Hilton Berry Animal Physiotherapy

02/01/2026

🙌🏼

Today the Netherlands have banned Scottish Fold and Sphynx cats. As of January 1st 2026 it will be illegal to breed, sell or buy one of these cats and those who are currently owned must be microchipped and cannot be shown at cat shows or events.

This decision has been taken because of the health problems these cats suffer and it is another example of how the countries of Northern Europe are currently leading the world in making legislative changes that make clear how unacceptable the breeding of animals with extreme conformations is.

Scottish Folds carry a genetic mutation which weakens the cartilage in their bodies. This gives them their ‘cute’ folded ears but it also causes debilitating arthritis that often results in them being euthanased very young because their pain cannot be controlled.

Sphynx cats have been shown to have the shortest life expectancy of all pedigree breeds of cat and also have an extremely high incidence of heart disease.

I am delighted to see this law and I hope more countries, including the UK, will look to it as an example to follow and build on.

https://uevp.fve.org/news/the-netherlands-bans-the-keeping-of-folded-ear-and-hairless-cats

https://icatcare.org/articles/scottish-fold-osteochondrodysplasia

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X241234556

09/12/2025

💡🌧️🐕RAINY DAY EXERCISE IDEAS🐕🌧️💡

With day after day of pouring rain and wind, you may find that it's not always possible to get your dog out for their usual long walk(s).

So here are some exercise ideas for inside the house:

🐩set up an obstacle course using whatever you have in the house (encourage weaving, stepping over objects, crawling under, moving backwards etc.)

🐩practice "tricks" (sitting, standing, lying, rolling over, giving paws, dancing, bowing etc.)

🐩controlled, slow walking up and down the stairs

🐩scavenger hunt (hide food under cushions, inside boxes, under bowls etc.)

🐩feeding puzzles/toys

🐩play Hide and seek

These exercises are designed for fit, healthy dogs but if your dog has an injury or other mobility issue, drop me a message for some advice on exercises specifically for your dog 😊

04/12/2025

🤕STRESS/TENSION SPOTS🤕

Just a quick video to show how stress/tension spots can be visible in your animals, in this case a horse.

As you can see in the video, I'm pointing to this little area where the hair looks a different colour to the rest of the neck.
The colour is actually exactly the same but the hair is lying in a slightly different way to the rest of the hair, and this is due to tension in the muscles or the fascia underneath the skin.

This tension pulls on the hair follicles making the hair strands lie in a slightly different direction.

They're not always visible but when I saw this one yesterday I just thought it was really interesting and a great visual to be able to show you.

So, if you notice any patches of hair lying in a different direction, looking a slightly different colour, standing up on end, or perhaps parts of the mane that have suddenly flipped over to the opposite side, this could definitely indicate tension so best to get it checked out.

Drop me a message or call if you would like your horse assessed📱

01/12/2025

This disgusting weather has got me reminiscing about treating snoozing ponies in the sunshine in a t-shirt 😭🤣🥰

Winter is NOT my season!! So, don't be alarmed if you see something resembling a marshmallow waddling onto your yard muttering about the cold...it's just me 🙋🏼‍♀️ questioning my life choices 🤣

If this is something you'd like to see 👀 (or if your horse could do with some physio!), get in touch to book a session ASAP, as I'm down to my last few days with availability for December 🗓️

I am also taking bookings for January if you want to get ahead of the curve for the New Year, so drop me a message or call (07851357764) 📱

28/11/2025

Not a bad Friday 🥰

Started off with a ride on the lovely Molly 🐎

Then off for a short afternoon of physio including this lovely older lady, Bonnie, who had her second session. Her owners are so happy with the improvement they've seen in her in just a week, which is always amazing to hear 😍

As always, using my trusty to help warm up her muscles before massage and improve circulation to her creaky joints 🙌🏼

Back home in time for the school run and a quiet evening with my girls 💕

27/11/2025

🐶HOW CAN I HELP MY DOG AT HOME?🐶

Many of my clients want to know what they can do at home to help their dog feel more comfortable, and this video shows how simple it can be!

Massage is all about stimulating blood flow and sensory nerve responses which trigger healing, but if you aren't trained in massage techniques, similar effects can be induced with firm stroking and gentle brushing.

5-10 minutes is all it takes and most dogs will thoroughly enjoy it too!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

25/11/2025

🌨️🌬️☔WINTER FITNESS SERIES☔🌬️🌨️

As we are getting further into winter, with dark evenings and horrible weather, your riding time may be taking a bit of a hit.

But there are still plenty of things you can do to keep your horse fit and healthy through the next few months, so you are ready and raring to go come the spring!

My clients will be aware of my love of POLES!! The possibilities for exercises to target specific muscles are endless!

The one I've attached below is great for working on lengthening and shortening strides all within one exercise. This one also mimics a bit of hill work, which again might have taken a backseat if you are unable to hack at the moment.

Give it a go and let me know how you get on 😁

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

21/11/2025

A rare day of all dogs today with lots of new faces, including the gorgeous Luca and Lyra 😍

How beautiful are these two?! 🥹🥰

04/11/2025

Last yard of the day 🌄🍂🐴

22/10/2025

🎠CLIENT UPDATE - HENRY🎠

Some of you may remember Henry, the little pony who fractured his pelvis last year after escaping onto a dual carriageway.

Well....

This ABSOLUTE TROOPER is back in ridden work and doing amazingly 😍

My eldest, Alba, has taken him on as a share pony which means I'm even closer to his progress now (I treated him to an impromptu session at the weekend with Alba as my assistant - Henry just can't get enough of a good massage 🤣)

This time last year it was uncertain whether Henry would ever make it back to ridden work, but he's got there because of the patience and dedication of his owners to his rehab.

If your horse has sustained an injury or setback like this and the road ahead seems long and hopeless...have faith and stick at it!

It is a slow, frustrating, repetitive process, BUT it is possible 💪🏼

Drop me a call or a message if you need any help or advice about your rehab journey 📞📱

17/10/2025

Take note everyone 👀✍🏼

🌟 Tips to help your equine therapist 🌟

🐴 If your horse is in the field, aim to bring them in 30-60 minutes prior to the session start time to allow them time to relax and have something to eat (a hangry horse can be tricky to work with).

🐴 Have your horse ready 15 mins before the session start time to enable your therapist to start at the allocated time (just 5-10 minutes late start time, can significantly impact on their whole days schedule)

🐴 Horses need to be dry and mud free head to tail (therapists can’t massage a wet, soggy horse)

🐴 Avoid hard feed 30-60 minutes prior and directly after a session (hay, forage & water is OK. Plenty of water should be available during and after a session)

🐴 Horses should be given time after a session to process, unwind and embrace the benefits of their therapy.

Although we’re not supposed to have “favourite” clients and horses, please be advised that supplies of beverages, biscuits and cakes will certainly bump you up the list 😉

16/07/2025

That post physio snooze hit Dumbledore hard 😴🥹🥰