Chiropractic Therapy

Chiropractic therapy is known as a system of identifying and adjusting misaligned segments of the spine and limbs. Adjustments to the vertebral column are used to restore normal motion and function to the horse’s body.

There are numerous stressful and common events that can lead to a subluxation including:

  • Conformation of the horse
  • Saddle and tack fit
  • Repetitive training/job (cart horse, stallion mounting a phantom)
  • The ability of the rider
  • Trauma

These events can cause abnormal or decreased movement to occur in the spine. This results in stiffness which further leads to increased resistance and decreased performance.

The most common symptom associated with a spinal subluxation is pain- this can be shown in numerous ways. Some indications that chiropractic evaluation and adjustment may be beneficial to your horse include:

  • Reduced performance
  • Back pain, stiffness, or changes in posture
  • Negative behavior or attitude changes
  • Shortened stride or lameness during a performance
  • Difficulty or inability to collect or take a lead
  • Cold-backed or ‘cinchy’
  • A recent injury or fall