Initial Assessment

Every horse is unique—and so is every assessment. Your horse’s first physiotherapy session begins with a detailed evaluation to understand their individual needs, history, and movement. This helps ensure that any treatment provided is both safe and effective.

Assessment Process

The assessment starts with a thorough discussion of your horse’s:

  • Veterinary history and diagnosis (if applicable)
  • Performance level, workload, and routine
  • Behavioural changes or concerns
  • Previous injuries, surgeries, or known issues
  • Saddle fit, farriery, and dental care
This holistic view helps identify underlying causes of discomfort or dysfunction, and guides the direction of treatment. If your horse is under veterinary care, I work collaboratively and always in accordance with veterinary consent.

I then observe your horse standing to assess:

  • Posture and conformation
  • Muscle symmetry and development
  • Areas of tension or discomfort
  • Joint range of motion
  • Spine alignment and soft tissue condition
Gentle palpation and passive limb movements allow me to assess joint mobility, muscle tone, and reaction to touch.

Your horse will be walked and trotted in hand, on a straight line and on the lunge (if safe and suitable), to evaluate:

  • Rhythm, balance, and fluidity of movement
  • Symmetry between left and right sides
  • Transitions, flexion, and way of going
  • Any signs of lameness, stiffness, or compensation
Where appropriate, I may also observe the horse under saddle or ridden video footage to assess the horse–rider dynamic.

Following the assessment, if appropriate and within scope of practice, your horse will receive hands-on treatment during the same session. This may include:

  • Soft tissue mobilisation and massage
  • Stretching or joint mobilisations
  • Myofascial or trigger point release
  • Electrotherapy (such as laser or pulsed magnetic therapy)

You will receive a tailored home exercise programme, including in-hand stretches, pole work, or remedial groundwork, to continue supporting your horse between sessions.

Working Together for the Best Outcome

Equine physiotherapy is most effective when horse, owner, physio, and vet work together. After your horse’s assessment, I’ll share my findings and recommendations clearly and honestly—and am always happy to collaborate with your wider team.
 
Have questions before booking? I’d be happy to talk you through the process.