Equine Osteopathy
Leanne Sharp BOst, PGCert AO
Equine Osteopathy
Getting the best from your horse by relieving pain, preventing injury, maximising movement, performance and health.
Your horse needs to be in the best possible condition to perform at their full potential. An individually tailored programme of regular osteopathic treatment can help achieve this alongside regular stretching, exercises, appropriate schooling, correctly fitting tack and rider position.
When should I contact an Equine Osteopath?
You should contact a qualified Equine Osteopath if your horse is not performing at its best, develops any unusual problems, different behaviour patterns or has had a consultation with a veterinary surgeon ruling out any pathological problems.
How long does the treatment take?
The first treatment usually lasts up to 60 minutes, with follow-up treatments around 20-30 minutes.
Should my horse be checked regularly?
Yes. Ideally horses in work should be checked on a regular basis – at least 3 to 4 times a year. I strongly recommend checking any new horse immediately after purchase, to identify any problems that could benefit from preventative care. Osteopaths are trained to detect early changes in the musculo-skeletal system which could result in discomfort if treatment is delayed.
Should I consult my vet?
Yes. It is illegal for any treatment to be conducted by any other practitioner on an animal without the consent from your attending vet. Before an appointment can be made, please ask your vet to fill out the Veterinary Consent Form found at the top of the home page and to attach any relevant medical history they feel will help in the examination and treatment of your horse.
What can Equine Osteopathy Treat?
Osteopathy isn’t just about treating bad backs in horses. It has proved to be particularly useful in helping to improve the following:
- Reduced performance
- Maintaining mobility in competition horses
- Gait problems: tracking-up/short stride, loss of collection, cross-canter problems, rushing downhill, pulls uphill, lacks concentration
- Stiffness in different areas of the body
- Stiffness in the older horse
- Reluctance to trot / canter on certain reins
- Preventing bucking between transitions
- Problems with head carriage
- Changes in behaviour: bucking, bolting, rearing, kicking and refusing to jump
- Objection to being saddled or girthed, unable to stand still or relax, hyper-sensitivity to brushing and difficulty shoeing
- Aiding rehabilitation after injury (tendon injuries, ligament overstrains, sacroiliac lesions)
- Aiding rehabilitation in diagnosed conditions such as arthritis, hind leg and front leg lameness
- Uneven muscle bulk, muscle imbalance and spasms
Appointments Available Now
Get In Touch
Please contact us today to arrange your initial consultation at a time to suit.
We look forward to welcoming you to our osteopathy clinic and to helping you move away from pain, towards a healthier and happy future.