08/12/2026
🤔 Do you know where the Iliopsoas muscle is located on your horse? There are three parts to this muscle group, the psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus.
The iliopsoas is a deep muscle group in the horse that plays a major role in hip flexion, stabilization of the pelvis, and coordination of the hind limbs. Because it is deep within the body, problems can be difficult to identify and are sometimes mistaken for back, sacroiliac, or hind-limb issues.
Common causes of iliopsoas problems in horses
* Overexertion or repetitive strain – Heavy training, frequent collection, jumping, racing, or intense lateral work can overload the muscle.
* Sudden movements – Slipping, scrambling, spooking, bucking, or making a sharp turn can cause an acute strain.
* Poor footing – Deep, uneven, slippery, or excessively hard footing can increase the demands on the pelvic stabilizing muscles.
* Trauma – A fall, collision, or direct impact can injure the muscle.
* Compensation for another injury – Pain in the hock, stifle, suspensory, hoof, pelvis, back, or sacroiliac region can cause a horse to change its movement and overload the iliopsoas.
* Sacroiliac or pelvic dysfunction – Altered pelvic mechanics can place additional stress on the iliopsoas.
* Poor biomechanics or asymmetry – Uneven muscle development, conformation, or an imbalance in how the horse uses its hind end can contribute.
* Insufficient conditioning – A horse returning to work too quickly or without adequate core and hind-end conditioning may be more susceptible to strain.
* Saddle or rider-related issues – A poorly fitting saddle or a rider who creates imbalance can alter the horse’s movement and increase muscular tension.
* Restricted mobility or chronic tension – Repeated muscle guarding can lead to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and a cycle of compensation.
* Age-related changes – Older horses may develop reduced flexibility, muscle loss, or degenerative changes that affect how the iliopsoas functions.
Signs that may suggest iliopsoas involvement
👉A horse with iliopsoas dysfunction may show shortened hind-limb movement, difficulty engaging the hindquarters, reluctance to collect, trouble picking up or maintaining a canter lead, difficulty with transitions, stiffness when backing, resistance to bending, or an unwillingness to perform certain movements. Some horses may also show behavioral changes when saddled or when asked to work.
👉Because the iliopsoas is deep and difficult to palpate, diagnosis can be challenging. These signs can overlap with many other conditions, so a veterinarian or qualified equine rehabilitation professional should evaluate the horse to rule out other causes.
⭐️PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy can be especially helpful for the iliopsoas muscle because of its ability to pe*****te deep into the body without relying on pressure, heat, or vibration.
The iliopsoas is one of the deepest muscles in the horse. It lies beneath multiple layers of muscle and soft tissue, connecting the lumbar spine and pelvis to the femur. Because of its location, it is difficult to directly access with manual therapies such as massage, stretching, or many bodywork techniques.
PEMF works by sending pulsed electromagnetic fields through the body’s tissues. These electromagnetic fields are not blocked by skin, fat, or muscle, allowing them to reach deep structures like the iliopsoas. At the cellular level, PEMF is thought to support normal cellular function, circulation, and tissue recovery, which may help reduce muscle tension, improve comfort, and support healing after strain or overuse.
For horses with iliopsoas tightness or dysfunction, PEMF may help:
* Relax deep muscle tension.
* Improve circulation to the affected tissues.
* Support recovery after exercise or injury.
* Reduce soreness and stiffness.
* Improve freedom of movement through the back and hindquarters.
One important distinction is that PEMF is unique among non-invasive therapy modalities in its ability to deliver energy deep enough to influence tissues like the iliopsoas without needing direct physical access. Massage, laser therapy, Red Light Therapy, Acupuncture, therapeutic ultrasound, and topical treatments are generally limited by tissue depth or require direct contact with the target area, whereas PEMF fields can pass through overlying tissues to reach deeper structures.
I have been providing PEMF to horses going on 10 years and I’ve learned there are certain positions and pulse times ⏱️ that will target the iliopsoas.
Apologies I can’t share as I’ve got to keep those positions for my clients. 😉
