Eastlancsvetphysio

29/01/2026

I don’t often share before & after photos.

A photo is one moment in time — posture, head and neck position, whether a horse is stood square… all of these can completely change how a back looks.

But this transformation felt too important not to share.

Photo 1: May 2025
Photo 2: August 2025

When Harry arrived, he was in a poor state. Although he had been a ridden horse, it was clear on assessment that he was weak, unbalanced, and lacking topline strength.

My initial recommendation was simple — no riding. Instead, we focused on building him up first, developing his topline, balance, and strength before asking him to carry a rider.

Sandra, his owner, has been incredible. She truly rescued this horse — not just physically, but by giving him time, patience, and the correct work.

Fast forward to now — Harry is stronger, his topline has developed, he is more balanced and comfortable, and he is back in work. He is now being ridden, having lessons, and most importantly, he is happy.

This case is a reminder that we shouldn’t accept horses’ backs looking “just the way they are.” With the right approach, the right support, and the right timeframes, meaningful change is absolutely possible.

28/01/2026

Would you know if your horse was in pain?

Pain in horses doesn’t always look like lameness.

Many horses continue to work, compete, and behave “normally” while experiencing discomfort.

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, developed by Sue Dyson, helps us recognise pain through behaviour under saddle — not just obvious gait changes.

When multiple behaviours are present, pain is likely.

Horses don’t fake it.

They communicate the only way they can.

Pain is behaviour.

Listening matters.

https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.1111%2Feve.13468&file=eve13468-sup-0001-SupplementItem1.pdf

26/01/2026

Hard vs soft ground gait assessment — why do we bother with BOTH? 👇🐴

When I assess a horse’s movement, I’m not just watching them “walk up and down” for the sake of it…
Different surfaces + different patterns (straight lines vs circles) can reveal totally different things.

✅ Hard ground can make subtle asymmetries clearer
✅ Soft ground challenges muscles + tendons more (and issues can hide or show up differently)
✅ Straight lines are great for symmetry
✅ Circles increase load and often highlight weakness, pain or compensation

✨ The BIG myth I hear all the time:
“They’re fine in the school so they must be sound.”

But poor performance + lameness signs can be surface and load dependent.

If your horse feels “off”, inconsistent, or just not quite right… it’s always worth investigating early 💛

📌 Save this post for your next lameness worry
💬 Comment GAIT if you want me to cover what toe dragging / hip hike / head nod can mean!

25/01/2026

Stringhalt in horses 🐴⚡

Stringhalt is when the hind limb lifts suddenly and sharply — often looking like the horse is “snatching” the leg up.

It can look dramatic, but the key is working out:
✅ what’s driving it
✅ what makes it better/worse
✅ how to support the horse with the right management + rehab

If you’d like me to assess your horse’s movement and build a rehab plan, drop me a message 💙
Save this post for later & share with a friend who needs it!

lameness equinemovement equineperformance

22/01/2026

My horse has ulcers.”

It’s a phrase I hear all the time — especially when a horse is grumpy, girthy, lacking power, or just not feeling quite right.

And yes… ulcers are common 👇
But in my opinion, ulcers shouldn’t be the first port of call every time we see poor performance.
Because here’s the truth:
✅ ulcer-like signs can look exactly the same as pain from lameness, back/SI dysfunction, saddle fit issues, training load errors, or muscle overload.

That’s why I believe ulcers should be considered as part of a thorough lameness + performance work-up, not a quick assumption.

🧠 The best results come from an MDT approach:
🐴 Vet – diagnostics, gastroscopy, medical management
💪 Physio – movement assessment, pain patterns, rehab + strength plan
🧰 Saddle fitter / dentist / coach – addressing the full picture

When vets and physios work together, we’re not just treating a label…
✅ we’re finding the root cause
✅ protecting long-term performance
✅ and making sure your horse is genuinely comfortable

If you’re worried about ulcers or performance changes, don’t guess — assess properly 🔍

DM me “ULCERS” and I’ll send you my quick checklist of what I look at first ✅

13/01/2026

A day in the life of 🐶 🐴 Assessing movement, supporting recovery, and helping horses & dogs move more comfortably- one session at a time.

06/01/2026

My 2026 pledge 🤍🐾

In 2026, I’m committed to sharing as much knowledge, insight and education as possible — through real case studies, practical tips and honest conversations.

The goal?
To help you understand your animals better, support long-term soundness and comfort, and ultimately improve the lives of the animals we care for.

Education leads to better decisions.
Better decisions lead to better outcomes. 🐴🐶

05/01/2026

🤝🏽🤝🏽🤝🏽

🐴✨ Before & After: Equine Dentistry & Physiotherapy – why it matters

Did you know that many performance, behaviour, or ridden issues can be linked to discomfort in the mouth or musculoskeletal system?

Regular dentistry and physiotherapy are key to keeping your horse comfortable, balanced, and performing at their best. We often see amazing changes before and after treatment, including:

✔️ Softer contact and improved acceptance of the bit
✔️ Better straightness and flexibility
✔️ Reduced head tossing or resistance
✔️ Improved topline and way of going
✔️ Happier horses during tacking up and ridden work

If you notice any of the following, it may be time for a check-up:

🔸 Quidding (dropping feed)
🔸 Head shaking or tilting
🔸 Resistance when ridden
🔸 Weight loss or difficulty eating
🔸 Shortened stride or stiffness

Our team at NWEV is able to deal with all of your dental needs, we also work closely with accredited equine dental technicians and physiotherapists to provide complete, horse-centred care.

📞 Call the practice if you’d like to book an appointment or discuss your horse’s symptoms. 0808 168 5580 Let’s keep them comfortable, happy, and moving their best into the New Year 💙

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 🎄🩵
Thank you for choosing me to care for your animals throughout the year.
I feel incredibly lucky to do a job I’m passionate about.
See you all in 2026 🐶🐴

15/12/2025

It’s my therapy.

What’s yours? 🤍🐎

01/12/2025

Last few vet physio appointments available before Christmas! 🎄

Message me to secure your slot — once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Ho Ho Ho 🎅 P.S how cute is Jango with his Santa hat on ###

16/11/2025

Horses have three hamstrings, just like we do — and they can get tight for so many reasons.
In Piper’s case, you can see her quadriceps contract when I palpate the proximal hamstring.
This can indicate tension, soreness, or compensation in the hind limb.

If your horse is feeling a bit “stuck behind,” physiotherapy can help.
Send me a message to chat through it 🐴✨