An equine osteopath uses a hands-on holistic style approach that looks at how the horse's body is moving and functioning as a whole. Rather than focusing on one particular area, I assess the muscles, joints, fascia and overall movement to identify areas of tension or restriction that may be affecting the horse.

An equine osteopath assesses the horse as a whole, looking at movement, joints, muscles and soft tissues to identify areas of tension or restriction. Tacking all factors into account, including how the nervous, respiratory, digestive, and immune system could be affected. Treatment uses hands-on direct and indirect techniques to help improve mobility, comfort and overall function. Working with the horse to help their body heal.

Noone knows your horse like you do. Sometimes there is an obvious reason for booking an appointment, but often owners simply feel that something isn't quite right.

Things you might notice include:

• Stiffness, particularly on one rein

• Difficulty bending or working evenly

• Reluctance to move forwards

• Changes in transitions or canter leads

• Reduced performance

• Uneven muscle development

• Sensitivity when grooming, tacking up or being touched

• Changes in behaviour under saddle

• Difficulty engaging or working through the back

• A general change in the way your horse feels

These signs don't automatically mean there is a musculoskeletal problem, but they can be a good reason to look a little closer.

Your horse does not need to be lame to have an appointment. In fact, I would much rather assess a horse before things reach that stage.

Small changes in movement, behaviour or performance can sometimes appear before an obvious problem develops. Osteopathy can therefore form part of your horse's regular management as well as being used when you have a particular concern.

If your horse is lame or showing signs of significant or acute pain, veterinary assessment should come first.

Yes. You know what is normal for your horse, and subtle changes are often worth paying attention to.

Maybe they suddenly feel different on one rein, aren't as willing to go forwards, have started struggling with something they previously found easy or simply don't feel like themselves.

There can be many reasons for these changes, so an assessment can help build a clearer picture of what may be going on and whether another professional needs to be involved.

This could potentially be a response to pain, but not always.

Behavioural changes can have many causes. Sometimes there is a training or behavioural element, while in other cases discomfort, restriction, saddle fit, dental problems or another physical issue may be contributing.

I don't believe in automatically labelling a horse as naughty or assuming every behaviour is caused by pain. The important thing is looking at the whole picture and working out why the behaviour may have changed.

During an initial consultation. I will start by taking a history of your horse, including their workload, previous injuries, current concerns and anything else that may be relevant.

I'll then assess your horse's posture and movement before carrying out a hands-on assessment. This allows me to build a picture of how different areas of the body are functioning together.

Treatment is then tailored to what I find.

I'll also talk you through anything relevant that I find and, where appropriate, give you advice or exercises to use between appointments.

Osteopathy is great treatment option for sensitive horses, due to the holitis approach of our training.

This means I would work using more indirect inherent techniques. Allowing me to treat areas they are struggling with, that may be casuing pain or discomfort resulting in the unwanted behaviours. This means I can gain their trust to gradually by easing their discomfort, without stimulatong the promblem area.

The amount of sessions your horse needs is dependant on the horse and what they are struggling with.

Some horses may only need the occasional maintanance treatment, whereas others may need follow up sessions. Particularly if we are working through a long standing issue or alongisde a programme.

follow up sessions are reccomended according to what the individual needs and how they respond to treatment..

I prefer to work alongside all professionals involved in the horses health and well being, where necessary.

A horses movement is influenced by everything including: saddle fit, hoof balance, training, dentistry, general health and previous injury.

Where neccesary I am more than happy to work alongside any other equine professionals.

Osteopathy can be very usefull part of a rehabilitation or fitness plan. By supporting their body and releasing any problem areas, before the horse develops compensatory patterns. Promoting correct efficent movement patterns.

This does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.