24/08/2026
WHAT I’M SEEING IN HORSES LATELY AS A VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPIST 👀
There are a few patterns I’m seeing again and again at the moment, whether that's owing to the weather, how we're adapting our riding programme or altered workloads.
One-sidedness
Many horses that I am seeing are particularly dominant on one side over the other. This often shows up under palpation as one side having increased muscle mass alongside increased muscle tone, whereas the other has less of both by comparison. The dominant rein often feels tighter and less supple under saddle, and riders can subconsciously add to this.
Pelvic asymmetry or restriction
Changes in pelvic position, mobility and control can have a huge effect on how a horse uses its hindlimbs. I’m seeing horses where the pelvis isn’t moving as freely or symmetrically as I’d like, so we need to work through why that is and whether we can improve it.
The effects of hard ground and current conditions
The ground is rock solid at the moment and this is affecting our horses. During dynamic assessment, some horses are looking a bit stiffer than usual, but loosen up as we move through the assessment and continue on to lunge.
Remember, rock-hard ground combined with a firm hoof capsule, including shoes, can mean less shock absorption at the hoof and potentially greater transmission of impact further up the limb.
Lots of arena work
And to combat the hard ground, I’m seeing horses doing a lot of repetitive work on the same surface, often in the same direction and with relatively little variation.
This can add more repetitive loading to our soft tissues and really highlights the importance of variety in the work, this is where something like water treadmill work may help!
Horses needing strength and conditioning
More and more, I’m looking at how we can actually change the horse’s capacity for movement and range of motion.
That might mean progressive strengthening, poles, controlled treadmill work, changes to the ridden programme or simply introducing more appropriate variety.
All of my clients receive a comprehensive exercise prescription programme to target areas found during assessment.
The obvious problem isn’t always the whole problem
A tight back, restricted shoulder or reduced hindlimb movement might be what we find on assessment, but it doesn't necessarily tell us where the problem started or what the primary area of concern is.
That's why I utilise a comprehensive assessment, palpation, history and any other relevant information to piece the puzzle together.
The goal isn’t just to make a horse feel better after a treatment. It’s to understand why they’re moving the way they are and give them the tools to move better long-term.
If you’ve noticed your horse becoming more one-sided, struggling with a particular rein, feeling different on hard ground or just not moving quite like themselves, it’s worth paying attention to those small changes. 🐴
