What Does a Horse Chiropractor Do?

jurisdictions such as the Federation Equestre Internationale FEI heavily regulate medications that may be given to horses competing in their events. Chiropractic and other integrative modalities may increase comfort and performance without the potential sideeffects of some of these medications whether a horse is being shown or not.
Conditions that may benefit from chiropractic adjustment
General muscle tightness or soreness-uneven wear and tear from conformation-al defects-uneven wear and tear from imbalanced riding-poor performance-increased sensitivity to grooming or pressure-pinning its ears or other signs of anxiety-loss of top line the musculature on either side of a horses spine-difficulty bending-picking up the wrong lead crosscantering Bucking or rearing under saddle Difficulty chewing-holding the tail abnormally-uneven muscling-loss of muscle-abnormal posture-Head tilt2
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care?
The goal of a chiropractic session is to restore normal joint movement and function to an area that had been previously misaligned. Following a session your horse may be more comfortable under saddle and may improve performance. If youve noticed loss of muscle atrophy this may improve especially if it occurred along your horses topline. Overall they may seem more comfortable happy and healthy.
How Often Should a Horse See a Chiropractor?
Horse owners should consider calling an equine chiropractor when they notice any of the above problems especially back soreness or a decrease in performance. The latter can often happen in the later parts of a show season or when your horse moves up a level in their discipline. When considering whether a horse needs a chiropractic adjustment an owner should expect correction over multiple sessions. A chiropractor can come to your horse and usually recommends treatment once a week or every few weeks for advanced cases.
Chiropractors are often schooled in multiple areas of overall care and may recommend other treatments such as laser massage or acupuncture. They may recommend stretches you do with your horse between adjustments. It is important to find a chiropractor that aligns their goals with the those you have set for your horse.