Can an Equine Chiropractor Help Your Horse?

• Stumbling or knuckling over with front or rear legs

A consultation with an equine chiropractor should start with a thorough examination of the horse, including looking at its history, care and use. The chiropractor may ask to see the horse move at all gaits and perhaps even ridden. If the chiropractor learns the rider has back or mobility problems, and they are qualified to do so, they may make recommendations or provide treatment for the rider as well. It is not unusual for the horse to react to stiffness in the rider.

What Will the Ciropractor Do? 

The chiropractor will use manual force on certain points on the horse’s body to bring the structures beneath back into normal alignment. Ideally, this will restore the joint to normal function and range of motion. The first consultation and treatment may take an hour or more. Follow-up appointments may be recommended, usually within a week of the initial treatment, and then further apart as any specific problems begin to resolve. 

Some veterinarians are trained in equine chiropractics. Some chiropractors treat both humans and horses, which can be helpful in pinpointing how imbalances in the rider affect the horse. People who specialize in chiropractics may complement their practice with other therapies such as infra-red lights, massage, myofascial release, acupuncture or pressure, therapeutic touch or stress-point therapy. The regulation of alternative therapies such as chiropractics is different from place to place, so it may be ideal to do research and find out what qualifications are required in your area.

Word-of-mouth recommendations are a good indication that a chiropractor has had good results with other horses.

There are times when chiropractic treatment is not recommended. If your horse has a lameness or a very specific center of pain, it’s best to check for injury or even fracture before proceeding with chiropractic treatment. Using chiropractic treatment on some problems, especially undiagnosed fractures, can cause even greater injury. Always consult with a qualified chiropractor. That way, you can be sure that the practitioner has the proper training and experience.