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Your Horse Physio Questions Answered: Read Now!

This week, I’ve had an ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapy student with me. She’s a Chartered Physiotherapist (which means she’s already qualified to treat people) studying at Hartpury University towards a Masters degree, qualifying her to treat animals and to be registered with the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy. She’s been great company and has asked many thought-provoking questions. I thought you might have the same questions, and so I’ve answered three of them here in this week’s ‘Behind the Scenes’.

How long should my horse go between physio treatments?

How long a horse should go between physio treatments is very individual, and is dependent on the needs of both the human and the horse. As a basic guideline, I recommend treating high-level competition horses monthly or every four to six weeks. For horses working at Riding Club level or hacking out perhaps 3 to 5 times a week, I might treat them somewhere between once a month and once every three months, depending on the horse’s physicality. Some horses have more niggles, or niggles that have been there for longer, and these horses may benefit from being treated more regularly. Other horses are generally comfortable and maintain their level of comfort and performance with the treatments stretched further apart. As expected for any athlete, a horse with some minor aches and pains might need treatment more often if he works at a higher level or intensity, or less frequently if he works at a lower level or intensity. I will always discuss with the client what might be ideal for their horse, and we will agree together on what is achievable to promote and maintain comfort and performance.

Do all horses look this relaxed when you treat them?

When I treat a horse, I aim to encourage relaxation. An increase in adrenaline decreases the body’s ability to self-heal. Whilst the horse is running from the lion, he has high levels of adrenaline, and his body is not in a state of healing. It is in the resting stage that the body can repair itself. Did your mum ever tell you that sleep is the best healer? Mine did, and in many ways, she was right. Some horses can relax into their treatment more than others. The environment can play a part in this. It is difficult for a horse to switch off if it’s feed time, or when the rest of the yard is being turned out or brought in. But, overall, the vast majority of horses that I work with appear to experience a deep state of relaxation for some or all of their treatment time. It’s one of the many things that makes my job so rewarding!

Since you have qualifications as an instructor as well as a physio, why don’t you coach the rider as well as treat the horse?

I qualified as a BHSAI around 30 years ago, and as a Chartered Physiotherapist around 20 years ago. As an aside, I’ve also studied with Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks and am an Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Trainer, am a qualified human and equine sports massage therapist, completed a year-long course in energy healing, have done Reiki level 2, and more. My work these days is focused entirely on physiotherapy, and so I have let go my registration as a British Horse Society Level 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship. In my physiotherapy work, I have a specialist interest in the link between pain and behaviour in horses, and in the management of low-level chronic pain in both horses and humans. I enjoy being part of a team, and it’s especially rewarding when I can work with a coach or instructor, farrier, saddle fitter, or veterinarian. I like to dive deep into a subject, and there’s more than enough to think about and learn about as a physiotherapist, without trying to take on other roles. Working as a team, with the horse and its human at the centre, can help a horse achieve more, whether in terms of comfort or performance. And in my world, a happy horse equals a happy human.

Sue Palmer MCSP, aka The Horse Physio, is an award-winning author, educator, and Chartered Physiotherapist. Sue specialises in understanding the links between equine pain and behaviour, focusing on prevention, partnership and performance. She promotes the kind and fair treatment of horses through empathetic education, and is registered with the RAMP, the ACPAT, the IHA, the CSP and the HCPC.

To arrange a phone call or online coaching session with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, click here.

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You can find The Horse Physio on the web, on Facebook, on Instagram, and on YouTube, book an online consultation, or take a look at Sue’s online courses.

Horse Health Check: The 10-Point Plan for Physical Wellness

Head to Hoof: An Introduction to Horse Massage

Horse Massage for Horse Owners

Stretching Your Horse: A Guide to Keeping Your Equine Friend Happy and Healthy

Kissing Spines In Horses: Preventive Measures and Long-Term Management Solutions

Harmonious Horsemanship, co-authored with Dr Sue Dyson

Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training?

Horse Massage for Horse Owners

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