Lucy Makepeace Equine Osteopathic & Rehabilitation Practitioner.

30/08/2026

Although in its very very early stages of research, this is so interesting and fingers crossed could, although a lot of work to be done, eventually lead to something really promising 🙏

🦴 Could osteoarthritis one day be treated at its source, rather than simply managed?

🔬Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College have identified a potential new approach that could change how this progressive joint disease is treated in the future. 🐶

🐴The early findings are promising, particularly given how commonly osteoarthritis affects older horses and dogs. However, the research remains at a preclinical stage, and any treatment is still some way from becoming available.

So, what have scientists discovered, and could it eventually lead to therapies capable of slowing or even reversing the disease process?

Read the full story on Animalweb ➡️ https://askanimalweb.com/rvc-research-identifies-potential-new-approach-to-treating-osteoarthritis/

29/08/2026

We must move beyond just saying something is restricted or a certain muscle is tight.
I want to know ‘why’ is this area restricted,? what is the horse compensating for? What does it mean for functionality and longevity?

We MUST consider that if a pathology is present, where is the pain? How is this affecting movement by creating compensatory patterns? Do we have correct strength and stability and ultimately can the horse achieve what we are asking of it in the most effective way ? 🤷‍♀️

28/08/2026

A post from the heart tonight after a full on day.
People often think I have a dream job, I mean in my eyes, I absolutely do. I love everyday and I truly love all your horses.
Some people have the perception that it's easy driving round the county, rocking up at a yard and talking horse to someone. What some people don't understand is everything that goes on away from the yard.

*Speaking and liasing with vets for consent to treat and also an update of clinical findings on challenging rehabilitation cases that we are involved in (my absolute favourite thing!)
*Speaking and liasing with other professionals to try and find the best solution as a team for your horse
*Clinical reports to be completed every night for every horse I have seen that day
*Clinical reports emailed to clients and vets if requested
*In depth research on clinical cases as I have the privilege of seeing a lot of these currently and although I have covered a lot, I always want to ensure I'm as up to date as I can be to aim to answer your many questions
*Ensuring that I meet and understand clients expectations so that you are as informed as you need to be for the long term treatment and management plan. If you dont understand, then I've not done my job properly
Many of my fellow practitioners will be the same as me and work over and above the normal 9 to 5 job, however we do it for the absolute love of your horses. Always striving for the best for you and them within the parameters that we have.
I think I'm lucky, as I have the best clients in the County and beyond, all striving and aiming for the highest possible standard of care for their horses, so thank you and have a wonderful Bank Holiday 🫶🫶

27/08/2026

Thinking of the special horses today, the ones that teach us the most.
The ones that require 'out of the box' thinking.
The ones that didn't ask to be failed by humans.
The ones that really require true empathy to really understand what they are trying to tell us.
The ones that have been through unimaginable pain, but still trust humans and still do their best in their environment...
To all the special horses that are no longer with us, and to all the ones that are still here, teaching us and striving us to do, and be the best human they could ask for and for giving me the drive to always be an advocate for them. Here's to the special horses. ❤

26/08/2026

Those that have known me well over many years, do I step way out my comfort zone and put myself forwards for something and put myself out there for my career 🫣????

25/08/2026

Sometimes when I come to assess your horse for their appointment, my clinical based assessment may highlight to me a potential problem that would require a vet assessment and no treatment from myself.

Now, I may have thoughts on what may or may not be the problem, however I am not qualified to diagnose and neither is any other bodywork, massage therapist, physio etc and I’m hearing that more and more therapists are ‘diagnosing’ what is wrong!!!

Your horse does not need to be lame for me to refer back to your vet. Ultimately we aim to find a problem and fix it as part of a team before the horse starts to show any significant discomfort.

So please understand if I request a referral back to your vet, it is due to me having your horses comfort and welfare as my top priority and it is the correct and appropriate course of action even if it has been treated by someone else who says it’s fine 🙏

22/08/2026

Rehabilitation is not simply treating a tight or sore area or maybe giving an exercise sheet. It is a progressive clinical process that connects the Veterinary Diagnosis with the whole horse, its biomechanics, current ability and potential future.

21/08/2026

Yay it’s Friday 🙌🙌🙌
Here’s to what’s been a long but productive week. Working on Rehabilitation cases, Vet referrals and new clients wanting to know more.

Plus! A compliment from a phenomenal Equine Vet I work alongside when they said ‘ The industry need more yous!’

I’m absolutely 100% shamelessly taking that compliment !!!!

20/08/2026

One thing many of my clients and Vets know me for is my in-depth assessments.

For me, assessment is not just a quick look before treatment, it is the foundation of everything that follows for the horse.

My work is about understanding:
• how the horse moves
• where compensation patterns are developing
• what may be causing recurring issues
• how posture, movement and restriction are all connected

There are no fancy gadgets or quick-fix treatments that can replace skilled observation, hands-on assessment and taking the time to truly understand the horse in front of you.

Every horse is different, and every case deserves that level of attention.

Sometimes the most important part of a session is not the treatment itself, but understanding WHY the body is compensating in the first place. Most will just simply treat a tight area as opposed to truly understanding the 'why' behind it.

As owners, it is also important to take time to truly understand what we are doing for our horses and why. Long-term improvement comes from awareness, management and working with the horse as a whole, not chasing temporary fixes.

This is why I will always prioritise thorough assessment, honest communication and building the right foundation for lasting change.