Using training aids to build balance and muscle

Designing a programme based on the principles of physiotherapy can improve performance in sport horses, says Dr Mac.

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When we talk about equine physiotherapy, the focus is invariably on the rehabilitation of injured horses. Yet physiotherapeutic principles can also be used to build muscles and coordination in a way that improves a horse’s performance.

Riders sometimes jump on a horse when they feel like riding. When they wake up the next morning with stiff, sore muscles, they don’t realise that their horse could be experiencing the same discomfort!

It is particularly sad that inexperienced riders often take unfit horses to shows, as they only start exercising their horses when they fill in their entry forms two weeks beforehand. These are usually the horses that break down in the show ring and then need rehabilitation that involves an equine physiotherapist or a veterinarian.

Equine physiotherapists look at different aspects of fitness for purpose when designing an exercise programme.