Horses

Horses did not evolve specifically to carry a rider’s weight and modern competition increases the strain on their musculoskeletal system.

Your horse alters its movement when it feels uncomfortable; either due to a sudden injury (acute) or a longstanding issue (chronic). Its muscles tighten as a result of its compensation, often causing muscular tension and/or misalignments in the spine and pelvis.

Common signs of equine muscular tension include:

• uneven, irregular action
• uneven wear of shoes or hooves
• sore or ‘cold’ backs
• stiffness after a fall or injury
• discomfort from ill-fitting tack
• unexplained deterioration in usual performance
• asymmetry  - stiffness on one rein or disunited canter
• unexplained resistances such as rearing, refusing or bucking
• uneven muscle development
• uncharacteristic changes in behaviour or temperament
• compensation for underlying problems such as dental issues, orthopaedic conditions and rider imbalance.