Emma Barber Veterinary Physiotherapy

03/06/2026

Another post looking at the conflict behaviours seen in modern competition.

Opening the debate of what has been normalised in today’s sports.

30/05/2026

🩷

29/05/2026

Visiting clients yesterday and had to say hello to this lovely donkey family 💙🩷🩷

Dad at the front, mum at the back and daughter in the middle!

28/05/2026

On of my big bug bears is how saddle racks are made, with many traditional saddle racks causing damage to the underside of your saddle, which then of course impacts your saddle fit!

I often tell my clients (thank you Sophie!) to pad their saddle racks with an old pillow wrapped on with duct tape and have done this to my own racks.

But today I’ve been told about this solution made by saddle smiths! A great option to stop damage to the underside of your saddle!!

A small business providing a quick and easy solution to protecting your saddle and its panels.

22/05/2026

Oooh, this looks an interesting idea to try! I think I need to get Eve a snazzy head scarf!

22/05/2026

Time to get the girls fans on charge for the coming hot weather!

Be sure to keep an eye on your horses over this sudden hot spell, especially young and older horses that are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration.

18/05/2026

Why Rambo has restarted groundwork for muscle + posture 🐴💪

*1. Better muscle development, without the wear and tear*
Groundwork lets him build topline, core and hindquarter muscle without the load of a rider on his back. Especially useful for a horse who’s young, coming back from time off or injury, or just needs to get stronger before carrying weight properly.

*2. Posture and balance corrections*
When he learns to move his feet correctly on the ground, he starts carrying himself better under saddle too. No more leaning through his shoulder or dripping his back. He’s finding it easier to lift through the back and shoulders already.

*3. Straightness + symmetry*
Rambo’s naturally crooked - most horses are! Targeted groundwork exercises help him even out both sides, hes too bendy to the left, and leans to the right . He also braces A LOT through his neck and chest. That means less strain and fewer niggles long term.

*4. Body awareness and proprioception*
Poles, backing up, lateral work on the ground… it all makes him think about where his feet are. A horse that knows where his body is = less clumsy, less likely to trip, and more confident.

*5. Stronger mind = stronger body*
Less rushing, less bracing, less tension. When his brain is quiet, his muscles can actually work properly. And a relaxed horse builds muscle way better than a stressed one.

It’s slow work, but you can see him finding it easier better. And hes so chilled out afterwards

If you’ve got a horse that’s weak behind, hollow through the back, or just feels “stuck”, give groundwork a go

Anyone else doing groundwork with their horse? What exercises are working for you?

We're working with Emma Barber Veterinary Physiotherapy and cant recommend her enough 😊

16/05/2026

I have had to implement a small change to my call out fees due to continuing rising costs.

I always try to keep my prices reasonable, as I know how much all equestrians are struggling at the moment.

Call out is £5 for 25-35miles, £10 for over £35 miles. Those within a 25mile radius of my home location call out is free of charge.