Cumbria Osteopathy - Human, Equine & Canine Clinics

08/10/2025

05/10/2025

✨MEET THE TEAM✨

Second duo we’re working with this year is Faith and Sunnyside Snip DHP (AKA, Nitro) you might recognise him from last year with Danielle.
Nitro has qualified yet another year for STARS so will be competing in November after a successful season with Faith.

I have looked after and treated Nitro for years and we still look forward to continuing along side Danskin Saddles.

Good luck Faith & Nitro for November🤩

04/10/2025

✨ MEET THE TEAM ✨

First up is Danielle. You might recognise her from last year with the horse Nitro. This year Danielle is back with us with a new horse - 3 year old Welsh D c**t Coppathorne Vengeance🐴

Danielle bought him at 2 year old last year and with him now being 3 she has completed the backing process with long reining, lunging and a year of successful in hand showing with me also treating him to make sure he’s always on tip top condition and now it’s time for her to ride him away..🤩

Looking forward to working with Danielle and Danskin Saddle Fitting again and seeing the two compete in upcoming season under saddle !

02/10/2025

Dr. Jane Goodall, who forever changed how we see chimpanzees, has died at 91.
She founded the Jane Goodall Institute and inspired generations to care for animals and our planet. She is survived by her son Hugo (nicknamed “Grub”) and three grandchildren. May she rest in peace. ❤️

15/08/2025

You Can’t Change Bone… But You Can Change Function
We don’t change conformation. But posture? That we can improve.
With gentle, targeted treatment, we support more efficient, comfortable movement — no matter your horse’s shape.

15/08/2025

🐴 Blueprint vs. Expression
🧬 Conformation is the horse’s blueprint. Posture is how the horse uses it.
Your horse may be beautifully built, but still stiff, sore or asymmetrical.
This is where osteopathy plays a vital role—enhancing postural alignment, promoting comfort, and optimising performance.

13/08/2025

12/08/2025

Posture Impacts Performance
Poor posture isn't just cosmetic — it affects:
⚠ Stride length
⚠ Joint wear
⚠ Muscle function
⚠ Lameness risk
Regular osteopathic checks help keep your horse comfortable and performing at their best.

10/08/2025

👉 www.cumbriaosteopathy.co.uk/bookings

02/08/2025

🐎 Conformation vs Posture: An Osteopathic Perspective

Conformation refers to the genetically inherited anatomical structure of the horse — the size, shape, and alignment of bones, joints, and overall body proportions. For example: Limb length and angles, Shoulder and pelvis slope, Back length.
Conformation does not change over time, though it may influence how a horse moves, loads its joints, or compensates.
It sets the potential for movement efficiency — but Osteopathically this doesn’t always reflect how the horse actually uses its body.

Posture describes the dynamic neuromuscular expression of how a horse holds and uses its body at rest and in motion. It is modifiable and often compensatory.
It is influenced by a huge amount of factors, for example, Saddle fit, Rider imbalance, Past injuries or pain.

From an Osteopathic Viewpoint:
Posture is a key diagnostic window into compensatory patterns, spinal restrictions, and adaptive changes due to pain or dysfunction.

"Osteopathic treatment enhances postural quality by addressing mobility restrictions and supporting improved proprioception and muscle recruitment. By promoting good posture within the realm of your horse’s natural conformation, we create the foundation for healthy biomechanics—boosting performance and building resilience to injury."
– Niki Matthews