Three Shires Veterinary Physiotherapy

05/02/2026

Loosing a pet is never easy and I don't see the animals I work with as just patients. The last couple of months have been hard due to the loss of some wonderful animals. They become a part of my life and each take a small piece of my heart when they pass. It is always a privilege to be welcomed into yours and your animal's lives and to play a small part in helping them live a comfortable and happy life. Many of the owners stay on as friends and for that I am grateful.
If any of my previous clients would like to leave a comment on this post in memory of their beloved pet that would be wonderful. 💕

27/01/2026

Following on from last weeks post about the importance of a warm up, today we are focussing on the cool down.
Cooling down after exercise is just as important as warming up. The main aim of a cool down is to slowly reduce the intensity of the exercise from performance to resting.

The benefits of a cool down:
- Lowers the heart rate back to resting at a safe pace
- Reduces the build up of lactic acid in the muscles that can lead to DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
- Reduces risk of injury
- Improves flexibility

The best time to stretch muscles is during or after the cool down. The muscles are still warm and therefore have improved flexibility. Stretching helps with recovery and can help improve future performance.

Please get in touch if I can help with a cool down routine for your animal.

22/01/2026

This is something I’m always conscious about when buying new rugs especially as Dolores has big shoulders. I think this is something every horse owner should look more closely at…

IS YOUR HORSE’S RUG SHORTENING THEIR STRIDE? 🐴
We spend a lifetime perfecting our horses' way of going. We invest in the best physios, master saddlers, and hoofcare. But for twenty-two hours a day, we often overlook the garment they live in.

It’s time to talk about the biomechanics of rugging.

Recent research (including findings presented at the BSAS 2025 conference) has highlighted a significant issue: poorly fitted rugs can physically reduce a horse’s stride length. When a rug is too tight across the chest or exerts heavy pressure on the withers, the horse naturally adapts its "motion strategy"—taking smaller, more guarded steps to avoid the pinch.

THE FLAW IN "STANDARD" SIZING

The equestrian industry has relied on a single measurement—back length—for decades. But horses are three-dimensional, moving athletes. Relying on a "6’3”" label is a gamble because...

Shoulder Restriction
If the chest closure is even slightly off, it restricts the thoracic sling, preventing the front leg from reaching its full extension.

Wither Tension
Constant pressure on the withers creates a "guarding" reflex that can cause stiffness throughout the neck and back.

The Sizing Lottery
We’ve all been there—buying a rug that fits perfectly in one brand, only for the same size in another to slip, rub, or pull.

WE’RE WORKING ON A BETTER WAY.

At Equine Tailor, we don't believe your horse's comfort should be a game of trial and error. We’ve been busy analysing the data of equine morphology and the real-world impact of rug design on movement.

We are currently developing a solution to bridge the gap between scientific research and your horse’s wardrobe. We want to ensure that "perfect fit" isn't just a lucky guess, but a precision standard that protects your horse's natural movement.

Watch this space. We’re changing the measure of comfort.

21/01/2026

The Importance of a Warm Up:

Whilst some injuries are true accidents and are unavoidable, many are the result of the body not being prepared for the tasks asked of it. Warm ups are important all year round but especially in the winter.

Benefits of a warm up:
- Increases circulation to all muscle groups
- Increases body temperature to optimal
- Increases joint range of motion
- Reduces risk of injury
- Triggers muscle memory
- Boosts "body confidence" and encourages mental focus

A successful warm up should last 5-15 minutes and starts slowly and gradually builds up intensity.

Please get in touch if you would like more information.

15/01/2026

Hello 2026!

It’s been a while since I posted consistently on social media and I’ve had quite a lot of new followers so I felt introductions were needed.

I’m Olivia and I am the proud owner of Three Shires Veterinary Physiotherapy. I am fully qualified having completed a 4 year university degree to gain my qualification. This allows me to be a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) and be fully insured. I am consistently improving my knowledge via Continued Professional Development.

I currently live in a village near Warwick and I cover Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and the other surrounding counties. I am fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of this country and I adore travelling around to all your lovely animals.

I am lucky enough to have had horses my entire life and currently share a lovely chestnut mare with my sister. I also have an ex Working Basset Hound who most of you already know!

I am obsessed with Tea and I can’t resist anything with chocolate in it!

I love getting to know my clients (horses, dogs and people), building that relationship and making great friends along the way. I absolutely love seeing the transformations that I am involved in and seeing animals become more comfortable.

I would love you to say hi in the comments and let me know where you are following from.

23/12/2025

I would like to wish all my wonderful clients, vets and fellow veterinary professionals a fabulous Christmas and a Happy New Year!

16/12/2025

Physiotherapy can be used alongside hydrotherapy very successfully but can also be a valuable option if your dog doesn't like water or car journeys. Please get in touch to discuss further.

09/12/2025

Forever grateful to my wonderful clients and their animals! Love my job!

05/12/2025

Do you ever notice your dog favouring a type of flooring? Seen those videos on social media of dogs sliding along the floor and people laughing?
Playing and skidding on slippery floors is not funny and could actually be causing your dog more harm! Studies show that puppies kept on slippery floors have 1.6x the risk of developing hip dysplasia! Slippery floors can also be especially dangerous for senior and arthritic dogs. This is due to their weaker muscle support and stiff, painful joints. A slip or a fall can cause micro-trauma in the joints, along with stretching muscles beyond their normal range, these cause both pain and inflammation.
Make sure slippery floors (e.g tiles, wooden and laminate flooring) are covered with a non-slip option. This could be a rug, yoga mat or grip tape. Important areas in the house to consider are around food/water bowls, either side of thresholds, next to your dog's bed and in high traffic areas such as corridors.
Please get in touch to discover how home adaptions can help your dog life a long and happy life.

02/12/2025

The festive season has arrived! Please get in touch if you would like your dog or horse seen before the end of 2025