav Simon, president of the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP), told H&H she has been working towards this for years.

“The problem was that a registrant might say to the vet ‘A trainer wants me to see a horse,’ and the vet would say, ‘I haven’t seen the horse for 18 months, I can’t give consent.’ So you have to ask the owner to get the vet first, and they have to then pay for the horse to be seen twice. No owner would be prepared to do that.

“Many of our registrants were losing work, so we took it to the Government. Defra said we didn’t need vet consent, so we went back to the RCVS, which said it made sense; if there’s nothing wrong with an animal, a vet wouldn’t refer it for treatment.

“This is the first big change in animal treatment in 60 years, and owners are delighted.”

Dr Simon said this should mean more horses will get MSK treatment, with which leading trainer Brian Hutton, who helped with the campaign, agrees.

“I’m delighted,” Mr Hutton told H&H. “It’s something I’ve been bringing up but it’s Vav’s tenacity that’s got it through. It’s great for equine health, and the RCVS has shown wisdom getting it through. It’s a win-win for the horses.

“It’s a great rapport between the RCVS, Defra and practitioners; it means more people looking out for the horse. Widening the net to pick up any problems is a very good thing.”

British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) CEO David Mountford said the clarification was useful.

“It recognises some of the important work of MSKs is targeted at maintaining a healthy horse, but also highlights the legal obligation for veterinary involvement to be sought whenever injury or pathology is suspected,” he told H&H.

“In the short term, BEVA would encourage owners to ensure everyone who works on their horse has appropriate qualifications; long term, we’d like legislation that would ensure all therapists are as accountable as vets, vet nurses and farriers.”

H&H 3 December 2020

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What therapy regimes do top riders follow in order to keep their horses in peak condition? Stephanie Bateman investigates…

With a multitude of therapy equipment available on the market today, all promising to deliver effective therapeutic treatments to our horses, what do the top riders use on a daily and post-competition basis?

International event rider Alex Bragg finds electro magnetic pulse rugs really beneficial and all his horses see a physiotherapist regularly.

“It’s all to do with symmetry and ensuring the horses are fit and well in their bodies so that they can perform in a balanced and symmetrical way,” he says. “If you want them to do everything symmetrically, you need to make sure that their bodies feel good. They need to be comfortable so that they will work hard on both sides of their body and not avoid using themselves because it’s sore. That’s when you end up with compensation and crooked horses.”

Alex also advocates hill work and swimming.

“We do a lot of hill work and have access to a swimming lane where we swim a few horses,” he adds. “Polework is also really important for strengthening work and we sometimes use magnetic wraps on their legs which are good if you have a horse with a known leg injury or a leg that swells or is sore in the joints.”

Carl Hester’s groom Alan Davies follows a comprehensive therapy regime with the horses.

“We take the grand prix horses to the water treadmill at Hartpury once or twice a week throughout the year because it’s a great way of getting them fit without placing undue stress on their lower joints,” says Alan. “They go on it for 20 minutes at a time with the water at knee and hock height, and it’s a great anaerobic workout.”

Alan also stands the horses under the solarium while tacking up and un-tacking to keep their muscles warm, and they will also wear an FMBS Activo-Med Combi Pro rug to help with relaxation and blood flow before and after exercise.

“Every week our physio comes to treat the horses and she will often use a TENS machine or ultrasound if the horses need a specific muscle working on,” adds Alan. “We also use Finn-Tack ice boots on the horses after a strenuous workout to ensure the tendons don’t get too hot.”

Event rider Laura Collett is also a firm believer in magnetic rugs.

“My top horses have the FMBS Activo-Med Rug on at home for 40 minutes every day and at competitions before dressage,” she says. “At a three-day event they also have it on after cross-country and before the trot-up to help with keeping them soft and supple.

“Ours also see a physio once a month to ensure they are comfortable and there are no problems that need addressing.”

Dressage rider Michael Eilberg’s horses also see a physio and chiropractor monthly.

“I also use the Back On Track products on a daily basis, and for horses that are especially sensitive or weak, I also use an Equissage Pulse pad.”

Yorkshire-based point-to-point trainer Jacqueline Coward uses a different type of therapy on her horses.

“I like acupuncture and use that pre- and post-racing on some of our horses,” she says. “It really helps them to recover and be in good shape for the next race.”

Dressage trainer and rider Gareth Hughes uses electro-magnetic therapy units on his horses, especially on old leg injuries.

“We also use Cyclo-Ssage units on the horses before they are ridden every day to help them warm up and be supple.”

Paralympic dressage rider Sophie Wells finds using the FMBS Activo-med pulse magnetic rug before her horses work and compete very effective.

“I also use ice boots after they have worked hard to bring the temperature of the tendons back down to a safe temperature and help prevent injury.”

Laura Tomlinson’s dressage horses also wear a FMBS Activo-Med magnetic rug most days and always at a show.

“They also have weekly massage/physio treatments and they have pre-/post-work exercises that the grooms do with them from core activation to stability and simple stretches,” she says. “We use the magentic rug as either a warm up programme or regeneration programme after work for around 20 minutes.”

Showjumper William Whitaker is another advocate of ice boots which he uses daily after flatwork and jumping alongside a magnetic rug before and after jumping.

“We have a very good equine physio that sees the horses at least every three weeks,” adds William. “We also do carrot stretches with the horses that need it. We try to keep the therapy-related treatments simple but effective which I think is better for the horses.”

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Event rider Ben Way uses massage pads pre-competition, alongside ensuring his horses have regular phsyio treatments to keep his horses comfortable and minimise muscle tightness.

“We try to turnout as much as possible which is great physically and mentally, and all our horses are tacked up under our Drimee infrared solariums (especially on cold days) to ensure that their top line is warm a relaxed before they start work,” says Ben. “After work we wash the horses off using our Kylix hot water system before again drying them off under the solariums.”

At a competition, Ben uses a lot of cold boots which sit in iced water before being applied after the cross-country.

“We are lucky enough to have the River Leam running through our farm and the horses love being taken down to stand in the cold running water which is great for their legs.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday. Plus in the latest issue, out today (31 January 2019), don’t miss our kit special which includes information on therapy rugs and some great therapy products to help keep horses happy.

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Equine back pain is not uncommon and horses are often referred to physiotherapy for assessment and treatment. There are a multitude of reasons as to why a horse may experience back pain and likewise a variety of presenting signs and signs.

Back pain can be caused by dysfunction in a variety of anatomical tissues (e.g. bone, joint, muscle, ligament, nerve). Pain that originates in the spinal region can be deemed as primary back pain. Back pain can also be a secondary sign of physiological dysfunction elsewhere e.g. hindlimb lameness. In some instances, it can be difficult to establish whether back pain is primary or secondary in nature.

Horses are prey animals and will therefore often not show signs of pain until it is truly significant because this would be a sign of weakness to a predator. Horses may demonstrate pain in a variety of ways including a decline in performance and/or a change in behaviour.

Horse owners often describe some of the following signs from horses experiencing back pain:

● Reluctance to being tacked up

● Loss of enthusiasm for work

● Reduced ability or reluctance to jump

● Appearing ‘cold backed’ or ‘hollowing’ through the back

● Tail swishing

● Reluctance to bend on a circle

● Appearing uncomfortable, stiff or lame behind

Possible contributing factors to consider:

● Conformation – certain conformation traits may predispose a horse to back pain, in particular horses that are excessively long backed, short backed or with a lordotic (hollow-backed) posture.

● Tack – studies have shown that having a saddle on the horse’s back increases the amount of spinal extension or ‘hollowing’, which can contribute to injury. Ensuring optimum saddle fit is an important factor in minimising the risk of back pain and optimising performance.

● Rider – a rider who is unbalanced or who has an asymmetric position (e.g. due to pain, weakness or stiffness themselves) may influence the horse’s comfort and could be a contributing factor to equine back pain. It is often beneficial for the rider to be assessed and if required, physiotherapy input can support improvements to the rider’s comfort and position on the horse too.

● Head and neck position – the horse’s head and neck position influences spinal biomechanics. Ensuring that training encourages the horse to vary its head and neck position (rather than a fixed head carriage) by working the horse through from behind may help support improvements in comfort — both through the horse’s neck and back.

● Underlying pathology – Most back pain will improve with physiotherapy, however if it doesn’t, a veterinarian can investigate further as to whether there is underlying pathology.

A simple way for owners to monitor how comfortable their horse is through the back is to carry out the following palpation techniques:

1. Slowly run your finger tips down the long spinal muscles either side of the horse’s spine from the wither region to the tail.

2. Slowly run your fingertips across the spinal muscle fibres towards the spine and carry this out sequentially along the horses back.

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Feel for lumps, bumps, heat, and hair changes/chaffing. Signs of discomfort may include, the horse dipping away from your hand, the muscles appearing to tighten or clamp down, muscle fasciculation (appearing to ‘flicker’ under the pressure). Also watch for behavioural signs such as tail swishing or the horse pinning its ears back.

N.b Horses can be unpredictable especially if in pain. Any person carrying out the above technique must do so at his or her own risk. Seek professional advice if you are unsure.

If you are concerned that your horse may have back pain, a vet and/or physiotherapist (following veterinary referral) can further assess and help to establish a likely cause.

Nina

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Our equestrian teams and individuals were brilliantly successful at the Rio Olympics and I now look forward to watching and supporting the Paralympic teams.

Rio has been a fantastic insight into the level of athleticism and performance that can be achieved through careful production, training and a strong horse-rider partnership. Watching these equestrian athletes at the highest level highlights the importance in maintaining optimal fitness and comfort of the performance horse and also in preventing the risk of injury that may be associated with such high demands of the sport. In fact, all horses can benefit from us thinking about the way in which we train them in order to maximise fitness, comfort and reduction in injury risk.

An important part of the physiotherapist’s role is consideration of the training and management of the horse just as it is with our human athletes. When a horse is referred to physiotherapy due to musculoskeletal pain or impairment for example, having an understanding of the management, fitness and training regime of the horse is a vital component in order to fully treat and rehabilitate the horse from the presenting issue or symptoms.

Factors to consider in promoting horse comfort and performance can be grouped into those that are intrinsic to the horse and those that are extrinsic. For instance, intrinsic factors include the functioning of the musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological systems, whereas external factors allude to the environment, coaching methods, equipment and horse husbandry. This blog will briefly consider a few of these components in relation to optimising performance and comfort.

The musculoskeletal system

The horse’s musculoskeletal system takes years to fully mature and growth plates continue to fuse throughout the skeletal system from birth to the age of five or six years of age (or even longer for bigger horses). The growth plates of the distal limb are first to fully fuse and over time they continue to fuse in a proximal direction with the vertebral column being the last place for full growth plate closure. It is important to note that young horses need time to grow and mature and that overtraining in young horses may be counter intuitive to performance longevity and welfare, increasing risk of injury because of the stresses being placed upon an immature skeletal system. Often the elite horses competing in dressage, showjumping and eventing for example are in their mid to late teens because this is the amount of time it has taken to progress them to this level of the sport.

Cardiovascular fitness

Incorporating fitness work into a horse’s training program is a really important part of improving overall conditioning of the horse. In simplistic terms, the cardiovascular system adapts to exercise by promoting hypertrophy of the cardiac muscle and improving efficiency of the heart. This improves the ability to optimally perfuse muscle tissue during exercise, potentially reducing onset on muscle fatigue. This is important for horses competing in a variety of disciplines. Exercise also supports improvements in the size, strength and efficiency of muscle tissue. Effective training programmes should allow time for rest and tissue repair.

Cardiovascular exercise is important from a performance and welfare perspective as in theory the fitter the horse, just like with human athletes, the less predisposed they are to certain injuries associated with lack of fitness or conditioning. A chartered physiotherapist will be keen to explore the type and intensity of training that your horse is carrying out. For example, are the presenting symptoms of the horse secondary to the fact that the horse is not fit enough for the job and compensating in ways which are causing muscle fatigue / pain or is it that the type of fitness work being carried out is not quite having the intended effect and requires some adjusting?

Your physiotherapist can support you in monitoring your horse’s cardiovascular fitness objectively. A simple way of doing this is by incorporating the use of a heart rate monitor in your fitness training in order to determine changes. I will discuss this topic in more detail in a future blog!

Training and mental well-being

Different disciplines place different demands on the horse and may require specific movements and skills from the horse. For example, Flat racing requires speed and length of stride, whereas dressage requires more collection, elevation and lateral movement as well as the ability to extend the stride. In order to improve, the horse needs discipline-specific training. I.e. To improve a horse’s ability to jump, it needs to jump. But there is also an argument to incorporate cross training, not only for physical conditioning (strength, balance, coordination) but also for mental well-being. Studies have shown that stress can predispose a higher risk of injury and/or perception of pain. This is possibly due to a number of reasons including (but not limited to):

1. Increased muscle tension and therefore shortening of certain muscle groups (imagine how you feel when you are stressed and tense through your neck and shoulders)

2. Increased production of stress hormones that can cause a heightened sensitivity to pain and ‘fight or flight’ behaviour patterns. Limiting stress by incorporating cross training methods such as, hacking, fitness work, schooling and gymnastic jumping for example may support mental well-being and welfare as well as physical conditioning.

Training aids and equipment

Tack, training aids and equipment can be a useful tool in helping the horse and/or the rider to achieve a desired outcome i.e. Increased engagement of the hind limb, a softer outline, improved activation of the core muscles. Unfortunately many of the training aids available lack scientific research and rely on anecdotal evidence for their use. There are a multitude of training aids available of varying cost and it can be slightly mind boggling in which to use. Training aids can also cause a multitude of problems if used incorrectly, or if the horse is physically unable to tolerate working in the aid being used secondary to weakness, pain, stiffness or lack of fitness for example. A physiotherapist can support you with this by establishing whether the choice of training aid is appropriate or having the intended effect. Furthermore, advice can be given on ground and ridden exercises (with and without the use of equipment) in order to help attain individual, tailored goals and thereby optimising comfort and performance of the horse.

Shoeing

There have been vast developments in shoeing and the types of materials used by farriers. Interestingly research has shown that during an eight-week period of hoof growth, there is a 3.5-degree change in the dorsal hoof wall angle. This may not sound like much but in fact this increases ground reaction force in the distal limb as well as the strain placed upon the long flexor tendons. This could potentially predispose the horse to injury and therefore presents a good reason to work closely with your farrier in deciding the appropriate length of the horse’s shoeing cycle in order to optimise comfort, performance and reduce risk of injury. Some of the latest research developments look at the effect of different shoeing materials and interfaces on horse biomechanics and forces placed upon the limb. This gives rise to tailoring the horse’s shoe not only to its conformation and biomechanical needs but also to the type of surface it may be required to work/compete on.

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This blog has taken a brief look at some of the factors to consider in optimising performance and comfort. Equestrian sport is beginning to see advances in research in relation to performance, biomechanics and exercise physiology. Although slightly behind human research, progress is being made all of the time. This is great news not only for performance but also in optimising the welfare of our horses. Future blogs will explore specific components of training and performance in more detail. Ultimately for me, the important message is that maintaining optimal horse welfare and performance is a combined team effort incorporating the expertise and support from the likes of vets, farriers, trainers, saddle fitters, physiotherapists and of course owners and riders to name but a few!

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Many equestrian people are familiar with ‘carrot stretches’ which veterinary physiotherapists often call dynamic mobilisation exercises (DMEs). This blog will give a little insight into the effect of this form of exercise on the horse and why DMEs are a brilliant adjunct to your training in order to keep your horse strong, flexible and to prevent injury.

Dynamic mobilisation exercise is a term given to “core stability exercises for horses” by researchers looking at ways in which to increase spinal and postural stability. It has been demonstrated that by carrying out DMEs on a regular basis, it is possible to improve the size and strength of multifidus.

Multifidus is a small, postural muscle that crosses 3-5 vertebrae connecting one to the next throughout the neck and spine, supporting localised spinal stability.

A common finding in both people (the human multifidus also provides spinal stability) and horses with back pain is that multifidus becomes atrophied (wasted). When it becomes atrophied it is often the larger spinal muscles such as longissimus and iliocostalis (the muscles you can feel either side of the horse’s spine) that are recruited to support spinal stability, working harder than they should. Their job is to provide global spinal movement rather than stability, and overuse in trying to achieve this can cause shortening and tightness, which over time can cause spasm and/or pain.

Longissimus acts to extend the horses back and is important for many reasons such as lifting the front end of the horse in the canter as the hind leg moves under the horse and supporting bringing the front end up in preparation to jump. Overuse and shortening of this muscle can cause discomfort and also inhibit the horse’s ability to round and flex up through the back, making the horse more hollow and less able to engage the core and soften into a contact.

Research has shown that DMEs strengthen the multifidus muscle which in turn supports improvements in postural stability. This can only be of benefit in the maintenance of normal movement patterns and preventing discomfort from muscular compensations (such as recruiting more global spinal muscles as described above) that may occur as a result of weakness in postural stability. DMEs also have the benefit of stretching soft tissue and maintaining comfort and flexibility throughout the neck and back. For horses with back pain, atrophy of multifidus will not necessarily be reversed without targeted rehabilitation and therefore, incorporation of DMEs to support improvement in localised spinal stability is deemed a key part of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation.

There are a number DMEs that can be carried out, with each exercise targeting a different area of the vertebral column. The lower the head position the more caudal (further from the head) the effect on spinal stability. For example, chin to chest targets the top and mid neck, whereas chin between fetlock targets the base of the neck and thoracic region).

Here are some example dynamic mobilisation exercises that you can carry out with your horse. Aim to carry out 3-5 repetitions daily, holding each position for around five seconds. To begin with, you may find that your horse struggles to gain full range but over time will begin to increase in flexibility.

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For a more extensive and tailored exercise program, it is encouraged to seek support from your local chartered veterinary physiotherapist. Furthermore, if your horse shows any signs of discomfort, or difficulty in carrying out these exercises, please seek support from you veterinarian or local chartered physiotherapist.

1. Chin to chest

Using a carrot or treat, encourage the horse to bring its chin to its chest.

2. Chin to fetlock

I find it easier to have a treat in both hands for this one. You can guide the horses nose done with the treat in the left hand and then bring the right hand between the fetlocks to give the horse the treat in the final position.

3. Chin to flank

Encourage your horse around to the side trying not to let the horse twist at the poll, the bend should come from the neck. There will also be an element of thorocolumbar bend. Aim to get your horse’s nose as far back and as close to the body as possible without allow a twist at the poll.

4. Chin to hind fetlock

Again use the treat to encourage side bend but into a low set position aiming towards the hind fetlock.

Nina

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Since my last blog, a number of my clients have enquired about ways in which they can help their horse to engage and strengthen its hind quarters.

For me, engagement of the hindlimb is the ability to effectively recruit the muscles that produce optimal movement and power regardless of individual conformational traits. This requires not only strength but flexibility and coordination of movement too. The potential amount of engagement is therefore individual to each horse, furthermore, hindlimb engagement really encompasses more than just the hindlimb. It incorporates self-carriage and ‘engagement’ of the entire horse.

In order to engage the hindlimb effectively, the horse needs to be able to flex and lift up through its back, requiring contraction of its core muscles to do so. Essentially you can think of this lifting of the back as creating space for the hindlimb to move further under the body. If the horse can engage and protract (move forward) the hindlimb further under the body, there is a greater potential for force in the ‘push off’ phase of gait. This is turn supports improvements in strength of the muscles that do the pushing!

There are a number of reasons why a horse may be encouraged to work more from behind, for example, to improve power, to achieve higher marks in dressage, improved jumping ability, or even for comfort and to take pressure off the forehand – the hind end is where some of the most powerful muscles are housed so supporting your horse to use them effectively is a no-brainer.

From a physiotherapy perspective, if a horse is working in supple self-carriage, creating power from behind rather than pulling along on the forehand, then it could be argued that there is a reduced risk of pain and/or injury associated with poor posture and poor core stability. Improving horse comfort often gives rise to improvements in performance, which is typically a goal of riders and trainers alike.

How the hindlimb works

As the hindlimb moves forwards during gait, the hip becomes more flexed and the stifle and hock move from into a more extended position in order to make contact with the ground. Once the limb is in contact with the ground, it acts as an inverted strut, with the consequent joint positionings putting tension on some of the long tendons of the lower limb. These tendons have great elastic properties and act as a spring to support power and push off from the ground into the next stride. The powerful gluteal muscles kick into action, extending the hip as the horse travels forward. Of course all of this requires adequate core stability to enable the horse to maintain effective postural control throughout the gait cycle. Because of this, it is really core stability that interests me most as a physiotherapist, particularly in the initial stages of strengthening.

Often (but not always) a desirable trait of dressage horses is to have positive diagonal advanced placement of the hindlimb, more commonly abbreviated to DAP +ve.

For example, trot is classically a two-beat gait, where the hindlimb and forelimb strike the ground in diagonal pairs. With DAP+ve, the hindlimb strikes the ground a fraction of a second before the forelimb. This gives potential for greater ‘push’ from the hind end and thus potentially a bigger more powerful, expressive movement. The conformation of horses used for higher level dressage will generally support their innate ability to engage and protract the limb under the body in comparison to a horse without such conformational traits.

Nevertheless, we can encourage all horses to improve their core strength and ability to strengthen and create power from hindlimb and pelvic musculature.

Engagement of the hindlimb requires activation of the muscles that flex the spine, support caudal rotation of the pelvis about the lumbosacral junction (as if the horse is tucking its bottom underneath it) and also flexion of the hip. This not only benefits horses in their ridden work, but from a physiotherapy perspective, gives rise to benefits in posture and stability of the spine and pelvis whilst potentially reducing the risk of back and pelvic pain that may be associated with weakness.

Example exercises to engage and strengthen core stability and hindlimb musculature

Studies have shown that an increase in ground inclination leads to an increase in hindlimb muscle activity (particularly at walk) and therefore hill work can be considered as a training method for strengthening and engaging the muscles of the hind limb. The horse will naturally take a more forward step with the hindlimb to allow itself greater push up the hill which is reinforced by research that suggests that the hind foot is in contact with the ground for longer on an incline at walk.

Incorporation of ground poles or cavaletti into schooling sessions should encourage the horse to further recruit abdominal musculature in order to stabilise the spine and pelvis for increased limb flexion (over the poles). During the stance phase of each hindlimb, stabilisation via means of abdominal and gluteal co-contraction helps to provide spinal and pelvic stability.

Anecdotally there are lots of ways in which to further engage and strengthen a horse’s core and hindlimb musculature for example, collected and lateral work, rein-back transitions, renvers and travers, however scientific research has yet to be undertaken.

In the human field, plyometric training has shown benefits in improving leg strength which you could argue with horses could be achieved via gymnastic jump training or inclusion of bounce and related distance fences. Cross training is deemed an effective way of achieving overall strength and conditioning and so perhaps we should also think of training horses in this way and that actually, improving overall conditioning through means of varied training (regardless of your riding discipline) may be a valuable way in engaging the core and hind limb most effectively. Food for thought!

Continued below…

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It is important to note that some horses will find it difficult to or simply may not be able to fully engage the hindlimb underneath them and there are a multitude of reasons as to why (including conformation, weakness, stiffness, injury, pain). If you have any concerns about your horse or it has a current/previous injury that may be affecting its ability to engage the hindlimb, please seek advice from your veterinarian.

My next blog will look at ground exercises to help your horse improve core strength and flexibility around its neck and back.

Best wishes,

Nina

Chartered physiotherapist and veterinary physiotherapist

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

I am Nina, a chartered human and veterinary physiotherapist, covering the South West of England and South Wales and welcome to my blog. I am very excited to have this opportunity and am looking forward to sharing interesting case studies, research and the latest from my profession.

A little about me…

I grew up in rural Wales, near to Abergavenny and have been lucky to have always had horses. Currently, I live in Bristol and keep my cheeky, 14.2hh pony “Gem” at a private yard nearby. We have had Gem since I was 11-years-old. He’s an old boy now but you’d never know it. He frequently likes to remind me of this by jogging down the lane like a four-year-old and is certainly not ready for retirement yet! So my plan for the next twelve months is to have some fun with him plus look into buying another horse to bring on and event (well, following some impromptu saving that is…).

I am very excited to say that as this goes out to the H&H website, I will be on my honeymoon having just got married! I am less excited to say that weddings don’t seem to come cheap and so new horse plans have been very much delayed.

Back to physio. I have been lucky enough to merge my passion for all things equestrian with my work and now specialise in physiotherapy for the horse and rider. This might include reducing pain and improving comfort, postural and biomechanical assessment, working on attaining individual goals and improving performance.

For the rider, it can be all too common to fall into a habitual way of riding and to focus on the horse without really thinking about the way in which we as riders affect the horse. The beauty of it is, we are adaptable creatures and we can change this.

Improving our own posture and positioning not only makes us perform better but can improve the horse’s comfort and way of going too. Physiotherapists have strong groundings in anatomy and biomechanics that gives us fantastic insight into ways in which the rider can improve their own posture and biomechanics, on and indeed off of the horse.

Physiotherapy for horses is not only around improving comfort and reducing pain but also around improving their posture and core stability in order to reduce risk of injury and indeed to improve performance. This can be of benefit to all horses from those used primarily for hacking to the competition horse working towards a certain dressage movement, or in improving speed in the racehorse for example.

I am hugely passionate about my work and through the course of my blog, I will bring lots of interesting physiotherapy discussion around the horse and rider as well as some ‘take home’ exercises for you to try. I am sure that Gem will also feature along the way too. I hope that you find my blog interesting and I welcome any questions.

I look forward to presenting my first topic. See you after my honeymoon!.

Nina

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Wondering how to make the most of those long, dark evenings before the clocks go forward? Give your CV a boost with an equestrian course that fits around your day job, says Hanna Lindon

January might be the month of rain, darkness and endless seas of mud, but it’s also the perfect time to turn over a new leaf and get planning for the year ahead. Whether you fancy working your way through the British Horse Society (BHS) Stages or brushing up on your equine first aid, we’ve rounded up some of the best evening, weekend and distance learning courses to fit around your day job.

1. Rider Strength and Conditioning

PB Equestrian, Cheltenham

What is it? A programme of exercise and stretching that aims to improve riding performance by addressing issues such as back pain, muscle discomfort and weakness. Participants are given one-to-one or pairs coaching at a gym in Cheltenham and assigned a personalised programme that they can follow at home.

Who can take it? “This course is suitable for all levels of rider, but is best for those who are motivated to improve their strength, posture and performance,” says course leader Phoebe Bolton (pictured, above).

Time commitment: an initial one-and-a-half hour assessment session followed by four one-hour sessions run over eight weeks.

Cost: £249

Contact: Phoebe Bolton; 07912 629350; www.pb-equestrian.co.uk

2. BHS Stages 1-3

Askham Bryan College, York

What is it? The BHS Stages are among the most recognised qualifications in the equestrian industry, and a good first step for anybody looking to forge a career with horses. Askham Bryan College is an exam centre for the BHS Stages One to Three, and pupils can train right up to BHSAI (Assistant Instructor) level. Each stage involves a six-week evening course covering the syllabus for the relevant exam.

Who can take it? Anybody who can walk and trot without stirrups and has basic practical equestrian skills can embark on the Stage One course.

Time commitment: Monday evenings 6pm to 9pm for six weeks to complete each stage.

Cost: £300 Stage One; £300 Stage Two; £350 Stage Three, plus exam entry fees.

Contact: helen.coxall@askham-bryan.ac.uk; www.askham-bryan.ac.uk

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3. Equine First Aid

Writtle College, Chelmsford

What is it? Keen to know how to recognise signs of ill health or treat minor injuries? Writtle College’s basic equine first aid course is a short, practical workshop that covers subjects such as common ailments, prevention of disease, bandaging, dealing with cuts and wounds, and assessing your horse’s temperature, pulse and respiration.

Who can take it? The course is aimed at first-time horse owners and anybody else who is interested in the workings of equine physiology. If you’re an experienced horse owner then you might find the syllabus too basic.

Time commitment: one evening course of three hours. The next course will be held on Monday, 25 January, from 6pm to 9pm.

Cost: £52

Contact: Sue German; 01245 421782; writtle.ac.uk

4. Equine Massage

The College of Animal Physiotherapy (TCAP), Aylesbury

What is it? The course covers theoretical modules — including the skeletal, muscular and cardiovascular systems — as well as practical workshops. Successful students are granted membership of the International Association of Animal Therapists, a group of therapists who work under veterinary referral in the animal massage section.

Who can take it? Candidates need to be 18 or over and able to demonstrate a commitment to the equine industry with at least three years of relevant experience.

Time commitment: four weekends (one per month) consisting of six training days and a final exam — plus a large amount of pre-course work.

Cost: £1,500

Contact: admin@tcap.co.uk; www.tcap.co.uk

5. Competition Psychology Certificate

Equine Distance Learning

What is it? Aimed at competitive riders, this distance learning course covers a number of topics including how psychology can help you to succeed, how our minds work, improving performance and the power of your imagination.

Who can take it? Anybody who competes horses, from amateurs up to successful professionals.

Time commitment: the course is generally completed within six months via distance learning but can take between two months and a year depending on your approach.

Cost: £105

Contact: Sarah Finikin; 01256 855320; www.equinedistancelearning.com

6. Equine Science Foundation Degree

Moreton Morrell College, distance learning

What is it? A degree programme run over four years and aimed at students who want to study at higher education level, but who are unable to attend college full time. Modules include equine nutrition, physiology, health and disease, industrial perspectives and applied equine management.

Who can take it? “Typically, applicants will possess 180 UCAS points,” says Rhiannon Powell at Moreton Morrell College. “We also welcome applications from mature students over the age of 21, who may not have any formal qualifications, but are able to demonstrate relevant industry experience.”

Time commitment: four years of flexible distance learning.

Cost: £3,355 per annum (pro rata).

Contact: the Distance Learning team; 01926 318359; www.warwickshire.ac.uk

7. Equipilates rider and teacher training

Equipilates, UK-wide

What is it? Pilates classes adapted specifically for horse riders, with the option to continue your training and become a qualified Equipilates teacher.

Who can take it? The rider training classes are available to anyone, with six-week group

courses aimed at beginners. The teacher training courses are organised into three streams: one for health and fitness professionals with riding experience, one for equestrian professionals and a complete education programme for those looking for a career change.

Time commitment: rider training evening classes are one-hour long, while teacher training varies in time commitment from between four and six full days of face-to-face learning, plus case studies to complete at home.

Cost: from £40 per person for a five-week rider training course. Teacher training costs between £895 and £2,750.

Contact: find an Equipilates teacher at www.equipilates.com

8. Diploma Level 1 in Horse Care

Summerhouse Equestrian, Gloucester

What is it? This City & Guilds qualification is targeted mainly at enthusiastic beginners or riding school pupils, and covers the very basics of horse care.

Who can take it? Complete beginners or once-a-week riders who want to gain experience in handling horses, or those preparing for the BHS Stage One exam. No previous experience is necessary.

Time commitment: three five-week courses of 10 hours each, plus additional practice time.

Cost: £100 per course, plus £50 registration.

Contact: 01452 720288; www.summerhouseec.co.uk

H&H, 14 Jan 2016

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now