Equine chiropractors often see issues that could have been prevented with a few simple habits at home. These practical tips are designed to help you support your horse’s spinal health, movement, and overall comfort between professional treatments.
Behavioural changes—like resistance to being saddled, bucking, head tossing, or reluctance to move forward—can indicate spinal misalignment. Please don’t ignore the small things; they’re often early red flags.
Ensure your horse has the proper mineral balance and enough recovery time after adjustments or heavy work. Muscles need proper fuel to hold adjustments, and this can be effectively supported with a magnesium supplement like the Royal Feeds Stress Mix, which works exceptionally well to aid relaxation and recovery.
Avoid overworking specific muscle groups. Incorporate straight-line work, lateral movements, and transitions to build balanced muscle tone and reduce the risk of asymmetry.
Ill-fitting saddles are a significant contributor to back pain and misalignment. Have your saddle fit evaluated regularly, especially if your horse’s muscle tone or weight changes.
A structured warm-up prepares joints and muscles for activity, while a cool-down prevents stiffness. Both routines help reduce strain on the spine.
Uneven hoof angles or long toes can affect your horse’s posture and spinal alignment. Work closely with your farrier and chiropractor to keep your horse’s biomechanics healthy.
Incorporate exercises such as belly lifts, tail pulls, and pole work to promote proper posture and engage your core muscles. These improve spinal stability.
If your horse drifts to one side, struggles with leads, or can’t hold a frame, it might be more than a training issue. Don’t hesitate to schedule a chiropractic assessment.
Regular chiropractic care helps maintain movement, flexibility, and comfort. Waiting until your horse is in visible pain may delay recovery.
Track your horse’s movement, attitude, and performance weekly. Patterns can help you and your chiropractor identify when interventions are needed.
