Zoe Smith Equine Therapist The osteopathic approach

20/08/2025

This lovely guy didn't want me to go, hes a huge fan of a carrot stretch!

19/08/2025

Hip “clicking” in a horse? What it might be + what to do 🐴👇

First, notice WHEN it clicks and WHETHER it hurts.

Pain signs: head bob, ear pinning, tail swish, hip hike, shortened stride, reluctance to back or pick up a lead.

No pain: easy, fluid stride with an occasional pop/click.

Possible causes
1) Soft-tissue “snapping” (common & often painless)
Tendon/fascia (e.g., TFL/gluteal) gliding over bony landmarks near the hip can pop audibly—especially on the forward swing of the leg.
Plan: Gentle soft-tissue work to TFL, gluteals, hamstrings; light pelvic mobilization; proprioception (straight-line in-hand, large circles only if comfortable). Consider kinesio taping for awareness/support and Class 3B cold laser if trained.

2) Stifle mechanics
Clicking that worsens on circles, backing, or downhill; toe drag or reluctance to pick up a lead may point to stifle involvement.
Plan: If painful—vet first. If comfortable—opt for straight-line strengthening, careful pole work on flat ground, avoid tight circles/slippery footing; review hoof balance; light bodywork to quads/hamstrings/adductors; tape for stifle awareness if skilled.

3) Sacroiliac (SI) or pelvic tension
Asymmetry over croup/PSIS, sensitivity around SI, or clicking tied to transitions can reflect pelvic/SI compensation.
Plan: Calm down-regulation, gentle pelvic rocking, lumbar/SI myofascial work; short, frequent straight-line movement. Taping for SI stabilization can help proprioception. Refer if guarding is marked or clicking pairs with hind-end weakness.

4) Hoof balance / farrier changes
Recent trim/shoeing or long toes/low heels can alter hind-end loading and create noisy mechanics.
Plan: Coordinate with your farrier; keep work on good footing; large figures vs. small circles; reassess after the next trim cycle.

5) Degenerative change (hip, stifle, or lumbar facets)
More common in mature horses and usually paired with stiffness or consistent discomfort.
Plan: Veterinary evaluation for diagnosis and medication options; complement with gentle bodywork, warm-ups, and conservative conditioning.

Red flags → Call your vet first
New click with moderate/severe lameness, heat/swelling, acute trauma, fever, neuro signs.

Locking/catching stifle, grinding/crepitus, or marked pain on palpation.

Learn more by reading our blog: https://www.holisticanimalstudies.net/post/hip-clicking-in-horses-what-it-means-when-to-worry-and-what-you-can-do

15/08/2025

Just not feeling it.....changes in behaviour......

Horses are the masters at compensations and hiding any issues they have, sometimes until they literally cant hide them anymore.

They often give small and subtle clues that something isn't quite right which can be missed.

Does your horse display any of these behaviours if so osteopathy my be able to help.

* Changes in behaviour such as they have become moody or aggressive.
*Trying to bite when girthed, swishing their tail.
*Bucking or rearing ( when they didn't before)
* Difficulty holding their leg up for the farrier.
* Difficulty with movements they used to find easy.
* Difficulty maintaining an outline or being heavy in one rein.
* Tongue over the bit or chomping on it.
* Head tilting.
* Refusing jumps, or have started to knock them down.

If you are experiencing any of these problems or have other concerns please feel free to contact me with no obligation for a chat.

Tel 07772 310307
Initial session usually lasts about 1.5 hours and is £ 55.
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06/08/2025

Co driver today 🐴🐎

01/08/2025

01/08/2025

How I roll on a Friday night!😁🐎

01/08/2025

🌟 Just watched an awesome video with The Equine Documentalist! 📚🐴 Highly recommend for anyone passionate about understanding horses on a deeper level. Check out his videos here..

23/07/2025

20/07/2025