Groundwork: A Foundation for Equine Postural Strength and Performance
The equine back is central to both musculoskeletal function and the horse’s ability to carry a rider effectively (Ridgway & Harman, 1999). Yet, back pain remains one of the most common issues affecting performance and welfare. It is often triggered by factors such as saddle pressures and rider weight, which can contribute to soft tissue […]
Peak Performance – How Physiotherapy Supports the Athletic Horse
In the world of equine sport, it’s no longer enough to think of physiotherapy only as a tool for injury recovery. Today’s competitive horses benefit from proactive physiotherapy care that enhances performance, prevents injuries, and supports long-term athletic careers (Rogers et al., 2012). At Eqwos ept, physiotherapy goes hand-in-hand with structured, individualised training plans designed […]
More Than Rehab – The Preventive Power of Equine Physiotherapy
In the equestrian world, physiotherapy is often associated with recovery -something to be considered only when a horse is lame or coming back from an injury (Atalaia et al., 2021). But this view fits with the reality only partially and significantly limits the potential of physiotherapy. Lately the research has been highlighting the preventive role […]
Recognising Signs of Musculoskeletal Issues in Horses
Musculoskeletal issues are a common concern in horses (Auer et al., 2024), and when one occours it can affect their aibility to perform in competition or in every-day life, also changing their phyisical, mental, and overall well-being (Swor et al., 2019; van Weeren and Back, 2016; Dyson, 2015). Early identification of these problems is crucial […]
The Brachiocephalicus Muscle
The Brachiocephalicus Muscle in the Horse: Function, Importance, and Physiotherapy Considerations The brachiocephalicus muscle plays a crucial role in equine movement and posture. It’s the biggest and most visible muscle of the neck, extending from the temporal bone and cervical vertebrae (1,3 and 4 CV) to the humerus (Williams and McKenna, 2016). This huge […]
Equine Physiotherapy 101 – The basics
Introduction to Equine Physiotherapy: Enhancing Horses’ Performance and Well-being. What is Equine Physiotherapy? Equine physiotherapy is a specialised practice that focuses on the prevention, assessment, and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions in horses (Denoix, 2021). Utilising a combination of manual therapies, electrotherapies, and tailored exercise programs, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in maintaining […]
