Chiropractic Care for Horses

Shania getting her neck adjusted.

Have you ever visited a chiropractor?  My mom and dad have.  If so, why did you go?  My guess is that your back hurt or some other part of your body gave you pain.  The chiropractor adjusts your body to help your body feel better.

Well, horses can get hurt, too.  Sometimes their backs, especially around their withers, can hurt.  Sometimes their necks, shoulders, or legs can ache also.  What can you do?  You can hire a horse chiropractor.  Check with your veterinarian.  He/She might be qualified or know someone who is in your area.

We called one to check out our horses.  One limped occasionally in her right shoulder.  Another is very tender in his withers.  A friend of a friend agreed to come out and look at our nine horses.  He went straight to work.

The whole process was very interesting.  The chiropractor takes his hand starting at the withers and presses down as he slides his hand to the tail.  A well-adjusted horse does not do anything, but stand there.  There are several signs that a horse is in pain.  They can shiver, shake, flinch, and/or give to the gentle pressure.

If the horse does any of the above, then it needs an adjustment.  Just like a chiropractor pops a person’s back, a horse chiropractor pops the joints in a horse’s body.  You can actually hear the “pop”!

Checking for signs of pain.

I learned several things from the horse chiropractor.  The most important is that a trained horse who suddenly misbehaves like bucks or won’t stand to be bridled, probably has pain and needs an adjustment.  Regularly adjusting one’s horse supposedly makes the horse healthier.  They not only feel better, but are actually less likely to get sick.  As a rider, I can actually feel the difference in my horse.  He does not limp anymore.

If you have the chance to watch a horse chiropractor work, take the time to do it.  It really is amazing how the man or woman can move a horse’s body and adjust it.  If your horse shows signs of pain, then try to find a trained professional to fix your horse.  Your horse will not only thank you, but you will feel the difference.